So I was on ED call. There was a patient who was experiencing a condition that I’d like to HIPAA-consciously call “serious badness“. Consequently, he spent hours surrounded by beeping monitors.
It was a quiet night, so I hung out with him in his room for awhile.
“You enjoying the hospital radio?”
“HAH, the beeping? Hell no. I like country music. Country music is my favorite.”
“I like it too, but I don’t know much about it. What’s your favorite type of country?”
“The old guys. Johnny Cash.”
“I love Johnny Cash. Did you ever hear his last song? “Hurt”?”
“What? I’ve never heard of that. I love Johnny Cash. I have all his records.”
“Hey, if I’m in the hospital tomorrow, I’ll bring it in for you, okay? I have it on an mp3 player. If you like Johnny Cash, you’d love it.”
And because life sucks and bad things happen to good people for no reason, I never got to play him the song.
So. Here’s to you, mister.
Action Potential 
Nah dude, this isn’t cliched… it’s just sad. It’s a lovely song.
Good on you for spending some time with him. I’m sure he really appreciated it.
Nothing’s cliched about being affected by a patient. That’s why you’re going to be a fabulous physician. I’m sure he’d appreciate your tribute.
Pingback: Couldn't have written a more cliche post if I tried. But I guess … | Sad Country Music
He might not have heard of it because I think it’s a cover of a song by Nine Inch Nails. Could be wrong though.