Touched by Angels of Mercy: Small Doses of Genuine Life by Nurses, Patients, and Caregivers

By Laura Lagana

Touched by Angels of Mercy contains small doses of genuine life, from nurses, patients and caregivers, that touch the heart and foster healing. This collection of short stories and poems, interspersed with tasteful cartoons, contains helpful resource information, as well as a brief biography of each contributing author.

Many of the works in this collection offer a glimpse into the nurse-patient relationship, as seen through the eyes of the patient, nurse or family member. Some of the stories reveal caregiving scenarios taken from brief moments in history, behind prison walls or even on a golf course.

Anyone may be labeled an "Angel of Mercy." This term is not exclusive to nurses. Our world needs the healing "angels" who come to us in a variety of forms, when and where we least expect them. At some time in our lives, each one of us will encounter illness, pain and death. Along with it will come the need for a helping hand and the gentle, caring touch of an "angel of mercy."

Everyone has the ability to be courageous, tenacious and loving. When people are hurting, whether from illness, injury or other reasons, they have the instinctive need to be touched and nurtured.

People also have the need and desire to share their experiences with others. This process of sharing is frequently healthful and therapeutic. The strength, knowledge and inspiration that comes from recounting personal life and death experiences with one another stimulates healing.

The profession of nursing deals with the prevention of illness, as well as the care and rehabilitation of the sick. Although it takes a special person to answer this "calling," todays nurses are vastly different from those of yesteryear. The changing world of healthcare has created unique challenges and added pressures for nursing, but it has also created new frontiers.

In addition, there is a growing number of caregivers in our society. Caregivers often feel isolated, apprehensive, exhausted and overwhelmed. They desperately need relief as well as ongoing support.

Nurses and caregivers reach out and become "angels" for others. They are compassionate, intelligent and caring beings that provide hands-on care to help the sick to heal, or comfort them as they die. Nurses and caregivers are not invincible; they also need to take care of themselves.

The need to be touched by another, and to share personal experiences, are universal human requirements. The strength, knowledge and inspiration that comes from recounting personal life and death experiences fosters healing. Wounds heal from the inside out--so does the heart and soul.

Writing these stories has been a therapeutic experience for our authors, and for some, an extremely difficult task. It is our hope that by reading and sharing these real-life, personal experiences, you too will be touched, inspired and healed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 30, 2001
• ISBN: 9781462806379

Laura Lagana

Laura Lagana is an author, professional speaker and retired registered nurse who enjoys writing and speaking about real-life experiences and healthy inspiration. She is a former member of the National Speakers Association, American Nurses Association, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, National Nurses in Business Association, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, Bryn Mawr Hospital Alumnae Association and Delaware Literary Connection. Her nursing experiences include medical-surgical, intensive care, rehabilitation and orthopaedics. During the last seven years of her clinical nursing career, she specialized in orthopaedics and attained orthopaedic nurse certification. Laura also has over 35 years of gratifying volunteer endeavors. She can be reached via e-mail: [e-mail].

Book preview

TOUCHED BY

ANGELS

OF MERCY

small doses of genuine life by

nurses, patients and caregivers

Laura Lagana, RN

Copyright © 2001 by Laura Lagana, RN.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-7-XLIBRIS

