GHS

GHS.

I have a friend who used to work night shifts at a hospital, and he'd do a 6 pm -11 pm shift. And while that sounds totally doable, this was on top of a semi-loaded course load and rotations at local hospitals that in themselves were already a full-time job. Every time I think about this, I am in absolute awe of his work ethic, but that's not the point of this post.

In addition to the night shift, he'd also sometimes do a double shift, which would mean he'd easily spend 12+ hours and spend his whole weekend at the hospital. I remember asking, amazed and shocked, about the work he was putting in, but he admitted that at times he'd drive home when maybe he shouldn't have. I'm a bit of a worrier, and I remember being genuinely concerned and felt it necessary to text him to "Get home safe!" Eventually, whenever I knew he was working a night shift, I'd always be on alert around that time and remember to text him three simple letters a little before his shift ended. "GHS"

It got to the point that we'd just both know what it represented, a little check-in routine for both of us. Once home, I'd also sometimes ask about his day and give him an outlet to recount and reflect on it. I remember thinking to myself that this was for him and how selfless I was, but now I look back and realize it was also for me. It was a way for us to keep in contact and gave us a brief window to just chat. We'd have these text/verbal escapades that would sometimes last until 1–2 am (of course, only when he either had a PM shift or no work the next day).

Now that we've both graduated and started our careers, those days are past us. But I find myself reminiscing about those days. Even though it was only a few months ago. I find myself staring at the ceiling on more nostalgic and lonesome days at 10:48 pm, and remembering to text a GHS. 

Maybe I'll send one tonight for old times sake. 

GHS buddy.

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA

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