The Beautiful Hospice Nurse

You wouldn’t know it to look at her, that Beautiful Hospice Nurse. How beautiful she really is! The way she comforts someone. The way she holds a suffering person’s hand or kisses another’s forehead. The way she comforts a grieving spouse, a child or a distraught friend.

Only someone so beautiful could face the ugliness of death. Look it straight in the eye and proclaim, “you will not hurt my patient, where is your sting?” You cannot steal their dignity, their spirit, a life that was lived. My life is their comfort. You may take their last breath, but never their dignity, their spirit or the life they were given.”

You wouldn’t know it to look at her. Weary from the hard-fought battles she and her patients remain victorious over. Tired eyes from too many tears. A warm smile that still exists. Soft firm hands forged from many hands held. The many hugs, brows wiped, and rivers of tears washed from frail cheeks. If you could look inside her, you would know that, her true beauty comes from the souls that have touched hers.

Patsy Starke 2016, Revised 6/4/2022 For all hospice workers