The following story I would like to share because although many days are stressful and hectic it’s experiences like these that remind me why I decided to become a nurse.
...honored and touched by God's grace." by Sara Otto
Sara is a registered nurse serving at Holy Redeemer Hospital on the Oncology Unit.
The following story I would like to share because although many days are stressful and hectic it’s experiences like these that remind me why I decided to become a nurse.
One of my patients was a caring father of two, loyal husband of 40 plus years, and had no past health-related issues… until now. Following his admission to the hospital for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer, in a matter of days his entire life was turned upside down and he was given a prognosis of one year with surgery and chemotherapy. I had been working with him for two days when I walked into his room this particular afternoon to find his face sullen and downcast. I gently asked how he was coping with everything emotionally, and through teary eyes he told me pieces of his life story and shared his concerns for the future. And so I knelt down beside his bed and placed my hand on his and listened. It was difficult to hear the grief in his voice and feel the sorrow for him within. I had a deep desire to reassure him all would be well or cure his cancer, but in moments like these there are no guarantees or a quick fix for a hurting heart. And so I offered him my presence and prayed to the Ultimate Healer to fill this man with comfort and peace. When I eventually left the room he appeared calmer and I felt a palpable presence of the Holy Spirit.
At the end of my shift later that afternoon I went to say good-bye to this patient. He expressed kind words of appreciation for the care given and asked with a smile if my parents would let him adopt me. It felt good to have made a positive impact on his life and there was something special about this experience that left me feeling honored and touched by God’s grace. It was a moment that reminded me when the Holy Spirit is invited, the One True Physician will show me how to best care, comfort, and heal.
Iris is serving as an activities assistant at St. Joseph’s Manor
One of the reasons I came here was to improve my English. It was a big surprise for me
when I realized that there are a couple of German or Austrian residents at St Joseph’s Manor
and that they really appreciate it when they can speak the language of their childhood again.
I thought it might be a problem that English is not my mother language, but to be honest, it
gave me even more possibilities. In the meantime I learned how to lead groups for activities
by myself and I love to see that we can make the residents smile just by doing our job.
Our residents gave and still give me so much. Everyday I learn a new lesson. A big help
with everything is my community. It is wonderful to know that there are 5 people in your
house with whom you can laugh, cry, pray or have fun. Another activity I have really enjoyed
is spending time with homeless people in Philadelphia. Through St. John the Evangelist Church
in Center City Philadelphia, every Tuesday I gather with other young adults and we meet the homeless. We talk with them and sometimes buy them a cup of coffee or a sandwich. They have many interesting stories to tell and I have learned a great deal from them. Also, I help out at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow on Monday evenings. While the moms attend workshops, I help with babysitting for their children. Working with the elderly, the young and learning about homelessness has opened my eyes to something very special. I really enjoyed this year!
“ . . . many small moments filled with God's presence” by Charity Mead
Charity is serving at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow in the Education and Employment Department
It’s hard to capture my Redeemer Ministry Corps experience in a few paragraphs.
My ministry this year at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow hasn’t brought forth any grand revelations, just many small moments filled with God’s presence. Those moments: the hugs and laughter of a child, the joy of seeing someone realize a dream, or the moment a young woman who is finally able to let down her emotional walls and trust the supportive environment around her, contain deep blessings. It has been my privilege this year to simply be able to walk with young mothers through a portion of their life journey. At times, that has been challenging, but I have been learning to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15).” My role in assisting these women with finding employment or continuing their education is a valuable one, but I think what is even more important is the opportunity to be a constant, welcoming presence. The emphasis on healing presence contained in the CSR(Sisters of the Holy Redeemer) charism has taken on new meaning for me as I have spent time with the families at Project Rainbow. It is gift to be able just to be with them.
As Henri Nouwen wrote, “Learning to weep, learning to keep vigil, learning to wait for the dawn. Perhaps this is what it means to be human.” Christ did all of these things during his time on earth, and the women living at Drueding Center have certainly done their share. As I write this in the middle of Holy Week, I think of how Christ asked his disciples to stay awake and keep watch with him as he prayed in Gethsemane. Maybe the best that I can offer to the families I work with is to be present with them as they work through the crucifixions that they have experienced and begin to walk into their own resurrection. And to have the opportunity to watch resurrections take place is a great gift indeed.