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

THE POWER OF LOVE

In the Arms of Angel-ElaineGray Dumler

Just a Hug-Charlotte Iliff Lafean

The Healing Power of Mom’s Milk Toast-Perry Arledge-Smith

One More Kiss from Rose-Laura Lagana

A Mother’s Commitment-Grace G. Martin

A Love Note for Lill-joy lee

Your Son Is Here-Richard Bourbeau

The Gift of Love-Debra L. Skelly

Their Love Shined Through-Tom Lagana

Love and Compassion in Maximum Security-Bob Kennington

A Single Act of Love-Laura Lagana

A Second Chance-June Curti

CHAPTER 2 PEARLS OF WISDOM

Why Do These Things Have to Happen?-Lillet Walters

Your Best Shot-Laura Lagana

The Color White-Janet I. Buck

Breaking down the Walls-Nancy Harris Anderson

What We Learn about Ourselves-Dorothy J. Smith

Rosa’s Prophecy-Laura Lagana

Touched by a Patient-Laura Lagana

The Gift that Makes the Difference-Tricia Caliguire

Q-Ward-Judith W. Magnon

The Lesson-Laura Lagana

One of the Finest Teachers-Susan C. Bailey

CHAPTER 3 REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE

Attitude Adjustment-Pat Clutter

Nurse Bonnie-Ken Duke Monse’Broten

All in a Day’s Work-Naomi Rhode

The Gift of New Life-Jeanne O’Neill

We Are Gifts to Each Other-Lynn Durham

Comforting Word-Tom Lagana

Home Care-Charlotte Iliff Lafean

Threads and Transformations-Connie Shaw

My Guardian Angel-Jeanne M. Alford

Please Don’t Let Me Die-Arlene Hanon

You’re One Thought Away from Feeling Better-Lynn Durham

As a British Lass Would-Steven Dodrill

My Little Friend-Catherine (Jennie Gilardi) Lagana

CHAPTER 4 MODELS OF PERSISTENCE

Happy Birthday Grace-Nancy B. Gibbs

A Basket of Roses-Carrie Farella

Angels Called Nurses-William L. Gallagher

Gutsy Nurses-Fran Abell

The Other Side of the Mountain-Shirley Doan

A Tour of Duty-Judith W. Magnon

A Whole Person-Sharen A. Resendes

The Last Dream-Helen Papas-Kavalis

Nurses on Horseback Clellon H. Callahan, Sr.

Just a Nurse-Judy Cook

CHAPTER 5 ACTING ON FAITH

Tee-Off-Craig C. Johnson

The Touch of Kindness and Prayer-Kathi Smillie

The Touch of an Angel-Rosemarie Riley

Believing in Miracles-Barbara Bartlein

This Is Holy Ground-Rexford Moore

Never Lose Hope-Louise Fleming

God’s Little Angel-Gail Kuhlman

A Gift from Above-Joanne Turnier

Last Dance-Craig C. Johnson

My Johnny Angel-Karen E. (Krishen) Ragone

CHAPTER 6 LITTLE ANGELS

Donna’s Comfort-Teresa Dowe Huggins

The Cast-Cutter-LeAnn Thieman

Just Add Water- Bob Perks

My Beautiful Children-Victoria Molinari

A Special Little Angel-Deborah Ann Rhody

Fairy Godmother-Rebecca Parant

Angel on the Spot-Christopher M. Cassidy

A Child’s Understanding-Gerry Bernard Sheridan

An Angel in Disguise-Karen St. Andre’

The King-Elizabeth Weyhknecht

V" Is for Victory-Debra L. Skelly

Training of the Heart Cindy Wilhite

Bobby-Anonymous

CHAPTER 7 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

When CPR and ICU Were New-Lois M. Studte

A Couple Doses of Laughter-Candy Abbott

Please and Thank You-Ann Rossander Turner

Lunch Dates-Laura Lagana

Society’s Forgotten Child-Pat Clutter

Death Is not Always Failure-Pamela J. Brown

Those Wonderful Angels of Mercy-Roy E. Day

This Is the Calling for Me-James T. Coan

Home for Christmass-Judie Sinclair

There Is a Reaso-Diana J. Barnes (Carter)

Dad-M. Theresa Hommel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RESOURCES

WHAT OTHERS HAVE

REVEALED ABOUT

TOUCHED BY ANGELS

OF MERCY

Insightful vignettes of nurse heroism that makes one proud to be a nurse. This book is enlightening—the heart and soul of caring reflected by stories of nurses and how they made a difference… . a big difference. I am blessed to be a nurse.

Laura Gaspar is Vonfrolio RN, PhD, CEN

president, Education Enterprises

president, Power-Publications author,

publisher, lecturer and consultant

New York

Nurses are very special people and these touching stories and poems demonstrate that aspect of nursing with much dignity and grace. Many will benefit from the accounts you share …

Linda Morrison Combs Ed. D.

consultant, professional speaker

author of A Long Goodbye and Beyond

North Carolina

"These are the beautiful and often untold stories of the sacredness and joy of everyday life for a caregiver. A must read for anyone who is a nurse by profession or by duty; or has ever considered being a nurse; or anyone who has ever encountered an angel of mercy.

