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Fri 5 Sep, 2003 07:58 pm
A FOREVER KIND OF LOVE
One of our favorite patients had been in and out of our small, rural
hospital several times, and all of us on med-surg had grown quite
attached to her and her husband. In spite of terminal cancer and
resulting pain, she never failed to give us a smile or a hug.
Whenever her husband came to visit, she glowed. He was a nice man,
very polite and as friendly as his wife. I had grown quite attached
to them and was always glad to care for her.
I admired their expression of love. Daily, he brought her fresh
flowers and a smile, then sat by her bed as they held hands and
talked quietly. When the pain was too much and she cried or became
confused, he hugged her gently in his arms and whispered until she
rested.
He spent every available moment at her bedside, giving her small
sips of water and stroking her brow. Every night, before he left for
home, he closed the door so! they could spend time alone together.
When he was gone, we'd find her sleeping peacefully with a smile on
her lips.
On this night, however, things were different. As soon as I entered
report, the day nurses informed us she had steadily taken a turn for
the worse and wouldn't make it through the night. Although I was
sad, I knew that this was for the best. At least my friend wouldn't
be in pain any longer.
I left report and checked on her first. When I entered the room, she
aroused and smiled weakly, but her breathing was labored and I could
tell it wouldn't be long. Her husband sat beside her, smiling, too,
and said, "My Love is finally going to get her reward."
Tears came to my eyes, so I asked if they needed anything and left
quickly. I offered care and comfort throughout the evening, and at
about midnight she passed away with her husband still holding her
hand. I consoled him and with tears ru! nning down his cheeks he
said, "May I please be alone with her for a while?"
I hugged him and closed the door behind me.
I stood outside the room, blotting my tears and missing my friend
and her smile. And I could feel the pain of her husband in my own
heart. Suddenly from the room came the most beautiful male voice I
have ever heard singing. It was almost haunting the way it floated
through the halls. All of the other nurses stepped out into the
hallways to listen as he sang "Beautiful Brown Eyes" at the top of
his lungs.
When the tune faded, the door opened and he called to me. He looked
me in the eyes then hugged me saying, "I sang that song to her every
night from the first day we met. Normally I close the door and keep
my voice down so as not to disturb the other patients. But I had to
make sure she heard me tonight as she was on her way to heaven. She
had to know that she will always be my forever love. Please
apologize to anyone I bothered. I just don't kno! w how I will make it
without her, but I will continue to sing to her every night. Do you
think she will hear me?"
I nodded my head "yes," unable to stop my tears. He hugged me again,
kissed my cheek, and thanked me for being their nurse and friend. He
thanked the other nurses, then turned and walked down the hall, his
back hunched, whistling the song softly as he went.
As I watched him leave I prayed that I, too, would someday know that
kind of forever love.
- By Christy M. Martin
aww, thats so sweet... gives you goosebumps
A most beautiful story Misti...
Forever Love.
Thank you ladies ... It certainly is a lovely one, one I wish for everyone I know:)
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