The Special Ones

From the Other Side

There’s something about them

Those special ones

I can tell instantly

That they are not just at work

To pay the bills.

I can sense their care

And true compassion

Immediately

Although not always ‘soft’

There is a depth of empathy

Even if they haven’t experienced

The situation I am in

I feel connected to them

I see in their eyes

A warmth and genuine care

As they work alongside me

Offering me a mixture

Of empowerment

And direction

That seems to change

As I need it to.

From the other side

It’s clear

Which nurses see you

As an individual

Rather than another name

Another patient on their list.

The ones who are able to make you feel safe

Heard and respected

Within moments of meeting them;

Chris, with his kind blue eyes

Who introduced himself to me

And then spotted my grandmother’s rosary beads

On my shelf

Sparking a discussion

About faith, God,

And his visit to the Holy Land;

Lynne,

Who spent ages searching for the Saturday newspaper

Knowing how much I like to do the code cracker,

And unable to find it,

Brought me her own from home the next day;

Nikki,

Who is direct and says things as they are

Who poses questions

That most would phrase as orders

 In a way I can’t refuse

For not wanting to make her job harder,

And who’s simple presence

Even without words

Already brings me comfort.

Jacki,

Who seems to have a sixth sense

When she sees me crying uncontrollably

On a chair in the hallway

Waiting for a nurse

And wraps me

(me, who hates being touched at the best of times)

In a big hug against her ample bosom

Gifting me with the first moment of peace

I’ve had all day.

I look forward to the motherly Samoan night nurse

Returning from her two days off;

To the bright tone of her voice

As she wakes me at six thirty

With a smile, a joke, or a gentle hand on my back

To have my medication

In preparation for breakfast.

These are the special ones

The ones who make it possible

To keep going

To keep breathing

To keep fighting.