Donna Cardillo, RN

president, Cardillo & Associates

New Jersey

This reinforces the fact that we never know who God will send into our lives to be our special angel. A beautiful and touching reminder of the need for faith and perseverance.

Jackie Kucera

caregiver and wife of a cancer patient

Wisconsin

Ms. Lagana presents what many people know but few articulate: the caring, genuine concern for humanity that is nursing, undergirded by a sound knowledge base. These stories deliver the message in a most human and personal way.

Karen Morin, DSN, RN

professor of nursing, Penn State University

Pennsylvania

It’s been a joy reading these stories and poems about real angels on earth.

Claire Letourneaux, RD

registered dietitian, St. Paul Home Inc.

Wisconsin

Nurses and caregivers will appreciate this collection of inspirational and spiritual connection for those who deal with illness or those who need help. The stories and poems relate how certain situations, considered by many to be sad and futile, may provide an opportunity for hope and joy to those who choose this life of giving.

Jean Raymond, MS, RN

geriatric/gerontological clinical nurse specialist

Delaware

"As I read the stories, I found myself experiencing a profound respect and appreciation for the angels we call nurses. These men and women give much of themselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. This collection reflects a deep sense of commitment and love. You will be inspired and grateful that these people have chosen nursing; for at some time in our lives we, or someone we love, will be faced with a medical crisis. Fortunately, there will be people like the ones described in these stories available to support our healing.

Esther Wright, M.A.

educator, author of Why I Teach California

"This wonderful collection of heartwarming and uplifting stories reminds us of what a noble profession it is to serve

others through the skillful practice and loving art of nursing."

Jack Canfield

co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul

California

As a registered nurse, I have always been proud of my profession. This book reinforces that pride. In these stories we see beyond the theory and technology; we see love, tenderness and compassion.

Helen Daley, RN

geriatric nurse Delaware

This book is dedicated to God, all nurses and caregivers, patients

and their families, friends and significant others, and Angels of

Mercy everywhere who take care of, or who have ever taken care

of, another person.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people have generously shared their time, expertise, and occasionally their tears, to help make this book possible. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all, especially:

Tom, my loving soul-mate, best friend, business partner, mentor, computer consultant and jack-of-all-trades, for your gifts of love, inspiration, patience, humor and support. Our precious sons, Brandon and Daniel, our daughter-in-law, Jackie, and our grandson, Brandon, for your steadfast love, e-mail messages, telephone calls and welcome words of encouragement. Linda, my sister and good friend, for patiently tolerating my countless shenanigans over the years and for listening with an open heart. My steadfast parents, Lucille Shreatte and Melville Hayes, for nurturing my passion for writing and answering endless questions. May you continue to enjoy heavenly bliss together.

Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, for your generous words of inspiration that awakened my slumbering passion for writing, and for reading my initial manuscript.

Echo Heron, nurse-author and mindful mentor, for your guidance, valuable suggestions and constructive candor.

Nursing Spectrum, for your role in sharing the call for stories. Bob Hess, for publishing my first story. Cindy Saver, for encouraging me to continue writing. Carrie Farella, nurse journalist, for your persistent enthusiasm and constructive comments.

Paula Schneider and LeAnn Thieman, for generously sharing your expertise while working on your own books.

Abigail Scott, of Advance for Nurses, for your informative interview and keen interest.

Matt Matteo, who generously gave of his time and talent to add the element of humor through his cartoons.

My nursing instructors, professors, classmates and dorm- buddies, former patients and their families, colleagues and all who have touched my life, for teaching me far more than you will ever know.

All of the authors who sent their stories, poems and artwork, for sharing your touching, personal experiences and momentous memories. I only wish that all of your works could have been included.

