Chapter 5: Weaving Connections

As Mykl delved deeper into his project, he began to realize that storytelling was not just a form of creative expression; it was also a powerful tool for healing and connection. He started to explore how literature could be used in healthcare settings to bring patients and caregivers together.

Mykl's research took him on a journey through the world of medical humanities – an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of medicine, literature, and culture. He discovered that many hospitals and healthcare organizations were already using storytelling as a way to improve patient outcomes and enhance caregiver well-being.

One organization that caught Mykl's attention was the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Founded by Dr. Julianne Oram in 1995, the center aimed to promote compassionate care through storytelling and other creative interventions.

Mykl reached out to Dr. Oram, who kindly agreed to meet with him over Zoom. As they chatted about her work, Mykl was struck by the passion and dedication that radiated from her face. She shared stories of patients whose lives had been transformed by the power of storytelling – people like a young woman named Sarah, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer but found solace in writing poetry.

Dr. Oram explained to Mykl how the Schwartz Center used various forms of creative expression – including art, music, and literature – to help patients cope with illness and loss. She described how trained facilitators would lead workshops or one-on-one sessions, using storytelling as a way to tap into patients' emotions and experiences.

Mykl was fascinated by Dr. Oram's work and saw parallels between her approach and his own project. He asked if she had any advice for someone looking to integrate literature into healthcare settings. She smiled knowingly and said:

"Storytelling is not just about sharing stories; it's also about listening with empathy and compassion. As a facilitator, you need to create a safe space where patients feel comfortable opening up about their experiences. And as the storyteller, you must be willing to listen without judgment or agenda – simply being present for that person."

Mykl took Dr. Oram's words to heart, realizing that storytelling was not just about sharing one's own story but also about listening to others'. He began to see his project in a new light – as an opportunity to create connections between people and stories.

As Mykl continued to explore the world of medical humanities, he discovered more organizations using creative expression to improve healthcare outcomes. There were programs like "Arts in Healthcare" at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), which provided art therapy sessions for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. He learned about initiatives like "Healing Through Art" at the Mayo Clinic, which used visual arts and music to help patients cope with stress and anxiety.

Mykl was amazed by the diversity and creativity he encountered in these programs – from poetry workshops to dance therapy sessions. He realized that storytelling was not just a solitary activity but also an act of connection between people.

As Mykl delved deeper into his project, he started to see parallels between Kristine's art and the work being done at organizations like the Schwartz Center or UCSF. He noticed how her paintings often featured abstract shapes and colors – similar to the emotional landscapes that patients navigated during their healthcare journeys.

Mykl began to envision a new direction for his project – one that would bring together people from different walks of life, all united by their love of storytelling. He saw himself as a facilitator or "storyweaver," bringing together patients, caregivers, and artists in creative workshops or online sessions.

In those moments when Mykl felt most connected to Kristine's spirit, he knew she was guiding him towards this new path – one that would honor her legacy while also creating connections between people. He sensed that his project had the potential to become a bridge between different worlds – connecting patients and caregivers through storytelling and creative expression.

As Mykl looked out at the world around him, he felt like Kristine's art was speaking directly to him – reminding him of the power of connection and community. He knew that her story would always be intertwined with his own narrative, guiding him towards a deeper understanding of himself and others.