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This seems crazy, but I have at least as much chance as anyone else, right? “Kat, would you hold these for a moment? It might be easier to get through the crowd without holding my lunch.”
“Of course, silly. I’m going to let the cashier know these belong to you and pick out something I can take back to the ER. Come grab me when you’ve wrangled your entry form from them.”
“It was so nice meeting you, Poppy. I hope to see you again when you can show me your vacation pictures.” Ava grins giving me a quick wave goodbye as she follows Kat toward Althea.
Stepping through several employees chatting over their carry-out containers, I move closer to the table and discover the line isn’t long at all. Looking over the nurses’ shoulders in front of me, I can see a colorful poster affixed to the glass straight ahead. There are dreamy photos of white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and multiple shots of an oceanfront resort. It must be family-friendly, as there’s a picture of the kids’ club in the poster’s right-hand corner. Wow, this place looks luxurious.
“Good afternoon, Poppy. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“Hi, Yvonne. It has been a while.” Pointing toward the poster, I can’t control my smile. “This is incredible. I can’t believe they’re doing all of this.”
“Not as surprised as we were.” Yvonne laughs. She’s worked for St. Luke’s in human resources for several years. If I’m not mistaken, she transferred here from a sister hospital.
“Do other hospitals do this type of thing?”
“Not that I’ve ever seen. I’ve heard of some hospitals in New York trying some outrageous things to keep nurses. The shortage has really affected a lot of facilities. And the administration is committed to rewarding the hard-working staff already here versus paying temporary or travel nurses. I think it’s smart.”
Nodding, I appreciate that they’re doing this for all the staff instead of making this a nursing only contest. Looking at the tropical photos on the poster, I can practically smell salt in the air. It’s a nice change from antiseptic. “I’m amazed they’re going to this expense.”
“Me too. Last year, we pushed a cart around with oranges and butter cookies.” She laughs. “So, fill this out and drop it here in this box or the human resources department by the end of the week.”
Clutching my entry form against my chest, I nod. “I’ll do it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Good luck, Poppy.”
Heading back to await Kat at the cashier’s station, I peruse the form. It’s an all-expenses-paid vacation to a luxury all-inclusive family resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.Wow. It even includes airfare.You’re allowed to bring up to three guests, specifically immediate family members, for this five-night getaway. Three winners will be chosen from full-time staff who’ve been employed at St. Luke’s Hospital for at least ninety days. You will receive an additional entry for every full year of service.
“What’s it say? What’s it say?” Kat niggles.
“It’s pretty amazing. For the winner anyway.”
Kat gives me a puzzled look. “You’ve worked here eight years. Sure, some folks may’ve worked here longer, but that’s nothing to sneeze at.”
“Oh, you’re right. I just don’t want to get my hopes up. I’m not very lucky.” I bite my lip, thinking about how tickled Dan would’ve been if I’d come home squealing that I’d won something like this.
Kat takes a few steps closer, and I lean in when she lowers her volume. “Trust me. I understand where your mind is. When I lost my second ovary, being single at thirty-five, I didn’t imagine I’d ever feel hopeful about anything again. But Dr. Miller taught me I’m more than my circumstances. And now I have a handsome husband, a beautiful daughter, and hopefully more on the way.”
Tears come to my eyes as I listen to her. She’s right. The days of wallowing in the cards I’ve been dealt are over. “You’re absolutely right.” I reach into Kat’s arms to retrieve my lunch items. “Now I need to get back to work.”
Kat gives me a crooked smile. Unsure if she’s gotten through to me.
“So I can fill out this form.” I wink.
As I head toward the pharmacy, I admit there’s a little extra spring in my step for the first time in a very long while.
* * *
Having returned to work, I’ve accomplished many of the usual Monday tasks and have a break to dive into my lunch.And that entry form.As I open my salad and drink, I look over the form. It’s pretty straightforward. It asks for name, address, phone number, and email. I eagerly enter an eight next to years of service.
There’s a section where the form describes who you’re allowed to bring as well as the details of the accommodations. My mouth drops open at the list of things included: All meals, drinks, and use of the various outdoor activities like the pool, water park area, tennis and basketball courts. Many of the water sports are included, such as kayaks, snorkeling, paddle boards, and catamarans. They obviously offer spa services at an extra charge. Cabanas by the pool and beach are available to rent for a fee. I snicker to myself.As if.Simply staying at a resort like this will be luxurious enough.
Tapping my pen along my lower lip, I try to picture it. Lying on a chaise by the ocean, with a Pina Colada in one hand and a romance novel in the other.
“What are you giggling about over there?” Frank asks.
“Oh, nothing.” I’m sure everyone on staff at St. Luke’s will be dreaming it’s them on the beach.
I bring a forkful of pasta salad to my mouth and consider who I’d bring if I won. The form states it’s limited to direct family members. There’s no way I could handle Mom on a trip like that. We might not survive the flight as poor as her mobility has gotten, not to mention her hearing.Ugh.I’d have to call it a day by seven each evening, so she didn’t have an outburst like she did in the hospital, confused about where she was.
