The covid inquiry continues
And I have one small story I wish they could hear.
It’s a story of people going one step further for another human being
Many such stories could be told of that time .
My patient was admitted from home, and I could immediately see , like the wide eyed paramedics that accomplished her, that she was imminently dying,
Her large family , requested just one thing as they ran in after her
She needed and wanted a priest.
I stayed with the patient and hissed a request at a pragmatic smart support worker “ Get Me A Nun”
During lockdown , it had been almost impossible to get any chaplaincy support, but knowing that there was a nearby Convent I thought a nun was better than nothing , and even though nuns can’t give the last rights they can pray over the dying to give comfort.
An elderly nun duly arrived in what seemed like a minute or so .she was in her eighties and looked valiant as she glided in breathless but twinkle eyed.
I had seldom seen anything so brave.
The nurses immediately surrounded her,
Helping her into PPE and mask and gloves and apron, with gentleness and respect
And clutching a bible the nun hurried to the patient’s bedside seconds before she passed away
I wish the inquest had heard that story , which stands up with a thousand others that should be heard
A brave old nun, not frightened or bowed by covid
The power of love overcomes so many fears. I hope the patient was aware of her presence and was comforted by it. xx
ReplyDeleteWe all did and do
DeleteAnother one for your book. Thanks for sharing. Jackie
ReplyDelete🤫
DeleteI agree, another one for your book. You are also brave, and very thoughtful and caring to all. That was a difficult time for the medical community and it's good to hear how the nun responded. Dutifully with compassion.
ReplyDeleteThis story is all about that nun , she was a bloody star
Deleteextraordinary
ReplyDeleteadjective
ex·traor·di·nary ik-ˈstrȯr-də-ˌner-ē ˌek-strə-ˈȯr-
Synonyms of extraordinary
1
a
: going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary
extraordinary powers
b
: exceptional to a very marked extent
I agree
DeleteI see there is a website to Share Your Story, might you add this? Were you working in the hospice at the time? My memory is families and religious people weren't allowed in the hospitals or hospices during lockdown, tho maybe my memory is cloudy, such an awful time. And..I wonder what became of the elderly nun.
ReplyDeleteWe were the only place that allowed visitors
Deletea blessing and a gift, to say goodbye in those blackest days. You should record your story on he website.
DeleteMy poor colleagues on itu had to use iPads for their relatives to say goodbye , how awful for all involved
DeleteYes awful...but I think of my mom who died alone [not Covid] before we could get to her and Id have been very grateful for an iPad goodbye, better than nothing.
DeleteWhat a wonderful true story about love in action - also bravery and someone who still followed her calling. I, too, hope your patient heard her and was comforted.
ReplyDeleteOthers have said it, but I will, too. Bookworthy!
Hugs!
Having an 80 year hero should humble any MP involved
DeleteThank you for sharing this "during the days of covid" story of a wonderfully kind, caring, compassionate, extraordinary nun. I hope the patient's family were comforted by the nun.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you've painted an exquisite picture using a minimum of words.
They were totally and movingly grateful for the nuns attendance and to the support worker who went the extra mile to find her
DeleteWonderful, and wonderfully remembered and told. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank u Sue
DeleteI’m not Catholic but I worked for nuns for 20 years. Your story is their soul in a nutshell. I saw many similar examples from our nuns in our hospital. Wouldn’t have wanted one as a teacher but otherwise I’ve never seen such acceptance and selflessness. The older nuns especially were amazing. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteI have heard this duel face of the convent , a stereotype nowadays
DeleteI was raised in a convent. There are a lot of negative stories about nuns and convent gals. I was a State school teacher and I am most appreciative of my good fortune in being educated in a convent.
DeleteThank you for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, I was moved remembering it. The covid inquiry has made me livid
DeleteI would guess that she saw her life in God's hands, not at the mercy of some evil little virus.
ReplyDeleteWe explained it was her choice and that no one would be upset if she refused
DeleteShe didn’t immediately
That's a great story, thanks for sharing it here.
