This is a long post but if there was ever a post I would recommend reading the entire story, this is it.
My prayer on the way to work this morning was to be a gift to my patients. I have been suffering a bit from pre-retirement fever. I’m really wanting to just blog full time, but my patients deserve my best and that was my prayer.
I worked in triage in the emergency room and it was a steady day. At times it was a bit crazy. Mid day, I checked in a young lady, “Meg” who was battling cancer. When I was almost done with Meg’s assessment, her husband, “Dave”, approached us. He had gone to park the car while I was doing the infamous computer work and asking the annoying, yet necessary repetitive history questions that are painful for a patient with a serious illness.
Dave wrapped a blanket around Meg’s shoulders and stated, “I figured you would get cold.” I smiled at his tenderness towards her.
We talked for a couple of minutes and then he soon walked away to the vending machine as we were waiting for a room to open up in the department. Emergency rooms always seem to be full when you really want a room. I had no patients waiting, so Meg and I had a few minutes to chat.
Meg talked about her course of treatment and then mentioned her surgeon. I smiled as we shared the same surgeon, too. I just let Meg talk and didn’t mention my history of cancer.
Meg was a breath of fresh air. I loved her attitude and her authentic spirit. She briefly shared with me her worries that are common of many cancer patients – fear of the unknown, death, disability, her husband leaving her, not being able to conceive children, and the financial burdens her cancer could possibly have on their newly formed family. I did interject once though to mention my observation of how much of a caring, doting husband Dave was.
Meg laughed and said that she thought part of the reason was because her surgeon had really challenged Dave to be supportive at one of the their initial appointments. After Meg was diagnosed, “Dr. Smith” spoke with her and Dave about the importance of standing strong together from the start, as many couples can struggle during cancer treatment. I remember that talk.
Then Meg told me this story…
“Dr. Smith told Dave and I about this couple, “Sally” and “Bill”, that walked into her office with a diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer years ago. Dr. Smith says she remembered this couple very well and that they had 3 small children. Dr. Smith told me that she thought initially Sally was going to die and that it often pained her to meet with this couple initially because of her fear. But what she remembered most was telling Sally’s husband that men sometimes leave their wives during treatment and that they had to be prepared for the potential emotional challenges of a long battle. Bill told Dr. Smith emphatically, “You don’t know me. I love my wife. I’m not going anywhere.” At the following appointment, Sally and Bill had to finalize the course of treatment. Sally brought her father along for this appointment. He had traveled in from out of town to offer his support. Dr. Smith had told Sally she had to have a single mastectomy. Sally was head strong and had already chosen to have a double mastectomy. Sally explained she was interested in living a long life and wanted her breasts removed as soon as possible. Dr. Smith explained to Sally that she might want to reconsider. She explained to Sally that she would lack feeling in both of her breasts and that after treatment, she might regret her decision. This decision could effect her personal enjoyment of her sex life. Sally looked at Bill and said to Dr. Smith, “You are right, I might regret it. But I have to focus on surviving right now. That’s all I know how to do.” Bill’s voice cracked and without missing a step, he said, “Don’t worry Dr. Smith. I’ll make sure I satisfy her in other ways.” Meg said that Dr. Smith’s voice cracked as she told her and Dave about this meeting and how she was shocked at how Bill wanted Sally to know that he loved her, and that he was even willing to talk about their future sex life in front of Sally’s father. Dr. Smith said she remembered Sally’s father patting both of his kids on their backs, as his eyes were filled with tears.
I finally got a room for Meg and started wheeling her back. As we walked that hallway towards her room, Meg said to Dave, “I was telling Jenny about Sally and Bill’s story.” Dave responded sort of sarcastically, “I have a lot to live up to. I don’t know if anyone can be as perfect as Bill.” As I assisted Meg onto the stretcher, I told Dave, “Just focus on being you, Dave. You and Meg will be great.”
As I was walking out of the room, another nurse, “Julie”, walked in to greet Meg and Dave. I gave a quick overview of Meg and the reasons she had come to the ED. Julie stated “Wow Meg, you scored! You got the perfect triage nurse to take care of you. Your stories sound so similar and you both even had the same surgeon. You have almost been in remission for 6 years now, right Jenny?”
I looked right at Meg and Dave and lowered my head. I was having a hard time looking at them in the eyes and I felt a lump in my throat. Meg tilted her head as if she was figuring out a puzzle. I smiled and looked at them and said, ” Yes, almost 7 years. And I’m great guys. And you both will be, too.”
About three hours later, I was slammed as patients were backed up in the lobby to be seen. Dave had walked out into the lobby. He told me that Julie had told him about my story, about Jeff, and my blogging journey and that he was reading our stories to Meg while she was waiting to be admitted to the hospital. I smiled as my heart was feeling so unbelievably full.
As I was getting ready to leave, I poked my head into Meg’s room. She was asleep. She looked peaceful with her bald head and cute cotton bandana. I met eyes with Dave and said, “Goodnight Dave. Take care of each other. You both are going to be great.”
Dave looked up at me, his voice cracked, and he stated, “Goodnight Jenny. Thank you for everything today.” I handed him a warm blanket as he looked terribly cold and I whispered to myself, “No thank you, Dave.”
