I overheard yet another patient today talking to a patient beside her that she didn't know and this patient was very negative and down. She listened and then talked in a most positive, supportive way and the patient with the negativism walked away thanking for listening. What does all this mean and how are the stories connected? The answer is compassion, empathy, and love and hoping that as I continue to read that I find more good than bad each day and that we renew each other as we all move forward with whatever and hour lives are planned
I am an avid reader and as such, I am gleaning many things throughout the day and evening. Sometimes I may have as many as five books going at once and although I used to be much better at keeping the stories straight, I can usually get back on track in a page or two. Unfortunately, I don't always remember the name of the book or author but the essence of the story remains. A recent article stirred me to tears and I must share the special attributes of this story. A single mother in her forties was diagnosed with a rapid growing type of cancer and realized that she would not be able to raise her eight year old son. There were no family members capable of taking over the task either and so this special mom was struggling to find an answer. She had been in and out of the hospital numerous times and had met a "special nurse" that had immediately made her feel a sense of peace and comfort. She was sure her prayers were answered but she did ask this nurse if she would raise her son after she passed. The nurse had older children and a 10 year old son as well and had recently been approved to be a foster parent. She went home and discussed the situation with her husband and family and shortly thereafter the Mom and her son moved in with this family and even went on vacation together. They were given the opportunity to make memories as a blended family and were there to support this mom and son. Now, this is a true story and it makes me so happy to know and hear about the good things that are happening in a world were everything is negative.
I overheard yet another patient today talking to a patient beside her that she didn't know and this patient was very negative and down. She listened and then talked in a most positive, supportive way and the patient with the negativism walked away thanking for listening. What does all this mean and how are the stories connected? The answer is compassion, empathy, and love and hoping that as I continue to read that I find more good than bad each day and that we renew each other as we all move forward with whatever and hour lives are planned
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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