Into each dark night I go off to work. I try to mentally prepare for the long night ahead. Every shift is different…but the same as the one before. To watch the blips and lines that cross a screen, understanding what each one means. One person holding the lives of many in her hands. This is no job for mistakes or hesitation, but for quick decisions…can’t afford to second-guess. Emotion is to be left out of the element of this position. One must function on facts and the task at hand. Your husbands, wives, grandparents and friends leave the outside world behind as they enter mine. A universe in and of itself. We create the rules and set the limits that each person is to have. Some are there for comfort and support when the going gets too tough to handle at home. Most are there by necessity; their health requires our vigilant care and expertise. I’m like the ghost in the corner…always there and watching. I can tell each movement you make, each breath you take. I know your reactions before you do. I can see every flutter you feel inside your chest. Did you know that each beat is counted, weighed, measured and scrutinized from every possible angle? While your mind sleeps through the night, your body carries on without your conscience thoughts and I’m there holding your heart in my hands. I’m the keeper of the flame within you. I’m there to see that your journey is without incident. I never see your face nor you see mine…but I know you well. Always in the background…watching, waiting. I know how unique you are, all the little idiosyncrasies you never knew you had. Pray to God that you never need know I’m there…but be grateful that I am…it may be me who saved you first. For I’m the keeper of the flame…holder of your heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The mechanics of cardiac physiology is beyond the comprehension of most lay-people, but I know it like the back of my hand…it’s my job, it’s what I love. I’m more than a nurse watching a screen with squiggly lines. I know what each beat means, know it’s source, know it’s strengths and weaknesses, know when it’s being efficient and when it’s not and needs some help. I can see you from the inside out. I’m the silent partner of your care and attention. I don’t seek praise…my satisfaction comes from seeing you safely through your journey.
Dee this is superb,
not only as a great piece of literature but also in the way it discribes what you do and how you do it, it is an honour to know you and consider you a friend..
take care sweetheart until we chat again..
steve
Thanks for this Dee.....what a wonderful woman you must be. My Mother is a nurse..I'd love to have been....but I shiver sometimes at how very hard some parts of that must be. Though I'm sure with the sorrow there is happiness...as in life. Thanks again, Dani :)
Great piece of writing here Dee!!!!!....and thanks so much for your words of encouragement on my poems, I appreciate it!!!!!
Sandie Angel :o) / May Lu $*_*$
Reviewed by Joel Raja Kumar J (Reader)
Reviewed on November 10, 2002
Thanks for stopping by to read and review my poem Dee. You are more than a nurse. Great work of a great service.
Love from India - Joel -
Reviewed by Larry K
Reviewed on November 10, 2002
As an ER nurse Dee, I can more than appreciate the job you do. The stress of watching multi screens of patients night and night can be more stressful on the mind than the normal lay person can even imagine. God bless you Dee.
Reviewed by na na (Reader)
Reviewed on November 9, 2002
With all my heart problems,I am so thankful
for people with your skills. You and the others who work in this field hold our heart in your hands, and we have great trust in you. Bill
As a person who has had three heart attacks and two separate bypass surgeries,and 3 angioplasties... I thank you, for I am well aware of how important you are when I'm in the hospital. Excellent write.Bless you;-)!
Reviewed by La Belle Rouge (Reader)
Reviewed on November 9, 2002
Wow, this is powerful, and so are you! Godspeed in your work.
Oh, Dee, thank you for this enlightening piece!! I feel comforted and safe with the thought of you holding my flame!! What compassion you have, something not seen as brightly in this day and age...
your love for your job is clearly evident in this! so glad you are helping others get well; god bless you, and god bless all of the nurses! love, your friend, karen lynn. (((HUGS))) :)
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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You truly are the keeper of the flame.
And just a downright keeper. :)
John
Tinka
not only as a great piece of literature but also in the way it discribes what you do and how you do it, it is an honour to know you and consider you a friend..
take care sweetheart until we chat again..
steve
Jack
Loved the insight into a part of your world!
Sherry
Sandie Angel :o) / May Lu $*_*$
Love from India - Joel -
for people with your skills. You and the others who work in this field hold our heart in your hands, and we have great trust in you. Bill