Dear Mom,
The workplace looks different for every single field. Some people straighten a tie and iron their dress pants for another day at the office. Some fasten a hardhat, tighten their work boots and head on over to a construction site. You, my mother, wear scrubs and a mask as you pace back and forth down white hospital hallways, taking care of patients. In December of 2021, I took a dive into unknown waters by volunteering at Staten Island University Hospital on the pediatric floor where you work. Stepping into your territory came with the added pressure of living up to your ability to care for others, while also working in an environment extremely outside of my comfort zone.
On my first day, I stared back at my reflection and frantically adjusted myself in the mirror because I wanted to make a great impression.
I fastened my ID tag on my collar and smoothed out my uniform, all while an echoing voice in my mind kept saying, “make mom proud today.” As you know, I don’t have the best track record when it comes to going to the doctor’s office. Every checkup, vaccine and emergency room visit, you stand by my side, holding my hand while I dramatically cry over the slightest pinch of a needle. In the back of your mind you probably always think, “how in the world did my entire family become afraid of the doctor’s office if they live with a nurse.” Honestly, I have no clue.
In kindergarten, I dressed up as a nurse for Halloween because I wanted to be just like you.
As a kid, whenever anyone asked what my mom did for a living, I proudly responded, “she takes care of sick kids, just like a superhero.” Fast forward to the present: I realized blood makes me dizzy. I might not have what it takes for the nursing field, but just like you, I contain an unwavering passion to help others. The ambitious boundary-pusher that I am decided this to be the year I finally overcame my fear of the hospital, while simultaneously stepping into your shoes. For the very first time in my 19 years of life, I saw you working your magic with my own eyes. By familiarizing myself with the medical world, I also came to realize the place I once feared, at its core, only has one goal: to support those in need.
We walked together, side by side, as you introduced me to all your coworkers.
Nurses, doctors and everyone in between who keeps the hospital ship afloat, all embraced me as a member of the Staten Island University Hospital family. Once we tended to our own responsibilities, I realized the true strength required to work in this field. The unfortunate stories you hear never leave your mind and the bond you make with each child and family member always lives inside your heart, even after they get discharged. Being able to make a child laugh in a time of vulnerability reminds me that there will always be a silver lining, even in the darkest moments.
When I reflect on your 24 years of experience in the nursing field, I realize that being able to do anything within your power to serve others, makes your stressful job worth every single moment; even the bad. During COVID when the rest of the world locked their front doors and stayed home, you geared up and continued to work. You always put the needs of others before your own. No marvel superhero compares to you.
Up until volunteering, I held a vague understanding of your job and what you must bear on an everyday basis.
I only saw your cute cartoon character scrubs and the stickers you give to all your patients. I only saw how effortlessly you unclipped your ID and replaced it with the title, “mom”. You jump right into cooking and cleaning and asking us all about our days. Most of the time we forget to speak the words “thank you” out loud. My volunteering journey made me feel guilty for all the times I forgot to do the laundry or take out the chicken to defrost. Every day you inspire me to become a better student, daughter, friend and member of my community. On Mother’s Day, everyone should show appreciation for all the incredible moms who never fail to love and nurture others. However, this Mother’s Day, I want to continue making your job as a mom a little bit easier. No one should hold the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Thank you for raising me into the empathetic person I am today.
My experiences volunteering and the lessons you have taught me, will help me in any field I enter. More importantly, in life. In moments of uncertainty and struggle, I know there will always be wonderful people like you, trying their best to make the world a better place. I am so lucky to call you my mom. Thank you for being the strong, bright candle even in the dimmest moments. Happy Mother’s day.
Your Daughter,
Diana Akikovski
