Arthur Joe

Arthur Joe found more than just physical rehabilitation at Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona (RHNA). He found community. Arthur recently admitted to RHNA after undergoing extensive spinal surgery due to malfunctioning hardware.

During his stay at RHNA, a new program called the ‘Patient Led Supportive Discussion Group’ began. The group is a patient-driven group that allows patients to facilitate and participate in the meeting voluntarily. Patients are offered a safe environment to express and share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences related to their medical journey and rehab process. Participants may also listen and not share. All are encouraged to listen with their ears and eyes and not judge or interrupt. What is said in the group remains in the group and is not shared with people outside the group. Nothing is written down, and no patient information is included.

Arthur participated in this discussion group, and his experience prompted him to create a piece of artwork of his takeaways from participating in the group. Arthur explained the components of his artwork and what each part of his drawing means from his perspective.

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Bear paw: “The bear paw signifies strength, determination, and nurturing, like how a mama bear nurtures its cub. It also reminds you, ‘Be careful. It can swipe at you.'”
• Deer tracks: “The deer tracks represent health, a strong heart, stamina, and agility. It also reminds you of the hunt and sharing what the hunt provides amongst everyone in the whole tribe.”
• Clouds: “The clouds remind us that a storm is coming. The rain washes the bad away.
• Mesas: “The mesas remind us that you can feel the spirits of those before us and the spirit within ourselves.”
• Grass: “The grass under the mesa reminds us that after the storm, everything turns green, and there is regrowth.”
• Poem: “The poem is a reminder that we all walk in beauty. Everyone has two tools in their heart to get them through hard times: song and prayer. This helps you get yourself through hardship.”
• Kokopelli: “The Kokopelli is a symbol that can represent good and bad. It can bring happiness, or it can remind you that ‘you have to pay the piper.'”
• Wolf paw: “The wolf paw represents wisdom and leadership. If you watch a pack of wolves, the alpha male is at the back of the pack, making sure the pack reaches its destination. Those that don’t want to help themselves will get left behind.”

Arthur also reflected on his experience with the group. “I learned a lot by participating in this group and what myself and others have experienced on our journeys. I learned determination, perseverance, and how to treat myself better. Through this group, everyone could express themselves without judgment, discuss their injuries, talk about their families, and talk about healing. With faith came optimism. Some of us had no visitors, but there were still people that cared and loved us. We often ran over the time frame for the meeting because we continued to share gratitude for that being shared. You could see the collaboration of the group get tighter. I really noticed it even after the meeting was done in the days that followed. At meal times, in the cafeteria, all of us patients were talking to each other more, and we formed tight relationships. I only wish this meeting could be two days a week. I enjoyed it so much.”

Arthur also expressed gratitude for a nurse who stood out during his stay at RHNA. “Melissa was so encouraging in my recovery. She was like my best friend. Knowing that people care can be felt at RHNA. The staff brings empathy and encouragement.”

Arthur also wanted to remind others, “Don’t take the little things for granted. Pain can change a person. Don’t let that fear enter your heart. When you leave here (RHNA), you will know what it will be, to be touched with goodness.”