Emphatically I stated that I would never be a nurse. My mom shared enough disgusting stories that I had no desire to enter that field. However, I did want to pursue something that helped people. The joke is on me, because I’ve now been a nurse for 25 years. 

It seems a good time to pause and share how thankful I am for the many who have helped me along the way, from instructors who highlighted the importance of treating each patient as you would treat a beloved family member to experienced ICU nurses who demonstrated the proverb that “calmness lays great errors to rest”. On one of my first days they amazed me by calmly shocking and reviving a patient who went into cardiac arrest. I have learned so much in these last 25 years.

Here are a few of the biggest lessons:

* Each breath is a gift. Say what you need to say to those you love today. Don’t put off spending time together, forgiving someone, or calling someone you’ve been thinking about.

* Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself, even your mistakes. Yes, learn from them, but then move on.

* Combing a patient’s hair is important work. Simple things like that remind them and us that they are treasured human beings with dignity. 

* Life on earth does not go on forever. You can be prepared for death and not fear it, because Jesus conquered it. He invites each of us to place our trust in Him for eternal life.

* Slow down and take time to notice all the beauty around you. There is so much!

* Stay teachable. There are always more lessons to learn and often they come from unexpected places and unexpected people. 

* A smile is the same in every language.

There are many more lessons I could share, but you get the idea. What have you learned in the past 25 years or so?

“Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding.”

(Proverbs 9:6) 

“Remember: Life is short. Eternity is not. The opportunity to make a difference is now.” 

– Mike Woodruff

A few pics of some of my favorite people to learn from…