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.
