Steadfast

We were heroes for doing the job we have always done. For pushing through. For pressing on to help, serve, and care for those we always had, and some who needed us more now. People were thankful that we continued showing up despite the danger of the unknown. They hung banners, banged pots, and offered privileges. We asked for only what was necessary, nothing more or less. We were objects of gratitude, saviors, celebrated...and then we weren't.

Then we became liars, telling false narratives about what was "actually happening". We were dismissed. Our experiences overlooked. "It's not that bad" they said, "The numbers are inflated." "It's just about money" other would speculate. We were blamed for choices and decisions that weren't ours. We were accused of denying care that had no basis in medicine. We were told what the science really is and what we were failing to do for our patients. 

But we were just us. We never changed. We never stopped trying, never stopped caring. The world grabbed hold of our narrative and used it for their purposes all while we just continued.
Even though we are tired, we continue.

We hold the hands that others can't or won't, because that's what we've always done. We speak out for their needs and tell their stories, because someone must. We take your abuse and responded with patience, because we understand what you are going through. We go home and cry, or laugh, or drink, or vent, but we come back the next day. We are here, but maybe a little more tired now, a little more broken, a little less...but still constant.