Goodbye Mr. John

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Specializes in LTC.

Mr. John, You will truly be missed.

Whenever I got ready for work there was one resident that I always looked forward to seeing and that was Mr. John.

Mr. John had been on this earth for nearly a century but he was strong, witty, funny, creative, and had the charm of an 18 year old boy.

He always made each employee feel special in his or her own way... with his words, winks, and cute little gummy smile.

Whenever I would walk into his room he would greet me with his big beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile. He would then give me a nice compliment and proceed to share with me another part of his life story.

Mr. John was what I would call a manly man. He has worked nearly every job you can think of and was very handy. The calluses on his hands showed many years of tireless work. His favorite hobby was building crafts and eating a good crab cake.

As Mr. John became sicker my heart would ache. All I could do is pray that I would not be around when he took his last breath. This would cause too much pain for me. I've seen my fair share of residents die but this man really stole my heart.

A few hours before Mr. John died I was able to sit with him and his family and say my last goodbyes. He died few short hours after I left.

Mr. John lived a long and productive life and I knew that he was ready to go. I feel so fortunate and bless that I was his nurse. Many times instead of me taking care of him he would take care of me. He just had a way about him that made everyone feel good about their selves.

Mr. John you will truly be missed. I thank God for you and thankful he has brought me to you. It is very sad for us to know that we will no longer be blessed by your presence; however we are so glad that you are no longer suffering and can now watch over us in heaven.

Mr. John you be good up there.

Love always,

Nurselovejoy88

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Cardiology, Geriatrics.

That was beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss. Patients like that are gifts and exactly why I became a nurse! It's always an honor to care for them.

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I know how you feel; I was a caregiver for 8 months and during that time I met so many residents who have given me the inspiration to specialized in geriatric. Some of my residents were so nice and when they died one by one, my heart ache and my eyes teared.

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Beautiful and inspiring story! Sorry for your loss!

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Hugs (((nurselovejoy88))) - how priceless that you were able to learn so much about his life - I'm sure he felt just as blessed by that as you do. :redpinkhe:

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that's the beauty of working ltc...

relationships such as yours and mr. john's...priceless and eternal.:heartbeat

leslie

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That is so nice. Nursing is very stressful many times and I often feel we can't enjoy caring for and being with our patients. Your story gives those of us feeling burned out a little hope! We all need a Mr. John in our lives. May he RIP. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I am sorry for your loss. He was very lucky to have known you as his nurse. ((HUGS))........RIP

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