Love is everywhere if you look

If you believed the news or social media, you would think that the world was a horrible place.

I won't deny it. It can be unbearably harsh, cruel, and full of injustice.

But I think it's important to remember that even though we don't often see it on our feeds, there is a tremendous amount of love in the world, too.

I know hospitals can be horrible places. I'm sitting with my father as he recovers (BH!), and we are really enjoying our time together, even though we'd rather be anywhere else other than a hospital.

What I've noticed over the last couple of days is that, even amid pain and suffering in hospitals, if you look for it, you will also find such pure tenderness here.

When you walk around, you see people physically supporting each other: helping each other walk, pushing in chairs or beds on wheels, holding hands as they walk the hallways.

Yesterday in the ER, I watched children tuck their elderly mother into her bed with care, advocating for her needs.

An Arab family sat around their patient, taking turns making him laugh until he was doubled over with laughter rather than pain.

The nurses and doctors answer questions with concern, hustling patient to patient, trying to meet all the needs at once. Studying for years to learn to heal people. Bringing their expertise to work every day, to make the world a better place.

(My father would like me to add, that during his stay he has been impressed with the balance of professionalism and warm concern he has received from the medical staff. That makes me happy, too.)

The janitors smile at you even if they need to clean up your mess, the orderlies will make your bed and introduce themselves, and tell you about where they come from.

Families come and stay with each other- sons slouched over on uncomfortable chairs all night, daughters bringing coffee to their mothers, fathers pacing back and forth in their child's room.

If you listen closely, there are many whispers of "I love you" and "We will get through this" and "You're doing great" that hum like an undercurrent.

There is also loneliness here.

And fear.

And heartbreak.

But the last few days, what I have found here was love.

My time in the hospital has reminded me of the real world outside the news.

Of the power of kindness.

That hard moments can yield tenderness that can restore your faith in the world.

That love is everywhere if you look.

Grateful to have witnessed this beautiful expression of humanity.