So as I've previously written, our family has spent a very challenging couple of years, which have come with unexpected blessings and (perhaps) the opportunity to grow stronger.
Humor is one of our family's coping mechanisms - and Rebekah used that card on Thursday night as we walked into the hospital emergency department, prepared for another all-nighter, for the second time in one month, for a second and separate reason.
Rebekah said, "They should offer a punch card," and I laughed.
So at the check-in desk, I asked if they offered a rewards card for frequent customers. The woman at the desk laughed, too.
None of that changed the situation, of course. But why not momentarily lighten the mood for all?
After I was triaged, I thanked everyone for their time and help and then headed out to the waiting room to find Rebekah and our backpacks of "stuff."
As I left, I heard one of the providers say to the other, "I wish they were all like her."
They don't really (just ask my family).
But I do like the idea of a hospital rewards card.
In the day of rising health care costs, offering a free visit could result in misuse by patients.
Still - why not a free coffee while you wait after, say, ten visits?
Or hospital swag (Rebekah loves swag): T-shirts, hoodies, coolers, mugs? Or (better yet) blankets and travel pillows (yes, Rebekah brings travel pillows and blankets. But extras never hurt).
Could this idea catch on?
Thoughts?