The assiduous readers, for volunteering your time and talent to patiently read and assess each story: Jeanne Alford, RN; Laura Allen; Neil Soriano Bagadiong; Shirley Becker; Candace Campbell, PA-C; Judy Cook, RN; June Curti, RN, BSN; Susilee Dean, RN; Shirley Doan; Lynn Durham, RN; Normandie Fallon, RN; Carrie Farella, RN, MA; Judith Friedman; Lana Robertson Hayes; Theresa Hommel, RN, BSN; Donna and Hal Jacobs; Jackie Kucera; Charlotte Lafean, RNC, BSN; Catherine Lagana, RN; Jacqueline Lagana; Tom Lagana; Claire Letourneaux, RD; Judy Magnon, RN,c., BS, LADC; Rene’ Maldonado; Linda and Bob Pyle; Rosemarie Riley; Debra Skelly, RN, BSN, CPN; Judy Triziski; Monica Troy; Jack Vaughn; and Cindy Wilhite, RN. Although some readers were inspired to submit their own work, none of the contributing authors rated their own material.

I am sincerely grateful to all who have shared their esteemed guidance, wisdom and loving support.

INTRODUCTION

Blessed with the burning desire to write, I began keeping a

diary as soon as I learned how to print. Early childhood memories include my father’s creative writing and speech lessons where my sister, Linda, and I reviewed vocabulary and took turns reading aloud from the Reader’s Digest. Years later, I grew to appreciate my father’s gifts, and my diary eventually became my journal.

I was also born with the desire to help, to heal and to love— both people and animals. I tried to fix injured birds, coaxed stray cats and dogs to follow me home and conducted many fish and turtle funerals. When I discovered it wasn’t always possible to help or to heal, I knew I could still love, pray and hope.

At the age of five, while my parents picnicked on the beach, I nearly drowned in Lake Michigan. My sister summoned help, saving my life. The incredible feeling of peace, as I bobbed up and down with the waves, felt natural and peaceful. In a childish way, I faced the likelihood of my own death.

In the first year of my nursing education, I cared for two patients who vividly described their after-death experiences. The realistic details of their encounters made a lasting impression on me.

Two years later, while swimming at the New Jersey seashore, I was caught in a rip-tide. My boyfriend managed to grab hold of my arm despite the murky, sandy water. Fortunately, he saved my life before I was pulled out to sea. At the age of twenty, this served as yet another reminder of my own mortality.

While working as a newly-graduated nurse on a psychiatric ward, my young female patient attempted to strangle me. I felt grateful to be alive and had an even greater respect for the precious gift of life.

In August 1969, I graduated as a nurse. Along the way, I helped many people to heal and prayed with those who couldn’t. I nursed two sick sons and a husband back to health, and buried both of my parents and my father-in-law. I also learned that there are no coincidences in this incredible journey called life.

Three events inspired me to begin working on this book. The first was Christopher Reeve’s equestrian accident on May 27, 1995. This astounding man courageously turned an unexpected, negative life-experience into an opportunity to make a positive difference in many lives that were shattered by spinal cord injuries.

The second, less dramatic but very significant, event was saying yes to my husband’s request that we attend a seminar together in California, in July of 1997. Although we didn’t know what to expect, we went to Jack Canfield’s Facilitation Skills Seminar. After participating in the interactive exercises of that action-packed, lifealtering week, I rediscovered my life-long passion for writing.

The third event was the sudden death of Princess Diana on August 30, 1997. This kind-hearted young woman and mother, who had touched many lives worldwide, was suddenly killed in a tragic automobile accident. How ironic that Mother Teresa followed her in death, only days later.

In December 1997, the idea for Touched by Angels of Mercy was born, and I began writing and collecting short stories and poems. In the process of reading hundreds of letters, poems and stories that were submitted, two things became crystal-clear to me: that people have the need and desire to share their experiences with others; and this sharing process is often healthful and therapeutic.

As a nurse, mother, intermittent caregiver and occasional patient, I understand how important it is to consider the whole person—the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. This holistic approach is clearly an effective way to diagnose and deal with illness, whether to achieve the state of wellness or to ease the process of dying.

In addition, the growing number of caregivers often feel apprehensive, exhausted, overwhelmed and isolated; they desperately need relief and support too. The need to be touched by another and to recount personal experiences are universal human requirements. The strength, knowledge and inspiration that comes from sharing personal life and death experiences with one another stimulates healing. Wounds heal from the inside out—so does the heart and soul.