ReplyDeleteI wrote about it briefly when it happened , things were darker then
DeleteI liked the bit when the nurses dressed her with “respect”
ReplyDeleteI could almost see them smiling at this old gal with emotion
Keith
Xx
Yes, it was almost ritualistic
DeleteWhen my Mountain Man died in hospital the person who gave me the hug I needed was a nun. She had talked with him of everything but religion the day before.
ReplyDeleteAnd. He led the conversation, how great of her x
DeleteHe was a Catholic like her. They didn't need to talk of religion.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story for Christmas. Thank you for sharing it again, John.
ReplyDeleteKind of u to say
DeleteFor some people, their faith is as real and palpable as their heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteYes,man’s I love she responded to that
DeleteIn spite of my lack of belief, that was a selfless act and a fine story for the season. Or any season, for that matter.
ReplyDeleteHo ho ho
DeleteA lovely story. Thank you. x
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling this story to us. I was deeply moved. Thank you ❤️
ReplyDeleteI remember you mentioning this story but I didn't picture it the right way.
ReplyDeleteThat old nun knew what love in action looks like
I’ve read my original post which paid lip service to the situation
DeleteYour quick decision to find a nun when priests were not available worked out beautifully for this patient and her family.
ReplyDeleteI found the fact that chaplaincy was a rare thing in covid was sobering, and a little irritating
DeleteBoth quick and compassionate thinking on your part, John.
ReplyDeleteI’m pretty good in difficult moments , that’s what working on intensive care does for u
DeleteBeautiful and moving story. Thank you. Lini from Petaluma
ReplyDeleteA very nice story. The nun could administer last rites. She could not hear a final confession and give absolution. Your patient probably heard the words that s/he wanted to hear on departing this world. The thing that struck me most about this was that as a very elderly woman, that nun was taking a greater risk than most, and knowing that, she stepped out anyway. Beautiful courage.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you’ve told me that , I was always under the impression that a nun could not
DeleteMy greatest memories of the Covid scare were those daily broadcasts where Boris passed on the advice he was given by his advisers, and the advisers themselves spoke very well. It was a serious business, and we all followed the advice given. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and to attack all of those who had to make hard decisions now seems very political. Boris bashing will continue; he's too dangerous for the opposition.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm quite a few did not follow his advice as even denied by the fixed penalty notices given to, amongst others, Boris himself.
DeleteAs PM he had a lot of work to do. He needed to consult.
DeleteShe was brave and lived her faith in her actions.
ReplyDeleteI too remember the times of Covid and the grief and terror and people struggling. The broadcasts helped me to somehow have hope and keep going and I think a lot of people did their best. They will never get anyone again to step forward and lay themselves open to the viciousness of hindsight enquiries. Especially those who developed Astra Zeneca, as I understood it, for poor countries as well, and there was so little time as so many were dying. They now seem to be being vilified by some. It all makes me ashamed.
@Cro Magnon and Anonymous - I agree with both of you. Any other political party should keep very quiet, as if they had been in the position of having to lead the country through terrifying unchartered territory and then be made to account for it, I don't believe anyone would have made an exemplary job of it.
ReplyDeleteRemembering the selfless act of the elderly nun and sharing that with us underlines the meaning of Christmas - thank-you.
ReplyDeleteA lifetime of calling and commitment.
ReplyDeleteShe was not afraid of COVID, and not afraid of death. One can only imagine the beautiful life she has lived. I'm sure your request for her service made her day.
ReplyDeleteA very touching story written beautifully John. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGet your facts right John.
ReplyDeleteQuote - "It is absolutely possible to have Last Rites offered and administered in an emergency by someone other than a Priest or Bishop. As long as there is a belief and love of God this sacrament can help your loved one die in peace knowing that their spiritual absolution can be obtained."
I’m not an expert on the matter not being catholic , good job I made the right call eh ???
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DeleteI'm sure being a nun, having such strong faith and certainty about God and all that entails, gave her an extra boost of courage!
ReplyDeleteAnd it was an exciting moment too, not too many of those in a convent
DeleteAngels walk among us. A wonderful story given the chaos in the world these days. We need more stories like this to fill our hearts. Better yet, let's try to be that "nun" to someone in our lives whether it's a blood family member or a stranger on the street.
ReplyDelete