Wow! Here we are! Oh my goodness!
To note again, I have elected not to discuss the actual goings on of the clinic I am working in for the safety and respect of those working there and those seeking care, but I want to underscore how impactful and incredible the team of people I have been with has been. They are truly warriors in this fight and I am so grateful to have been able to support them in this work. If you want to read about those on the frontlines, I have linked an article about a clinic in the South (NOT the clinic I have been at) and those working to keep it open below.
This week was interesting in that it dawned on me that the panic/stress that I touched on in earlier weeks (see week 4) has dissipated. I know the routine, I know the motions and how to work here. I am no longer lost in the corridors, I know how to put on my hairnet in a way that looks like I've done it before, the bed with the sticky wheel doesn't intimidate me anymore. The nurses often joke that one hour here is five, and I am inclined to agree with them in the fact that I feel like I have spent far more time here than what's real. I can't believe that my time has come to a close.
I have learned so much from this experience, but my main takeaway is that you can do hard things. You can do daunting things. People do hard things every day. It will be okay.
If you have been curious what this kind of work can look like, I would highly recommend reading this piece in the Cut:
https://www.thecut.com/article/an-abortion-clinic-in-the-south-10-hours-inside.html