Nursing offers a multitude of unique moments to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as in our own. Many nurses, patients and caregivers have had at least one special moment to cherish forever.

As nursing continues to evolve and the scope of practice widens, it is important to remember those from our past who have been instrumental in shaping the nursing profession, as well as our world.

Since volumes have already been written on the historical aspects of nursing and caregiving, I have selected two extraordinary people who have earned a distinguished place in history, for consideration in this book.

Florence Nightingale, The Founder of Modern Nursing, dedicated her life to ministering to the sick. During the Crimean War, she organized a group of nurses to aid the wounded and later established the first school designed to train nurses in London in 1860. Florence Nightingale elevated nursing to a profession.

Clara Barton, (Clarissa Harlowe Barton), was nicknamed The Angel of the Battlefield because of her dedication to the injured during the Civil War. She eventually was named superintendent of the Union nurses. In 1881 she was instrumental in organizing the American Red Cross.

The profession of nursing deals with the prevention of illness and the care and rehabilitation of the sick. It takes a special person to answer this calling. The word angel comes from the Greek word meaning messenger. Since angels are God’s messengers, it’s no small wonder that nurses are sometimes referred to as angels of mercy.

Today’s nurses are vastly different from those of yesteryear.

Although the changing world of healthcare has created many challenges for nursing, it has also brought new frontiers. Change will always be a part of our lives; and likewise, our need to be touched by one another and to share common experiences.

For nurses, the goal remains the same—to make a difference in the lives of their patients. Nurses and caregivers reach out and become angels for others. They are compassionate, intelligent and caring beings that provide hands-on care, to help the sick to heal, or comfort them as they die. Nurses and caregivers are not invincible; they also need to take care of themselves.

There are many in this world who might be labeled as angels of mercy. This term is not limited solely to nurses, however. Our world needs the healing angels who come to us in a variety of forms, when and where we least expect them.

Except for a few cases where permission has been granted, fictitious names have been substituted for actual names, in order to protect confidentiality and respect anonymity.

Writing these stories has been a therapeutic experience for our authors, and for some, an extremely difficult task. We invite you to contact the authors, and to peruse the resource information that is provided within these pages. It is our hope that, by reading and sharing these real-life, personal experiences, you too will be touched, inspired and healed.

If you learn from your suffering, and really come to understand the lesson you were taught, you might be able to help someone else who’s now in the phase you may have just completed. Maybe that’s what it’s all about after all.

~ Anonymous

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CHAPTER 1

THE POWER OF LOVE

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.

~ Sophocles

In the Arms of Angels

I glanced at the clock on the musty green hospital wall. Almost midnight. Had it really been only twenty-one hours since the ringing phone startled me from sleep, spinning my life out of control? Panicked, I grabbed the receiver, fearing something had happened to my mother. But it was my mother’s voice I heard on the other end: Your younger sister … Rondi … brain aneurysm … coma … surgery … can you fly to New York right away?

Before I knew it, I was pacing in an intensive care unit waiting room. The walls, supposedly painted to look soft and welcoming, instead felt cold and threatening. Random chairs sat scattered, while others formed small circles of comfort for families. This room was like no place else on earth. Time stood still here.

I walked to the window and gazed from the eighth floor at the people below. I wanted to scream, How dare you have the audacity to carry on normal lives! Don’t you have any idea what’s happening up here?

Yes, my world had definitely stopped. On one side of the waiting room, where we’d made camp, friends and relatives congregated to pray, help, cry, ask why and bring food. It felt like we should be gathering for a party, not pleading for Rondi to make it through the night.

Family members were allowed in her room, only one or two at a time. We took shifts around the clock so Rondi would never be alone. I walked in, startled by the incongruity of seeing her peacefully asleep, quiet, no movement amidst the chaotic activity around her. I counted the rhythmic sounds from monitors and machines—the eerie whoosh of the ventilator and the steady beep- beep proving she was still alive.

Nurses, dressed in blue, bustled around checking