Full Circle

About 3.5 years ago, when I was a brand new nurse at GSMC-Marshall, I met a patient who’s name and story and family I could never forget.  I spent days and days with Mr. Marv and his family as he let go of the little bit of time he had left in his life.  In those 9 days, we laughed, we joked, we cut up, we cried...oh how we cried...and then we would laugh some more.   Mr.  Marv shaped my heart as a young nurse. I would walk into his room and he’d say “there’s my girl!” He was so very special to me, and his wife also.  

I was the only person in the room with him as he took his last breath. That moment was pivotal,  that moment changed me.  

A few weeks after Mr. Marv passed, I received a hand written note from his wife.  In it was the most sincere thank you,  kind words and an invitation to join her for lunch one day. She wrote her number on a sticky note.  I lost it.

I have thought about Mr. Marv and Mrs. Wanda over the years more than I have any other patient or family. It was to my disappointment, when I found the letter his wife wrote me in a box while moving this past week, that I still was unable to reach her.  

I came to work the day after I found the letter and stood at the counter to receive report.  To my complete disbelief I saw I was going to be caring for a patient by his same exact name.  Upon entering the room I asked, “is Mrs. Wanda your mother.” And sure enough, he was on the phone with her.  

I literally cried in that moment.  I was so happy to find her again, to find a piece of someone who has had such an impact on the way I care for and love my patients...especially the grieving and the dying. 

It’s not always easy...but every once in a while you hear that little voice inside of you that says, “There. There it is. That’s why you’re here” and you get this fullness and warmth in your heart and you smile because you know it’s true. 

I cannot wait for our lunch date ❤️❤️