Yesterday I walked into Truman Hospital for the first time in 16 years – since the night my youngest sister died with dignity in their care. I haven’t been ignoring the place. I just haven’t had a reason to stop in.
You see, I have health insurance, a part of group healthcare from Taylor Benefits Insurance, and no recent need for hospital care. So as not to be confusing, my sister may very well have had health insurance but her auto accident placed her in their amazing hospital by proximity. It was her closest and best hope.
I went to Truman to show my support for the health levy campaign, which Kansas City voters will vote on in April. I wanted very much to stand there with my friends from the Kansas City CARE Clinic and continue to share with the world the need for safety net providers and all that they offer to those without insurance. Truman Medical Center is another place where those without insurance can always find care. Always. Politics is a funny business and has never had a big place in this blog I share with my sister. If you want to know more, click here.
On my walk alone back from the board room, I was transfixed by the art in the hallways, waiting rooms and sky walks. Gorgeous. They were all well lit and very, very pleasing. Wood cuts, prints, water colors, pastels. Wonderful. I have a true love of public art and tried to take time to absorb. But I needed to get back to work.
I made myself exit through the emergency waiting room. Our family was never made to wait the night my sister died – we were swiftly escorted back to a room without her in it. I did not dwell in the daylight, but I did take a moment to take in the art, the upholstered chairs, the seating arrangements, and the kind staff. Good things, sad things, and amazing things happen every day in the buildings on Hospital Hill, and I found myself there on one of those days with a full heart.
I left, got in my car, and pulled half a block down the street to take in, again, one of my favorite pieces of public art in Kansas City.
It reads: “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed. It blesses him that gives and him that takes.”
It stops me in my tracks every time. What started as decorative architecture has a home in front of one of Kansas City’s premier care facilities. Yesterday I walked even closer to it than I ever have. I noticed the chisel marks near the 5 on the “1905” curving edge. A human may very well have carved this piece that hung over Kansas City General Hospital all those years ago.
How fitting.
p.s. I am including a closer view below. You can’t see the chisel marks, but you can read the words and see better the carving and design. This is on Holmes right before you get to 20th Street.
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Sloane, I have always loved that carving. It exudes dignity and beauty, as do you and your words. Thank you.
Lisa: What a nice thing to say. I think that piece has moved a few times but it is well situated now. xoxox – sloane
I love the way that you write and the experiences that you choose to share.
You help us all reflect on special people, places, and issues that are near and dear to our hearts. Thank you. xo
Robin: Thank you. I thought of you the other night when I was making macaroni and cheese and told Dakota about the MILLIONS of times I made it for you and Lindsay. That and PB&J. Dang. More great memories . . . . love you, too. – sloane
All that I can say is wow. First how our lives paralel. The cancer and the fact that I lost my mother to an auto accident. I am forever amazed at your witing and would hope that someday someone writes as fitting an epitaph for you that you did for an amazing place like Truman Medical Center.
I think you are nifty.
Michael: Thank you for the nice words. The best part? I’ve never been called nifty. That was super swell. – sloane
What a powerfully moving blog. And, what a powerful trip down memory lane…for us both. Hugs…Casey
Casey: Dang, girllll! We are in this for the long haul! xoxox – sloane
Thank you for including the thoughts you have posted on your blog on your emails. This leads me to deeper insight and meditations and the choice of looking further. I smile & cry frequently when I do read them.
Cindy: I’m always delighted to hear that people read what we write. We have a good time, my sister and I and I can only apologize if we make you cry. Consider it cathartic! If I get a good cry going, it can feel like a cardio workout! – sloane
I don’t think I’ve ever told you that that quote was chosen as my confirmation quote and it was given to me on a Plaster of Paris tile and my mom, your grandmother, hung it by the front door on Leroy street, and in the living room in JC. I think it’s still buried here somewhere. Words to live by. And I’m proud every day that you both do just that.
Love, mom.
Mom – I never knew that and have never seen the piece. Something to look forward to. – sloane
WOW…that is so cool. I would love to see. (hanging in Sloane’s home 🙂
You. Are. Amazing. Beautiful.
Katie: You. Are. Too. – sloane
Thank you for the kind words you said about our hospital, Truman Medical Center.
Also, thank you so much for your support of the health levy, it will help so many in our community.
Mickie: It is my pleasure to serve on the Board at the KC CARE Clinic. I see every day all that the safety net providers do for my city. Thank you for choosing to work at a place that makes a difference in people’s lives and health. – sloane
Sloane,
I sit here with tears in my eyes after reading your blog. Truman is an amazing hospital and very dear to my heart. I was blessed to be a part of her for 24 years. I believe safety net facilities and providers are needed and I thank you for taking time to support and stand up for what you believe. It means a great deal to those you are helping as well as all of us that know you. As for the “Quality of Mercy” you may or may not know it was once the portal into the old General Hospital. The words and the sign both have much meaning for folks who have called either General or TMC home over the years. It was saved and placed at its current location to inspire according to the physician involved in saving it. I believe it is doing its job…………………amen
I even have a watercolor print of it in my current office. It is why I do what I do.
Sarah: I am so sorry I made you cry! Truly. It is with the greatest pleasure that I serve on the board of the KC CARE Clinic (formerly KC Free). Some days, I can’t imagine my life when my time of service there is complete! The safety net providers in this town are a gift to us all . . . those who have insurance and those who don’t. I know that my sister, Casey, and I struggle every year with keeping health insurance at our company, STUFF. Thankfully, again this year, we found a way. To know that the day we can’t that we have some place to go is why we do what we do – to make sure it is there when people need it.
The quality of mercy shall never be strained when people like you commit so much of your life to others . . . and for so long. Be well. – sloane
Sloane this really took me back (in a few ways) and I cannot believe it has been 16 yrs.but I remember that night and the next few days as clearly as yesterday. Just wanted to tell you that and I love the work you do!
Kim: Like yesterday is right! Time flies and flies and flies. Thank you for your kind note. I live a great life that fulfills me in many ways. I am lucky. Love to you: – sloane
Likewise, thanks for sharing. I also love that piece and for some reason never connected the old structure with it. And to think, I moved to Kansas City in ’75 because of General Hospital….
Huge feelings, wonderful expression.
The more I know you, the more you touch me. xoxo