At the grand public hospital in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, the word GRACIAS (thank you) is writ large. As you approach this dazzling, three-year-old, state-run, university-affiliated, 500+-bed hospital, which provides state-of-the-art medical care to more than two million Guanajuato-state residents, you see the word before you enter the towering front lobby: Shoulder-high, stand-alone, metal letters G R A C I A S painted white and inscribed all over by appreciative patients wielding black Sharpies. Gracias… Gracias… Gracias…
I, too, added my hand-written note of gracias to this installation last summer after my successful skin cancer surgery there. And this week, when I returned to this hospital in Leon for routine tests, I lingered at the sign and meditated on it.
As I’ve written before (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/cortesia/ ), courtesy is a linchpin in Mexican culture. Every human exchange here, it seems to me, includes words of appreciation and well wishes (“Gracias… buen dia…”). So it hasn’t surprised me to see the beautiful, often-used word gracias standing like an indestructible work of art for all to see, admire, agree with, and respond to at this hospital.
Inside, the hospital hums with efficiency and cordiality. Flocks of young doctors and nurses, all seemingly under the age of thirty (this is a teaching hospital) and happy to be there, pass in the bright, wide hallways. Large groups of patients (each one with an accompanying friend or family member) in each of the hospital’s departments sit and wait patiently for their names to be called to see their respective specialist. Everyone is treated with care respect. No one pushes or grumbles. No one receives a bill.
Last week I wrote about the care I received at this hospital last summer (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/the-human-touch/ ). I’m fortunate that in my lifetime I’ve had only a few occasions to be hospitalized, so my personal experience of hospital stays is slim. But I doubt that there is another hospital, especially in the States, quite like this one.
Leaving the hospital this week, my Mexican friend and interpreter, Ramiro Gutierrez, gave me the final words for this WOW post: “Gracias Hospital de Leon de todo corazon!” (Thank you, Hospital General of Leon, with all my heart!”)
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And 🙂 to you, querida!
BLB: I am so very glad you are in a place that protects and shelters you at this time of your life. Thank you for this beautiful article. I live in Texas, and I have observed all you have documented regarding the character of the people of Mexico. Graciousness and thankfulness are beautiful qualities. I hope that you have found your new “forever” home, and that all is well with you. I love your blog, and look forward to seeing life through your eyes. May you have many blessings.
Dear Bri — Thank you (GRACIAS!) for your lovely, heartfelt note. It makes me very happy to know that readers like my WOWs. All best wishes to you, BB
Beautiful, BonnieDear. It’s always so heartwarming to read about the kindness, courtesy, and graciousness of the Mexican people. May their light twinkle everywhere in the world, and may we all be lucky enough to be in their heart-healing presence.
I add my words here: “Gracias Hospital de Leon por cuidar a mi querida amiga.”
xoxo ~ Be
Thank you, BeDear, for all your kind words. Yes, I’m doing what I can to spread the word about the goodness, kindness, courtesy, and graciousness of the Mexican people — to undue some of the harm that Trump did.
Que nice hospital, amiguis! And you are looking muy bonita!
Ha-ha, Te! Estoy muy delgaducha!:-)
Dear Bon,
Sincere thanks and appreciation is what you get when you treat people with respect and minister to all their health needs in a manner that does not leave them destitute. I makes me so happy that you are well provided for in this way. All we do here is fight over it, but nothing ever changes.
Love,
Paul
Yes, you’re so right, Paul dear. The writing on this outdoor installation represents an outpouring of appreciation for the marvellous care given at this hospital. I’ve never seen anything like it in the States.
I love this post. And I’m so happy that you get to share such good news about both your health and the care your receiving. If only it were that simple everywhere. Great care by caring people for no charge? It sounds like like a dream.
Yes, dearest MM, if only it were this way everywhere. And, you’re right — it is like a dream. I think I have MX Pres. AMLO to thank. — I hope you are well. I haven’t seen you on FB lately. 🙁 — LU, BB xx