my support network

Another 10 days in hospital…

After my first surgery, I recovered fairly well for two weeks.

Then a lump developed on my back and I started to feel ill.

I went to the hospital, and they told me I had a spinal fluid leak. I would need another surgery, followed by 10 days in the hospital. I know there are far more interesting events happening in your life than my back problems.

But after my experience, I had some profound thoughts about the impact family, coworkers and the larger community can have in providing support. The first five days after the surgery were the hardest because I was on flat bed rest. I laid flat on my back without even a pillow, staring upward. The ceiling is only exciting for so long.

I know others are worse off, but it was still pretty unpleasant.

My family took long daily trips on public transport to visit and feed me. Trying to be fed while lying down is a real adventure. Ten days is a long time, but I managed to make it productive in a lot of ways. I was able to pass new instructions on to Debbie, who has settled in so well to our business.

family support networkOur building contract partner, Rachel, continued to superbly manage existing repair projects. I rested easier knowing my work was in such wonderful hands. I also listened to numerous audiobooks and podcasts on Audible because I didn’t want it to be wasted time. I love listening to entrepreneur and marketing success stories. Before I left, I had a kind of spiritual experience.

I shared my hospital room with an older man named John who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. His lovely family flew from Ireland to be with him. When he needed the toilet, they would help him get there. He usually couldn’t get his body to step off the bed and walk toward the toilet, which was only 10 steps away. But if they put their foot in front of his, his brain would recognize an obstacle and naturally try to step over it.

How amazing is that?

One night, he sat up in bed and made eye contact with me.

I knew he needed to go. I was off the five-day bed rest, so I hobbled over and gave it a go.

It took me a moment, but eventually I got the hang of it and was able to help him get there. It was emotional for two reasons: One, because I was able to help someone else after receiving so much support myself.

And two, because I realised that life really is about supporting others and being supported.

It’s true in family, work and life, and it was true that night in a hospital room for two ailing men. To close, I’d like to share with you some insights from Debbie, who’s adjusting from being a loss adjuster.

I asked her this question:

What are three things that shocked you since joining ‘the light side’?

This is what she said:

1. The failure of loss adjusters or claims staff to simply return calls.

2. The difficulty of making specific timed appointments to visit property.

3. How confrontational some loss adjusters are when dealing with claims.

Needless to say, she’s incredibly qualified to help us overcome these things.

I’m proud of what we do at The Claims Desk. I’ll continue to try every day to serve you better through dedicated teamwork. It’s my wife’s birthday as I write this, so I’d better go support her now.

Have a wonderful June!

Until next time,

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Lazarus property claim