The One in the Chair

by Angela Bōdy, LCSW

I am the one in the chair sitting beside the hospital bed, with a look of worry, fear, concern, and angst.

I am the one in the chair that you faintly glance at, without an acknowledgment, smile, or kind word.

I am the one in the chair that you ignore day in and day out when you come to visit “the patient.”

I am the one in the chair, that needs a hug, a glance, a smile, a hello, or a simple recognition of being the caregiver, wife, care-partner, support system when you’re not there.

You see, we work together, but my works are unseen.

I am the one who would give their last breath for “the patient.” I am the one who assists with medication, the listener, comforter, night nurse, and cook.

I am the one in the chair, filled with angst, and need for acknowledgment as the ONE…The Unseen.

Angela Bōdy, LCSW, received her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California. Angela works full time at Kaiser Permanente in the Nephrology Department and recently opened a part-time mental health practice - The Hope and Wellness Partnership in Torrance, California.