"When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears."
Anthony Robbins
When I went in to draw his last set of labs, this great big hulk of a man looked at me with such despair on his face. I stopped what I was doing, held his hand and gave him a hug. I told him that as awful as this day was, it was just one day out of many and his life would get better. He told me he thought he was going to die. We spent quite a bit of time talking about nothing...and everything. When he'd said what he had to, he dug deep and let me draw his blood.
I thought about that man tonight as I drove all over God's white acre in a blizzard. Who in their right mind drives in such a mess, unless of course they have no choice? The last time I saw this patient, he'd come up to the hospital to bring me a card to thank me for getting him through that long summer day and to show me that I was right. His life did get better. He made that trip in a snowstorm that throughout the day, had dumped about 10 inches of snow on the ground.
Sometimes, thoughts and memories that come upon us by surprise have purpose. I know that this one did. It made me feel better about what I do, and why I choose to do it.
It's the first time in a couple of weeks, that I've felt really good about being a nurse.
9 comments:
From what I've read, I would love to have a nurse like you around at difficult times, there are not many who could do what you do. It always makes it so much better when we're thanked for what we do.
That is surely the way it is. Days and weeks of simple everyday routines and then one episode that makes it all worthwhile. Sure do know the feeling. Hurrah to you Rudee for your calling.
QMM
You must have made a great difference impression to this man's life. He 's pretty special for making that kind of effort to let you know how much you had helped him.
I believe that we all have a calling that is right for us...mine was never nursing. Yours most certainly is.
I'm glad I "know" you, even if it is in cyberland.
You have very lucky patients.
In my view being a nurse is just about the most noble profession there is, and you dear Rudee are one heck of a good one. Never ever forget that...ciao
If ever I'm sick, you are the kind of nurse I'd be blessed to have tending me.
Wow....wonderful story, thanks for sharing that. We never know how we touch someone and sometimes we do know, when they care to tell us.
Such a touching story, Rudee. When I was in the hospital just before Christmas, I had the most wonderful male nurse! First time I had a male nurse, and he was such fun to have around, besides being a great nurse. I sent him a thank you card with a little gift card, after I came home, to show my appreciation.
I surely believe that tbeing grateful brings abundance. A grateful person knows that by being thankful, they're given even more to be thankful for. I read that somewhere a while ago and it stuck in my mind.
Hugs, Nurse Rudee!
Renie
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