Special Hands

Sunday is a day I step back and give thanks for so many blessings, including being alive. One of these days, we won't be here. It's a guarantee, so each day is gold.

Today, I give special thanks to this year's nursing graduates. They will touch all of our lives directly, and also, our family members. The responsibilities they accept literally mean life or death, as well as hope or neglect.

My father coded while on a hospital stay. He was rushed into intensive care, where he died a couple days later. I was only permitted to see him for 5 minutes every couple hours. He was only alive "technically." It was heart wrenching to experience during my first year of college study. I knew he was on his way home, and was appreciative of the nursing care he received. His nurse was truly compassionate. I thanked her as I left the hospital after his passing. She seemed quite touched at my comments behind tears. It's important to let these special people know that we appreciate their skills and care for our families and, some day, for ourselves. We're only here for a season.

So today, I'm grateful for the new nursing graduates. They will one day be the caring hands for you and me when our time here reaches its end. Let's all thank these special people!