Question for Reflection - Saint Joseph Hospital

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Caring for Oscar S a c r e d S t o r i e s Oscar and I developed an immediate connection, as though we had known each other for years. He was however, my hospice patient. Oscar educated me about life, and, at the end, he shared with me his death. We used to hold hands as he told me stories about his wife, family, the war and his work. We shed tears as he questioned the seriousness of his disease and envisioned his life coming to an end. He never complained about his painful cancer and told jokes during dressing changes. One day, however, the jokes ended. When I arrived at Oscar’s home, his daughter came out to meet me. “Sherrina, I don’t know why dad is still with us. He’s been gasping for air all afternoon,” she said, tears in her eyes. “Let’s go in and see what’s going on, OK?” I said. As we entered Oscar’s room, she said, “Dad, your favorite nurse is here.” “Oscar educated me about life, and, at the end, he shared with me his death.” Oscar’s skin was pale and ashy. His eyes were fixed to the heavens. As I laid my hand on his arm, I could feel the cold dampness of death. I wasn’t sure why he was still with us, but I have faith that dying patients always have their reasons. 10
I sat next to him, stroking his forehead. His daughter held his other hand as I whispered, “Hi Oscar, its Sherrina. Oscar, you have to know how much you’re loved by all of us and we know you love us, too. And when you leave us, we’re all going to miss you. But, it’s okay for you to go now. Look, you’ll never be sick again and we will see you one day very soon. Just find your wife, Oscar, and go with her.” Within seconds his breathing ceased. “I couldn’t figure out why Dad was still with us,” said Oscar’s daughter. “But now I know — he was waiting for you.” As we hugged each other, I looked at Oscar’s face. His expression of pain was gone forever. When Oscar died, I believe that God granted him a peaceful passage and blessed me with the gift of sharing in Oscar’s journey. In hospice, we are given the opportunity to help families through some of the most painful experiences they will ever endure. Caring for Oscar reminded me what being a true, compassionate hospice nurse is all about. S a c r e d S t o r i e s Sherrina Fawn Bitzer, LPN St. Catherine Hospital Garden City, Kansas Note: Some names have been changed to protect confidentiality. Question for Reflection When curing or fixing is not an option, we are often called to care with compassion. How is God calling you to service with compassion this day? 11
Page 1: S a Tenth c Edition r e d s t o r i
Page 4 and 5: T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Forwa
Page 6 and 7: F o r e w o r d “I am always amaz
Page 8 and 9: Blessings in the Midst of Disaster
Page 10 and 11: No Big Deal S a c r e d S t o r i e
Page 14 and 15: My Guardian, Dear S a c r e d S t o
Page 16 and 17: A Human and International Connectio
Page 18 and 19: Every Day Since That One Has Been G
Page 20 and 21: The Twins’ Baptism S a c r e d S
Page 22 and 23: Gone but Not Forgotten S a c r e d
Page 24 and 25: Life and Death S a c r e d S t o r
Page 26 and 27: Who Chaplains Are and What Chaplain
Page 28 and 29: The Old Elevator S a c r e d S t o
Page 30 and 31: Fixing St. Lucia S a c r e d S t o
Page 32 and 33: This is the Day That the Lord Has M
Page 34 and 35: Wrapped in Prayer S a c r e d S t o
Page 36 and 37: The Compassionate Call S a c r e d
Page 38 and 39: Boots to Buckles S a c r e d S t o
Page 40 and 41: Walk With Me, Lord S a c r e d S t
Page 42 and 43: A Labor of Love S a c r e d S t o r
Page 44 and 45: The Jesse Tree S a c r e d S t o r
Page 46 and 47: The Cross is in His Safekeeping S a
Page 48 and 49: What About Bob? S a c r e d S t o r
Page 50 and 51: I Have Seen the Face of God S a c r
Page 52 and 53: Pain Relief S a c r e d S t o r i e
Page 54 and 55: Putting a Face on the Data S a c r
Page 56 and 57: A Husband’s Prayer S a c r e d S
Page 58 and 59: Leaving This Earth Clean S a c r e
Page 60 and 61: Busy Angels — A Holiday Story S a
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Boys Will Be Boys S a c r e d S t o
Page 64 and 65:
Paul S a c r e d S t o r i e s Some
Page 66 and 67:
I Can Draw Fishes Real Good S a c r
Page 68 and 69:
Praying With My Patient S a c r e d
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A Last Goodbye S a c r e d S t o r
Page 72 and 73:
God Put Our Young Patient on Our He
Page 74 and 75:
Family Taking Care of Family S a c
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Try a Labyrinth S a c r e d S t o r
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Ice Cream: Good for the Soul S a c
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A Choice to Make S a c r e d S t o
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Marty ’s Story S a c r e d S t o
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Bagpipes S a c r e d S t o r i e s
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Transformed by Roses S a c r e d S
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A Grace Experienced S a c r e d S t
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Just a Closer Walk With Thee S a c
Page 92 and 93:
A Wealth of Experience S a c r e d
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The Sacred Story About My Dad S a c
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Question for Reflection - Saint Joseph Hospital

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