An Unexpected Call, a Moment of Validation

Last week, I was getting ready to leave home for an important meeting about an hour away. I was scheduled to sit down with a new client—a hospital cancer center team that included their medical director, senior nursing director, head of operations, and head of development. My goal was to collaborate with them on bringing calm and serenity into their newly renovated space, to benefit the patients, families, and staff they serve.

I admit I was feeling a bit anxious as I gathered my notes, checked my laptop, and made sure I had everything ready.

Just as I was about to head out the door, my cell phone rang. I glanced at the number: unknown. Typically, I ignore calls from numbers I don't recognize—maybe you do, too. But this time, for some reason, I picked up.

It was a woman's voice I didn't recognize, and it took me a moment to understand why she was calling. She explained that she was at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center with her father, who was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. She had seen my images on the walls and felt moved enough to track down my phone number and reach out.

She wanted me to know just how much those photographs meant to her and her dad, offering comfort and calm during their stressful appointment.

As she spoke, I felt myself getting choked up. I was deeply touched that she took the time to call, especially in the midst of their challenging visit. Her words resonated profoundly, reminding me of something that’s often easy to lose sight of: that the work we do and the environments we create can genuinely touch people’s lives.

Sometimes, we never really know the impact of our choices. Her call was a powerful validation of the value and importance of bringing the arts into healthcare.

With her voice still echoing in my mind, my anxiety was replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. I left home feeling energized, inspired, and deeply grateful as I headed off to meet with the hospital team.

And it turned out to be a wonderful meeting, full of thoughtful discussion and genuine collaboration. I'm excited about the possibilities ahead—and grateful for the chance to partner with such a dedicated team.

Rooted in service, calm and healing, Emory