We had our first death on the operating table this gather. Despite the best efforts of his surgeon, the patient’s internal organs failed after being struck down by one of McHenry’s soldiers. On the afternoon of the 2nd of Remembrance 1722, Lilywhite Sauveterre’s heart could no longer properly circulate blood throughout his body and his pulse gave out.
I want to personally assure everyone that Lilywhite’s surgeon did an admirable job – they were quick to assess his wounds, careful and efficient in removing shrapnel, and proper, gentle, and thorough with their sutures. This surgeon is a trained professional, one that I have seen taken to this craft like a fish to water. There is not a doubt in my mind as to their intentions, their capabilities, and their actions. Lilywhite’s surgeon did everything right.
Yet he died. Because the simple truth is that the odds are never zero. You can be of good health, have the best surgeon performing your operation, and still die. When you critical someone, you are killing them – if they get back up afterwards, after surgery, that is the miraculous thing.
I know our town has a variety of opinions on how to solve our current crisis concerning the occupation and our leaders. I am not here to speak to any of that. I am only here to remind you that your surgeons are not gods, but mortal women. There is only so much we can do. So watch out for your fellow woman, guard her back, do not let her go it alone. Be proactive when you can be. And yes, we will fall short and fail sometimes, but at least we will be able to say we did our best. We did all we could have.
On behalf of the Surgeons’ Guild, may the memory Lilywhite be remembered and cherished, may his legacy burn brighter than the paper ships we set asail to him, and may he know eternal rest.
Sláine Flann Quigley