Are you ok?

I've been a night nurse for many years, and in those years are some special moments that stand out for me. In the dark hours of the night while checking on my residents I noticed one of my residents awake. I asked her if she was OK and her face became very sad and she shook her head no... I asked her "whats the matter" and she said "I'm afraid" I sat down next to this resident and offered my hand and asked her what she was afraid of? But she just shook her head. I looked around her room looking for inspiration and noticed pictures of her family on the wall, and talked with her about her family, one particular picture was of her daughter, when asking about her the resident mentioned she became a doctor, I talked with this resident about how incredible she was to raise a family and inspire her daughter to be a physician, and how proud she could be of those achievements. The resident got a big smile on her face....a .few days later this resident passed away.

Another time while caring for another resident I again noticed a pensive, sad look, I asked the resident what was the matter. He said I'm afraid of them.. and pointed his chin towards a dark corner of the room (ok, chills up my back, cue up creepy music). I looked over into the corner then turned back and looked at the resident and asked him if he would like me to say a prayer with him. The resident nodded yes, we prayed together and then I continued with my rounds. I always like to remember those moments when I feel like I've made a difference for someone.