A Nurse's Heart and Eyes

A woman 36 years old was laying in the intensive care unit with breast cancer. An O2 mask covered her face as she struggled to breathe and say her last words. She had signed the "do not resuscitate" orders and requested only to be kept comfortable in her final hours.

This woman turned to her nurse and whispered to turn off the monitors. There was no need for this nurse to watch the machines. All this patient needed was her nurse’s heart and her eyes. This compassionate clinician had the vision on how to keep her patient comfortable. When the patient winced in pain, she would gently add more drip to ease her discomfort. When her lips appeared dry, this nurse would dip a swab into some cool water to moisturize and soothe her mouth. When the patient made a fist by her side, this nurse took her hand and folded it into her own for strength to let her know that she was not alone.

This nurse had the visceral instincts to know what her patient needed. It was not technology that would help ease the pain in her dying moments, but a compassionate and mindful spirit. She helped to ease her patient’s fears and bring her strength and peace of mind and soul. The prayers were silent but her watchful care shouted praises for her heartfelt skills. She was the answer to her patient’s prayers. This patient never felt alone or abandoned in her final hours. No technology will ever be invented to satisfy this need for human interaction nor comfort the spirit in moments of darkness. Rather, it is only the dedicated heart and eyes of someone trained to be an angel of comfort and peace. We need to bow our heads in thanksgiving for these angels of mercy.

A Sonshine Friend graduated tonight with her fellow nurses and told me how she was looking forward to return to her unit at the Jewish Home. She pledged to be the eyes and heart to three patients who are waiting to meet the Lord. What a blessing she will be to these ladies as they journey to eternal glory with an angel at their side to gently carry them over to Paradise.

Lord pray for us as we reflect: “For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,” (Psalm 116:8).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends who are healers. The nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and counselors who heal with their hearts and eyes.

Making A List

Yesterday, during my morning commute to the office, two radio jocks were teasing their listeners and advising all their male buddies “Don’t do it!” Don’t get married, don’t buy a home and don’t have kids. However, these silly announcers fessed up that they are married, own a home and have kids. What’s their point?
It’s lots of work but “it’s worth it!” They asked their audience to share what was their most special memory as a dad. One dad shared taking his son to a World Series ballgame. Then another dad chimed in, holding his first born for the first time. This is the way God created the “male brain.” It travels in circles with all its silliness until it makes a soft landing on the correct runway.

Along with “lots of work” came the profound message that being a dad means, “making a list.” After his morning show, one announcer ran through his list for the day. Replace the rubber mat in the basement, fix a leaky toilet, paint the outdoor porch, repair and clean the grill, and build a dog run. Perplexed, his radio colleague asked: How long have you had the dog? Two years was his friend’s reply. To which his buddy said: “and you think today you’re going to get it all done.” That’s male brain again.

Another dad shared that he was going through some turmoil last week. At his breaking point, on his “to do list” he found himself in the chapel of one of the area hospitals. I wonder if it was the chapel where I celebrated so many prayers for patients and staff? He emailed me that “Prayer” brought him a peace that he had not in some time.

Let me quote: “It washed over me as I sat quietly and asked God to listen. I think that God already knows where I am without asking him to notice, but knowing that I was not alone was very good for me.”

God is praying for you dads who have “too much” on your “to do list.”
Pray and reflect: “Come to me, all (dads) who find life burdensome. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:29-30.

I recommend that the next time you make your “to do list” don’t forget to list some time with God in prayer to heal your tired bones and weary spirit.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Dads and nurturing fathers whose “job lists” seem endless. When they need a sounding board, you make a difference because before your eyes they are truly “awesome!”

Will I Be Missed?

He was 50 years old when I was born, and a "Mr. Mom" long before anyone had a name for it. I didn't know why he was home instead of Mom, but I considered myself very lucky because he did so many things for me during my grade school years. For example, he always had my lunch ready for me when I came home--usually a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that was shaped for the season. My favorite was at Christmas. The sandwiches would be sprinkled with green sugar and cut in the shape of a tree.

When I went to high school and tried to gain my independence, I wanted to move away from those "childish" signs of his love, but dad didn't give up. Since I was no longer able to go home for lunch, dad would get up a little early and make a lunch for me. I never knew what to expect. There might be a napkin with a heart inscribed with "Dad-n-KK" in its center or an "I love you." Many times he would write a joke or a riddle on it.

I used to hide my lunch so no one would see the napkin, but that didn't last long. One of my friends saw it one day, grabbed it, and passed it around the lunch room. My face was red with embarrassment. To my astonishment, the next day all my friends were waiting to see the napkin. From the way they acted, I think they all wished they had someone who showed them that kind of love. I was so proud to have him as my father.

I left home for college, I missed seeing him every day after school and so I called him a lot. We started a ritual during that first year that stayed with us. After I said good-bye he always said, "K K, I love you." It was during this time that Dad became stricken with cancer. When the letters didn't come, I knew that he had been sick and wasn't able to write.

Those were the hardest days to go through. To watch this man, who always acted so young, age past his years. I was alone with him in his hospital room a couple of days before he died. We held hands and watched TV. As I was getting ready to leave, he said, "KK'” "Yes, Dad?" “Ilove you." "I love you, too, Dad."

I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that one message I wish that I could hammer home to all of you, whether you are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, grandmothers or grandfathers, it is the message of this story: to tell one another "I love you" while you still can