The Cute Little Lady in The Pink Sweater

jamy · Mar 30, 2005

What a wonderful poem. We must all take the time to treat people with dignity. Not hurried, not demeaning, not childlike. Our elder patients can teach us so much about life and what it is important. Stop and take the time to listen to them. Let's not forget listening is so therapeutic for both the person talking and the person listening. So stop, slow down, and listen. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful poem

The Cute Little Lady in The Pink Sweater
By Dawn Maselli, RN

They can take my meal away before I'm done
They can talk to me like I'm dumb
They can refer to me as a "Feeder"
Fluff me up to make me look neater
They talk about me like I'm not Here
They address me as "honey" "cutie and "dear".
But there are things they can't do to me
As they insult my dignity
Oh there are things they can't do to me
They can't take away my memories
My Roles through this life cement my presence
With withered mind they call senescence
I am rich in culture, wisdom and knowledge
That medical people can't learn in college
I am a mother, a sister, a historian, a wife
I have mastered many roles throughout my life
I created warm meals in my day
I wiped my children's tears away
I cared for a close knit family
Who look up to and value me
And now I master another role
Dependent patient with golden soul
If just one of "them" would sit with me
I'd share with them this history
And if one would stay awhile
I'd teach them that I'm still God's child.
They are so busy this I know
I have aged and have gotten slow
This I must share in written word
I may not be seen but I will be heard
They say I'm anxious, noisy and loud
This life has taught me not to be too proud
I am too many things to capture in a letter
I am so much more than the lady in the pink sweater
If you've listened from the start
I may help you find your heart.
_____________________________________________________________

ValerieB · Mar 30, 2005

I loved this poem. It is so true. I think sometimes we all forget that our patients are not just old, sick and demented. They are people who are loved by their families and we should remember to treat them with respect and dignity. We have to treat them as we would want our families and ourselves to be treated. Remember, we get to go home at the end of our shift.

JVanRN · Mar 30, 2005

Thanks for this. I think sometimes we all need to be reminded that our patients are people too every once in a while. It's so easy to forget this as we become so busy with all of our tasks. Sadly the state of nursing to day (huge focus on paperwork, paperwork and CYA) has made this harder and harder to do.

dbsn00 · Mar 30, 2005

Very sweet...I wish there was more time to sit & talk with the residents, many have some interesting stories to tell.

LPN1974, LPN · Mar 30, 2005

That's a very good poem. :heartbeat :heartbeat :heartbeat

Ya know, that can very well be us one of these days, too.

mandykal, ADN, RN · Apr 1, 2005

Your welcome, I just had to post it because that caught my heart.