Across three decades, two hospitals founded by different faiths gave me the chance to lead them. Both shared the same name. The first, Riverside (Episcopal), flanked the wide & mighty Maumee River in Toledo. The second, Riverside Methodist in Columbus, towers over the narrow-flowing Olentangy.  

   Initially, I expected hospitals close to water. Both were set back where the ground was firmer & risks of overflow from river into Riverside's were minimized. 

   Riverside is a fine name for a center of healing. The eternal image of flowing water feels healing.

   The third part of poet Linda Gregerson's poem, Waterborne, begins with language helpful in the wake of the winter solstice, "Turning of the season, and the counter-/ turn/ from ever-longer darkness into light,…"

   Then, "…and look: the river lifts to its lover the sun/ in eddying/ layers of mist…" Followed by a warning: "…as though/ we hadn't irreparably fouled the planet/ after all."

   We foul our planet in avoidable ways. Metaphorically, some swim in a river polluted by a virus &, because they refuse vaccine's protections, overflow into our hospitals forcing exhausted caregivers, family & friends, to care for them. 

   Yes, sometimes the virus breaks-through the vaccine. But two truths are clear: 1) A massive majority of intensive care patients are unvaccinated, 2) It is increasingly rare for vaccinated patients to be hospitalized. 

   Millions can make this new year better for everyone, especially caregivers. They can dam the COVID river & keep it from overflowing into hospitals by choosing vaccinations.  

   Gregerson understands: "The vapors draft their languorous/ excurses on/ a liquid page. Better than the moment is/ the one it has in mind."

   May "the moment…in mind" be one that brings relief to each caregiver committed to Radical Loving Care^®. 

-Erie Chapman

Photo: Rushing River by Erie 2020