“Nurses make the worst patients!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that old saying. Since I was a nurse from 1978-2012 when I “retired”. And it was certainly time for me, complaining about injections that were painful, not being warned about bitter tasting medication, etc. Yet, there’s a nurse here I’ve known for several years that I could never find anything to complain about. The nicest smartest, most compassionate nurse I’ve ever met. Pam's an unbeatable combination of brains, blessings, and plain old-fashioned brotherly love.

Example #1- during the Covid epidemic here at the Sanctuary, I was infected and feeling the effects in my lower GI tract. I had an “accident” trying to get out of bed. The CNA cleaned up my wheelchair while Pam gently and tenderly washed my buttocks and upper thighs with such a gentle touch that I could “feel her love,” and I felt, even though I was embarrassed, that she really cared about me. This “loving touch” is a rarity in these days of hurry up, care plans, and mandated time.

Example #2- Whatever Pam does, I feel that our time together is precious. That being said, even though Pam has the same protocols, policies, and time constraints, Pam makes me feel special, like I’m her only patient! And doesn’t everyone want to feel special now and then? All I can say in conclusion is that I hope that in my nursing career, I touched at least one patient like Pam touched me, and that I made someone feel special.