Learned a hard lesson in empathy at my OB appointment today

I’m 32 weeks and had a routine check this morning. My appointment was at 10:30 AM. By 11:00 I was already annoyed. I hate waiting at doctor’s offices and I started thinking they were just overbooking patients again.

By 11:20 I went up to the front desk and (politely) asked if they knew how much longer it would be. I mentioned I had things to do later and might have to leave.

The receptionist lowered her voice and told me they were dealing with an emergency scan. They were having trouble finding a heartbeat and were giving the family some privacy and extra time.

My stomach dropped instantly.

I went back to my seat and just sat there feeling horrible for even being frustrated. While I was worried about being late, someone else might have been living their worst moment.

I don’t know what ended up happening, but it really put things into perspective for me.

I guess the point is… if you’re stuck waiting at an appointment, especially at an OB office, there’s usually a reason. And sometimes it’s a heartbreaking one.

Today reminded me that we never really know what’s happening behind those closed doors. ❤️