Sometimes it is the Nurse who saves the patient

[AuthorRDK]

Being nervous and worry has always been part of me as a person. Living my entire childhood in a Jacksonville, Florida orphanage did not contribute anything to me becoming a happy and carefree adult. I think that is why depression has always ridden very heavily on my shoulders. It is a monster I have never been able to shake.

Last week I had to undergo several medical procedures. Two scopes had to be inserted into my body, one from the sky and one from the ground, if you know what I mean.

After having battled cancer in 1977; I felt so all alone lying on that surgical table. For almost a week no one in my family had even taken the time to ask how I felt. Under the doctor's orders, I was not allowed to eat anything, other than clear liquids for three days. No one even seemed to be concerned enough to see if I needed anything to help me through a very difficult time.

With eyes closed, I could feel tears slowly begin rolling down my cheeks. Hearing a sound, I opened my eyes and saw a nurse (Veronica) smiling down at me. Softly she reached out and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Things are going to be fine. Don't worry," she said, in a soft and comforting tone.

I cannot tell you how much that meant to me.

Several days later, I returned to the Digestive Associates Medical Facility in Brunswick, Georgia and I asked to see Nurse Baldwin. When she appeared through the doorway I handed her an autographed copy of my book "Orphan, A true story," as well as the complete 4 CD set of my best audio stories. I told her that I appreciated her taking the time to care about me as a person and as an individual. It was very nice to hug, and to be hugged by someone who cared.

I learned a very good lesson early that Monday morning: Sometimes it is the nurse who saves the patient and not the doctor.