An Oasis in South Miami : Horst Cerni

It was dark by the time we reached our destination. I noticed the silhouettes of palm trees and a colorful canopy over a big entry path. Nothing like I had ever seen before at an Emergency Room entrance, and the lobby was spacious and more typical of a hotel.

I was told by my cardiologists that I have to return to Miami as soon as possible, because the implant I got on 28 June had an infection. There were no seats available on American Airlines, but fortunately Spirit Airlines had three seats for myself, my daughter Anneliese and Granddaughter Nadia. I was very grateful that they volunteered to travel with me and to help me. Spirit flies to Fort Lauderdale, a forty minute drive to South Miami.

My tests and filling out forms in the ER took seven hours, so it was 4:30 when I got a room. When I woke up in the morning I saw some green space and part of Miami on the horizon, and the view was framed by hospital buildings.

I was at Baptist Hospital, one of Miami’s largest. From the little bit I could see, I was intrigued at the Mediterranean architecture, and I was happy that there were no other buildings blocking my narrow view.

Anneliese and Nadia found discounted rooms (arranged by the hospital) at the Hilton Hotel, which is within walking distance. But the most exciting thing they mentioned was the view - no commercial buildings nearby and in the far distance the skyline of Downtown Miami on the horizon.

I could hardly wait to see this view for myself, and to explore the park along the lake right in front. After my discharge on 31 July, we walked to the lake and enjoyed the beautiful landscaping featuring many palms and also other trees.

 

We were greeted by many ducks, geese and Ibis (like egrets with long red beaks). Somehow we couldn’t help but think of Jurassic Park - in its very early stage, before iguanas grew up to become dinosaurs.

I was fascinated by the sounds the ducks made, but especially by a couple of Egyptian geese. They really had conversations, - one made a comment, the other nodded and then replied. It was an amazing spectacle. They gathered whenever somebody passed or sat down, obviously hoping to get some food. 

In the evenings, they (especially the Ibis) put on a flying show, going back and forth forth, settling first on  one side of the lake, and then flying over to a particular tree to settle down for the night. It looked like the tree was full of white fruit.

There were also iguanas, and we saw one Squirrel who seemed to feel out of place. It jumped through the grass from one tree to the next, not interested in the pedestrians, as we were used to in Central Park.

During my previous visit to Miami I was disappointed by the lack of parks and walking spaces. Now with this lake and beautiful landscaping and “wildlife” I felt like I was on vacation. On the Baptist Health website it says “the campus is to provide outdoor spaces for rest, healing, fellowship and wellness”, and they certainly achieved that.

My hospital stay was fine, especially since I didn’t have any pain and was treated by friendly and caring nurses and doctors. And a guitarist came by to lift up my spirit - “music is part of healing.”

Nevertheless, it was stressful - starting at 6:30 with medications and blood work, etc. until midnight, and twice daily antibiotic infusions. I had to stay eleven days, first to remove the defibrillator and then to allow the antibiotic to eliminate the bacteria. And now I have to wear a “Life Vest” - to check on my heart.

The best part of the hospital stay was that I could spend a good part of each day with Anneliese and Nadia. We could go for short walks in the hallway, - pretty monotonous - and we joked to get some excitement and start a “block party”.. And we shared the lunch which didn't have much taste.

I was wondering about the name Baptist and expected religious symbols and programs. But there was nothing. The in-house religious channel only showed nice videos with soft music, and in the small chapel at the entrance only Catholic masses were offered.

The symbol for the Baptist Health organization is the pineapple, which according to tradition symbolizes hospitality and friendly surroundings. Apparently, the former president and main shareholder of ALCOA, Arthur Vining Davis, donated the land for the Baptist Hospital campus and suggested that the pineapple be used as the symbol of welcome and quality care.

This oasis made me feel better and I wouldn’t mind returning there. The only disadvantage is the lack of restaurants in the area, although the Hilton offers snacks and there is always the hospital cafeteria.