author’s cadeuceus

Pride Before the Fall

The sweat began running down into my eyes. I was gowned and gloved and wearing a surgical mask so I couldn’t wipe my eyes, adding to my frustration. It soaked my day-old tee-shirt and tickled my lower back, which I also could not reach. My heart was pounding and it seemed everyone in the Pediatric ICU must hear it as well. I really, really needed to get this i.v. started. But I need to explain to you how I got there.