Compassion for the uncompassionate one.

So my dad is still in hospital. His heart is struggling to stabilize and the medics are trying to decide what is best for him. I feel for him. And I think some people may find that difficult to understand.

Yes, I may despise him at times and I often really do not like him but he is still a human being and so am I. That is, I may not like the man but I can still have compassion for the human.

I feel empathy and compassion for anyone in hospital but especially during these times when no visiting is permitted. The nurses are rushed off their feet and only have time for a quick check in with their patients. The doctors arrive at the patient's bedside, say what they need to say and disappear. It must be awful and so lonely.

I spent a lot of time in hospitals with my Mum when she was so poorly and would find myself becoming the ward's welfare assistant as the medical staff were always too busy. It seems to be much worse now. The NHS is sinking under the strain and I am grateful for all the staff do. I understand it is not easy for them either.

Actually, I think my Dad is one of the fortunate ones. What about those patients who do not have any family or their family live far away? At least I can take in clean clothing and his personal effects . They have no-one.

So yes, I feel for him as I do for all the others.