"PRECIOUS CARGO"

This photo is real. Our last patient for the shift. The story, sad for most reasons; happy for others. Nonetheless, important...to show people not EVERY PATIENT we see in our Sick Bus is just another *Shaking Head Moment* kind of patient....SOME- out of necessity. But this one...THIS one- with a purpose for the greater good.

Every day, no matter how terrible (or ridiculous) the calls are; how busy the day is; how many times your food gets cold or left at the register, there are calls that end your day (work week in this case) with the Simple Reminder that there IS still hope in people.

Iced Grande & I clear from our last- an "arm drop" test fail-er, & wait to hear from *The Voice In The Sky*. We listen to other Sick Bus crews getting sent to a "HARVEST". A heavy feeling of sadness rushes over us momentarily as we hear it's from a certain specialty center- not for grown-ups. "Sick Bus, go ahead & stay in the area while we shift things around." Typical from *The Land Up Above*...change is expected.

We wait. The sound of fingers pecking away on a keyboard as Iced Grande checks to see which part of Latte Mecca we will be headed to next. "Now would be a great time to get out here." he says, as the screen shifts towards me...not a single Sick Bus needed, anywhere. Rare moment.

"OK...Aaaaactually Sick Bus, let's get you started over to the "HARVEST" instead." We look at each other, "OK, en route."

Now, I'm sure there are quite a few (those who work in this field) that know what this is...for those of you that don't- someone has passed, meaning the countdown has started. In other words, "With death, comes life."; our Sick Bus- the "basket" delivering an anxious family it's "Bundle of Joy" from the "Storks".

I drive, *Dragging out sentence* "He DOES know we're in the heart of Latte Mecca, right??" as I crane my neck to see around the building before pulling out of *Insert Local ER here*. "We have 30 minutes...we SHOULD be fine." Iced Grande *motioning towards the clock*... It is WAY later than I thought!

En route, the other Sick Bus puts themselves on scene...Going in to get the most important piece from the "HARVEST". We aren't too far behind them.

I turn off the bus. "Did you get us on?". "No. *Grabbing Mic* Show us on-scene." Iced Grande speaks, Barry Manilow style. We grab the gurney & head in to meet our patient. As we roll through, my good friend & Professional People Mover is working- Fire Buff. Fire Buff has a calm demeanor, gentle face & way about him that calms most; a sense of humor & constant smile that I'm sure his kids deserve partial credit for. Mid 20's, my height. Genuine.

Fire Buff knows this *Insert Local ER Here* like the back of his hand. He takes us to where work is being done on "The Farm". (Always willing to help, this guy.) We meet the others waiting on their flock of "Storks" that will be flying with them- to carry the most important piece from this HARVEST-. These "Storks", going worldwide.

We all sit; chat about well... what ALL Professional People Movers ALWAYS chat about...moving people! Topic- a few moves specifically. Our chat is cut short once their Flock swoops in with their "Life on Ice". "Your patient *Making Eye Contact with Iced Grande* is still being worked on. Probably about 15 more minutes. They were just having a tough time with the vessels. Sorry folks.", Mentions a Supervising Stork as he glides around, back to "The Farm". This HARVEST is a tricky one...if done incorrectly? Wasted.

Iced Grande *Shrugging*, "We are not going home on time tonight." We all glance at the clock. However, out of any of the calls that make us stay late THIS call- I'm fine with! Same goes for Iced Grande & Fire Buff. "Yea, but if they finish when he says they will, it will only take what? 12 minutes from here so it won't be too bad." I throw in to the convo.

I am now whistling the tune from Jeopardy...yup, that IS happening ;-) Fire Buff's attention is caught, "Their running down...". Iced Grande & I turn in tandem. We grab the gurney. Load our patient up & belt them in like every other. Cris-crossed even, this patient is special!!

We're off! "Excuse us, please!" My voice projects down the hall to people crowding it, up ahead. The parents of sick little ones look up at our patient; shoulders sinking as they inadvertently offer a moment of silence as we wheel past like a chase scene from "Chips". One looks back in to the room his little one is alive in, after we pass. He will cherish her even more after this moment...when a large white box was wheeled by, containing organs on ice from one child, given to save the life of another far away. Like...the best type of "hand-me-downs" one could ever receive, from a sibling they never knew. A split second & selfless decision forced to be made by a family (still grieving), who provides me hope that people will do the best for other's in need. Most others- not prepared to decide, when seconds matters. (What would you do?)

"Show us red with our "Bundle of Joy"!" Lights...siren...gas pedal!

"See, 12 minutes ON the DOT!" I point out to Iced Grande as we pull up to drop off our little one for their very first cross-country flight. "Arrived." Iced Grande alerts *The Voice In The Sky* as he looks at the clock.

We meet the "Storks" that will take them the rest of the way. "Need to grab a signature right here *Pointing* from ya." Mentions Iced Grande before letting our patient go.*Scribbling on paper*. Sad that it's almost like shipping through UPS :-/  I take off the seat belts. Pick up the little one then turn to hand him over so he can make his debut climb to 30,000 feet.

There are a few very special kids getting a first chance at a healthy life in the next few hours; their parents now, forever & always believing in "Storks" after questioning for so long. The Original Parents- in a time of loss, had strength to believe "Storks" & the good awaiting to be done- to safely & flawlessly HARVEST from their beloved "Farm"...

...."PRECIOUS CARGO" only their child was able to give.