Chapter 22 - Colette
Colette became part of our lives only briefly after discharge.
Appropriate.
Nurses are not family.
But Elodie adored her.
At annual hospital cardiac-family event, we saw her again.
Elodie ran? Maybe after surgery and clearance, yes jogged short.
“Colette!”
Colette hugged only after Elodie initiated.
Then:
“How’s Button?”
Elodie held up battered rabbit.
“One ear bad.”
“Occupational hazard.”
I thanked Colette.
Again.
She said:
“I’ve thought a lot about that admission.”
“So have I.”
“I should have restricted your mother after the second incident.”
“Maybe.”
“Not maybe.”
I appreciated directness.
Hospital had changed procedure.
Repeated violation of mobility restrictions by a visitor now triggered automatic charge-nurse escalation and attending notification, with visitor access review.
No law named after Elodie.
No dramatic policy plaque.
Just workflow.
That is how systems often improve.
Quietly.
Colette said:
“Your daughter taught us something.”
I corrected gently:
“Bernice did.”
Colette looked at me.
Right.
Children should not receive burden of being inspirational because adults failed.
Elodie got ice cream.
May you like
That was her contribution.
────────────────────
