January 23 thanks

Today,  I experienced a first in my over 30 years working in healthcare settings.  I  got on the elevator at the 8th floor of the hospital and was going down to the 1st floor.  Halfway down,  I noticed that a man on the elevator with me was wearing a pistol on his hip. He did not have anything visible to identity him as law enforcement. The only people who are supposed to have guns at the hospital are law enforcement officers acting in that capacity. I was very concerned about what this man might do.  I work in our trauma units and there's always a concern that someone may try to finish what they started with one of our assault victims.  We also had an employee shortage and killed 2 years ago. I am thankful that this man got off the elevator on the second floor with everyone else and did not continue on the elevator with just me to the first floor. I'm glad that I was able to quickly alert our police who went to check it out.  I'm thankful that I didn't hear news of a shooting happening at my hospital.  I am thankful for God's hand of protection.