Published May 22, 2008
FireStarterRN, BSN, RN
3,824 Posts
I've heard that angels sometimes pose as humans. I think I took care of one the past two days.
The patient was a Mexican man in his 40s. He had had a MVA 9 years ago and damaged his spine at the C-3 and had only limited movement of his hands. He spoke very little English. I suspect that he and and maybe his entire family might be angels, quietly living their humble lives as an example for humanity.
His wife came both days to sit at his side and perform all personal care for him quietly, without fanfare. She spoke only a few words of English. Her parents came for a visit, and also the patient's daughter who brought the grandson.
They sat quietly, needing very little, demanding nothing. She, at one point, requested a bedpan and some lubricant, obviously to perform his bowel program.
Everytime I entered the room I got chills up my spine, I really think I was in the presence of something holy. After the wife left the second day, I talked with the man. I told him that he had a wonderful wife. He told that he thanked God everyday for his good fortune. He exemplified true happiness, he was the most radiant person I've ever encountered.
I wonder if I met an angel, disguised as a human?
RN1980
666 Posts
certainly something to ponder.....
HM2VikingRN, RN
4,700 Posts
Grace comes in many forms.....
ONCRN84
251 Posts
Working on an oncology/hospice unit, I whole-heartedly agree. I'm pretty sure some of my patients were angels sent to remind me of what's important... because they always come and go at key moments in my life when I was having problems, doubts, or questions.
NightOwl0624
536 Posts
:yeahthat: Maybe they were YOUR angels!
hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN
1,381 Posts
I had a patient that was an angle once. I think he was somewhere between 150 and 170 degrees.
I found myself getting frustrated today, working on a project out in my garden. I uttered some profanity, then I thought of this man and his amazing patience and radiance. I can't believe I was lucky enough to have met him, I don't think I'll forget about him. I think it might help me to keep him in mind.
leslie :-D
11,191 Posts
i love stories like these.:redpinkhe
personally, i think we're touched by angels every day.
they don't always appear as the stereotypical gentle, loving types, yet these people have a message to deliver...
blessings in disguise, if you will.
these chance encounters, keep me humble, grateful and receptive.
i'm telling you-
there are angels everywhere.
leslie
casi, ASN, RN
2,063 Posts
Patients often claim that we are there angels. If some of them only knew how they touched our lives.
Dolce, RN
861 Posts
The saying comes from the New Testament book of Hebrews. "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:1-2).
Neat story. I love patients like that. :redpinkhe
graceomalleyRN, RN
249 Posts
Great story! Thanks for sharing, I got goosebumps!
That reference is from Hebrews 13:2:
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Sounds like you did a great job of it.
mshultz
250 Posts
So, your patient was obtuse