Three Words

I'm not after any " you're lovely" comments tonight
I just wanted to share something special that happened today.
I've been working with a very gentle soul.
A patient my own age.
We spent time going over medications. We talked about anxiety
I told her a story about a dim nurse and she laughed
And when I turned to go
She looked me squarely in the face
And quietly said
" Thank you ..John" 
I understood and my eyes watered
And I nodded gently.

41 comments:

  1. Barbara Anne8:41 pm

    Laughter is the best medicine. Yes, indeed, sweet.

    Hugs!

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  2. sometimes that's all you need

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  3. Do you need a "you're an arsehole" comment? X

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  4. People need time and real attention and you give it. A great gift for yourself and your patients.

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  5. Joan (Devon)9:23 pm

    My eyes are watering now!

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  6. Mine too, Joan.
    You are a gentle soul also, John.
    This job really suits you!

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  7. Meaningful work is important.

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  8. I've always said it takes a special kind of soul to work in a NICU or a Hospice Unit. Your kindness to others proves I'm right.

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  9. Those moments of deep connection are what drives a person like you, I would imagine

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  10. Isn’t that fantastic when we really connect with someone? It’s thrilling and comforting.

    XoXo

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  11. Was the story about the dim nurse autobiographical?

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  12. You should have nodded vigorously, then you may not have attracted any 'you're lovely' comments.

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  13. If you get a chance John check out ‘Old people’s home for 4 year olds’. Was a fantastic series here in Oz, can get snippets on Yutube.

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  14. Moments like that keep a person going, do they not?

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  15. Comments like that make your job more than worth while.

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  16. When I had chemotherapy, years ago, I used to get very anxious and the consultant prescribed lorazepam for me to take at home. By the time I got to the hospital it helped but I used to shake uncontrollably. After a couple of treatments the staff nurse met me at the door, took me straight to the treatment room and hooked me up immediately. It helped my anxiety no end. The waiting around made it worse.
    I often think of her and wonder if she knows what a difference she made.
    We looked each other in the eye while my treatment was beginning. No words but empathy and understanding.
    Some people are born nurses. You are one.

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  17. Morag7:37 am

    The blessed relief of understanding and laughter to alleviate her situation, and reciprocal appreciation... connection at its best.

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  18. The understanding that both carer and cared for are human beings

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  19. I think many people feel that if someone is ill, why would they possibly need a laugh, so (understandably perhaps) they are surrounded by misery.
    If I was in that position I'd want champagne and crappy jokes.

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  20. So gratifying... but you ARE lovely, John.

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  21. I wish everyone had someone like you at their side at such times.

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  22. And that’s why you are so good at what you do.

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  23. Wonderful three words to lift your soul.

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  24. I have been around hospice workers and I know what exceptional people they are. You have a hard job and you do it well.

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  25. It's the little things that make life so special.

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  26. Well, you are lovely. Your heart is big and wide.

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  27. Truly you are an angel. 🙏

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  28. I suppose hospice work will be filled with endless poignant moments and interludes.

    lizzy

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  29. You bring compassion and empathy to people who need them most. Bless you!

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  30. I worked as a volunteer on the Nursing Station in a Hospice for a few years after I retired from teaching and I quickly learned that sometimes 'patients' were grateful to be treated as normal people leading an ordinary life. They know the outcome and so do the people working with them - sometimes it is good to have a conversation when you are not reminded of it. In other words a normal one - and I suspect that is what you were doing.

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  31. You are I'm sure John - A breath of fresh air to the patients and their visitors x

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  32. Good man John, and a special lady!

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  33. Laughter and compassion go hand in hand and you know just what is needed your a good man.

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  34. It's people like you John that make unbearable situations bearable. Compassion and understanding of the human condition is truly a gift you have in spades.

    Jo in Auckland

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  35. The hospice and it's patients are very lucky to have you working there, John.

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes