A Tribute to my Nurse
Letter from a Mother to a Daughter:
"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please try to remember the times when you were young and I would remind you to refill meds, not once or twice but often many times. I could have said something to make you feel inadequate or unfit for the task of taking care of your sweet little angel, but I never did because I loved you unconditionally from the very beginning. Also, try to remember the many times I would sit for hours and listen to you talk and we'd laugh or we'd cry while you were growing into the person your Father in Heaven knew you could become.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Just remember, the many times I gave your daughter a bath whether she needed one or not, just because I loved her more than any other nurse ever did.
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like; read medical notes, how to interpret medical terms (how to dress Mariela like a grandma), how to make her smell so sweet even from the other room. I even taught you how to draw her blood and cath her. I never left your side. I taught you how to deal with Mariela's new medical issues every day. I'd share things with you that came from my years of experience as a nurse. You'd take the things I said and apply them to the decisions you so frequently had to make while caring for this medically fragile child, who was your daughter.
The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine when I was at your side when Mariela was slipping from this earth. I took care of her medical needs that were so crucial for her comfort while you just sat and held her in your arms during her final hours on this earth. More important than anything else I was there when the veil was so thin while I guided you with my eyes, through the nightmare of letting her go. I comforted you in a way, I feel confident, very few people on this earth have ever experienced.
I gave you my heart from the moment I stepped into your home. Our spirits met each day and we'd feel the renewal of our eternal friendship each and every time I was there working by your side.
When those days come , don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me with love while I get to the end of my life. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared while working with each other at Mariela's side and for the many years after when I seemed to go from your nurse, to your friend and then to a very special role, that only biological mothers usually get to experience. All the while with a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you. When I arrive on your door step with my little tapestry bag in my hands. Please try and remind me of all the diaper changes you owe me, so I won't feel embarrassed to let you care for me. Remind me that I carried you when you thought you couldn't make it another day raising 7 kids. To make matters even more difficult; three of them who were under three and one who had special needs. I'd remind you how awesome of a mother you were. My words would lift you in ways no other friends love and support ever had. Please remind me that it's okay to finally let you care for me because I cared for you as a mother would all these years. I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "
As your boss and friend this is what I was thinking about when I read this tribute that first time in your kitchen. How honored I felt when I was reading the words that clearly related to you and your biological daughter, then to realize you have actually let me into that very special place in your heart. Thank you for loving me as your boss, friend and your daughter. I love you Marilyn. Thank you for taking me under your angel wings. How thankful I am to have two mothers on this earth. Heavenly Father must truly love me!
Happy Mother's day!
The blog entry below clearly describes just how perfectly the Lord designed for Mariela to be cared for after I agreed to be her mother-He sent you.