As I drove home, I realized that God had given me more than I asked for. I had asked to be a gift to my patients. But Meg and Dave were God’s gifts to me. It was possibly the most magical, surreal experience I had ever experienced.
And as I finish writing this post, I am looking over at a husband who is helping kids with their homework. And I once again realize how I am so thankful that God gave me my gift, Bill. I mean Jeff.
Blessings sweet friends – Jenny
If you are new to my site, welcome! Like what you see? I would love for you follow along on this crazy adventure of mine by subscribing to my blog and joining me on facebook, twitter, and pinterest.
Tweet
Comments
Sarah Guard
Amazing… story, husbands, women, doctor, strength. x
Heather
One of the best parts of being a nurse is the opportunity to be such an intimate part of a person’s life, usually when they are the most vulnerable. We don’t even know how many people we touch with our caring words and actions. And then when we receive a gift like this one, it is almost overwhelming. You can truly see God at work. You were a part of this woman’s story before she even knew it was you…what a gift for both of you. Thanks for sharing, Jenny.
Jen Kinkade
The very thing that stuck out to me in this story is your sweet humility that allowed it to unfold the way that it did. Let’s face it, you could have interjected from the very beginning, you could have nodded along in empathy sharing your journey, you could have said “Look at me.” But you didn’t. That was your gift to Meg and Dave–letting them tell their story. Then you became blessed as well being part of their journey in story and now in real life. Awesome!!
God works in wonderful ways!!
Blessings, sweet friend.
Julia
God ordained this, His heart is in every word and His name is all over it. This is a powerful testimony, Jenny. A testimony to your obedience and to His goodness, of Him reaching down into the pain of this world and meeting desperate need. And His solution was you. You, Jenny, were His instrument, and the music that spilled forth at His hand was truly divine. Rise up, Jenny. True, you walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but God preserved you. And not just to write a blog, but to reach and to minister hope. Nothing could be more clear.
Kerry K.
What a beautiful experience, Jenny. That truly was a gift. To all of you. So proud of you – what you’ve overcome and what you offer to others daily. So thrilled you have Jeff in your life and he is so lucky to have you. Meg and Dave, we’ll be thinking of you and cheering you on. Lots of love. K
Cathie
wow, life sure has a way of being amazing. and what a wonderful reminder of how important it is to be truly present in your life. if you had just “gone through the motions” with your job you might have missed this beautiful gift.
Thanks for sharing, Jenny.
Keep doing what you’re doing. I love your blog.
Ellie A.
God is Good. I can’t even express the overflowing feeling I feel reading this amazing post. After our oldest little girl passed in 2006 to SIDS my life changed of course, through our Sorrow I found the most deepest love I had in front of me that I never recognized until I let him in. I have learned since then that God really is listening to us and even if we might now say our thoughts out loud (as it was always the case w/me) he has shown me how strong it is and it really is humbling to think his love is that strong for me/us hmm… Thank you so much for sharing this amazing post and my reminder of the day. I have been having up & down emotions as it’s almost our Anjelique Angelversary coming up in 2 weeks I feel this as a “whisper” & reminder of his Love
Jenny A
I love this. Thank you – it is such a wonderful way to start my day be reading your blog. I think every time I comment here, I say the same thing – what an inspiration you are!
Marna
Incredible story…wow..I’m speechless and in awe of God’s orchestration of this meeting. How cool!
Ashley
I have goosebumps…what an awesome story. God is so good.
Stacy Killion
I am sitting here with a smile on my face and a live in my heart for our amazing God, the One that has a plan for us and will allow us to see a glimpse of that plan at times! Jenny, thank you for sharing this with us, and allowing us into your life. I love that my day has started by reading this about this beautiful, God-planned encounter!
Odette
Thank you for sharing this Jenny. What an inspiring way to start today. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, as you have showed me once again that everything in the Universe is in Divine Order. What a gift from God to you and also to them. Thank you for being an inspiration.
kelly
wow! blessings to you. you are a gift to your patients and to your readers as well.
Jessica B
I’m crying at work, now! Thank you for sharing this story with us and your beautiful life. You truly are an inspiration!
amy
Thank you Sally…I mean Jenny …for that amazing story. Thank you for that gift of inspiration, especially during this Easter season. May God bless you.
cathy stolze
Sometimes our life appears to be such a mess, and make no sense…but then you flip it and see the beautiful tapestry that God has created. He is in control. We just need to breathe and let Him work through us. This blog is beautifully written straight from the heart. Thank you. It blessed me big time! I agree with everyone’s posts. You are a sweet spirit being used by God for a much greater purpose than you even realize. God is definitely smiling down on you. ((HUG))
Jodie
Wonderful story Jenny, those stories are one of the reasons I love being a nurse. I was reminded of a quote that was on the church bulletin ” when you are down to nothing, God is up to something”, oh so true!
Nancy Wyatt
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
breanna
Holy tears! Amazing post Jenny. Praying for Meg and Dave.
Shelby
what a beautiful story. All people involved are truly amazing spirits (Meg, Dave, you, Jeff, Dr. Smith, Julie). Thanks for sharing.
Jeri Ann
Oh Jenny…
yvonne
wow what a powerful story…I just don’t have words for it. This really made me tear up!
Melissa
I have no words. Just tears. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for being there for that couple. Thank you for just being you.