It seemed like an ordinary morning. I came to work early as usual. I placed my bag in my locker. I stuffed my pockets with all the ammunitions I need in the warzone – stethoscope, penlight, markers, alcohol swabs.
I went on to take the morning hand-over. I quickly browsed the computer system to check what my patients would be needing for the shift, and that actually means checking what kind of life I would be having for the next 12 hours. Well, it seemed like another busy day. I started planning inside my head. The tasks started to run wild inside my brains.
I was at this state when a colleague approached me. “Hey, you got a package in the fridge!”
“I do? Okay, I’ll check that now. Thanks.” And so I quickly went to the coffeeroom where our packages and mails are placed. I usually get stuff from the mail, but most of them work-related, like memos and education packs. But hey, did I hear him say “fridge?” Why did they put my package in the fridge?
As I opened the fridge, I found this brown box with a blue card with my name on it.
I opened the box and found colorful cupcakes.
My colleague told me that the box came from a patient who dropped by with his family. He described how the patient looked like, and I started remembering who that patient was.
That patient had a tracheostomy done (a surgical opening on the throat). He couldn’t talk because of his surgery so we communicated by writing on a piece of paper. He has been discharged many days back.
And here he is trying to communicate again by writing.
And his unspoken words meant so much.
They didn’t only mean that he appreciated the kind of care he had when he was under my care. They didn’t only mean that he was happy with how his surgery went.
For me, it also meant that what I have done for him has made him go back to the community to live again. It also meant that whatever I do for my patients, his family benefit too. It meant that all my hardwork don’t go unnoticed – that even patients who are unable to verbalize their feelings, know how to appreciate. It meant that “caring” does not only mean trying to complete all the tasks I have for the day, but it meant “touching somebody else’s life.”
I have read the message beyond the words. It meant that I should be proud of what I do as a nurse.
Thank you for reminding me that.
Oh wow…that is fantastic. What a wonderful way to find validation in what you do.
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Sometimes it’s just these little things that make you boost your energy.
Thanks for taking the time to read the post 🙂
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So sweet to receive recognition and appreciation for being kind and compassionate. Thanks for sharing. Those treats look yummy.
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Thanks for taking the time reading my post 🙂 It was indeed yummy 😀
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A heart-warming and inspiring post, Nelson. Thank you for the service you do/give as a Nurse. The world needs Nurses. Be blessed!
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Thanks for these encouraging words! I really appreciate it 🙂
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A little appreciation does go a long way, and no doubt was a great way to start your day. However, it seems that your kindness planted the seed for appreciation. So, good job, Nelson. I hope you enjoy your cupcakes and your day! 🙂
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It does give one a boost when appreciated. I wish more people learns the “art of appreciating”.
Thanks for stopping by, Orples 🙂
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Congratulations. It really touches the heart to know you and your work is appreciated. It gives you the extra spark to carry on.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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It did gave me the extra spark to carry on!
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
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What a wonderful way to start your day. Yes, I think you should be very proud of the work you do as a nurse.
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
Thanks for taking the time reading my post 🙂
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Awwww…what a sweet man and well deserved Nelson. Most of the times people really do not realise what hard work you do and then something like this comes around and makes up for all of it. 🙂
*hugs*
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Thanks for the sweet words, Sonel! I really appreciate it 🙂
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Days like these are what make work seem like a walk in the park. It is obvious you love what you do and the patients sense it. You should be proud of the effect you have on others. Congrats!
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Thanks for your kind words, Marcia! Sometimes it really gets difficult at work, but then times like these surely make up for the bad times. Thanks for stopping over.
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Yummy!! There is no one better than the nurses when you are sick!! Thanks for all you do!
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Thanks for your encouraging words, Cee 🙂
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Nurses do not get near enough recognition, applause, or thank yous. You all leave imprints on people’s lives and more often than not never even realize that you do. The nurses that took care of me when I had my craniotomy were beyond amazing. Thank you for doing what you do. I am so glad you found this treasure from a patient that took a moment to say thanks. : )
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I’m glad you had a nice experience with nurses who took care of you when you were sick. I’m glad you are doing well now. Thanks for your kind words about nurses. I really appreciate it 🙂
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What a gift you have given each other! I always think the return of graitude is worth so much more than the original gift… to both the sender and the receiver. Thank you for the brightness you have added to my day with this post.
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I think so too!
Thanks for taking the time reading my post 🙂
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Fabulous story! Well told and surely well-deserved.
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Thanks, Meg 🙂
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What a wonderful story and gesture… and well deserved. I have to say that it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person… You are one of the best Nelson! Kudos!!! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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By the way, I updated my latest post, here is the new link: http://eof737.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/memories-of-moments-in-bliss/ TY! 🙂
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Okay, I’ll be there shortly 🙂
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Ah what a lovely thing to read…there are so many good people out there…I wish we would hear about them more in the news. That is one of the reasons I like blogs–the positive.
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Thanks for the lovely comment, TBM.
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This was indeed a heart touching story. You are really wonderful human being Nelson. Thanks bro for being the inspiration to all of us, to spread love & care in the society we live. Great post. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. Best wishes to you.
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Thanks for the kind words, Arindam. I really appreciate it 🙂
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So pleased that you received the recognition that you deserved. How many of us go through life taking and not saying thank you? Thank you is such a small thing to say, yet so powerful and so needed.
Well done.
Kate
http://myphotoyear2012.wordpress.com
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Thanks for stopping by, Kate. That’s what I really wanted to say in this post – that a “thank you” means so much to the person who’s being appreciated 🙂 Nice meeting you here 😀
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In this world, it is really the small things that count a lot .
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Indeed!
Thanks for stopping by!
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Even the simplest care we give our patients…… a sincere reassurance, a warm smile…….nothing goes unnoticed. Obviously, your patient did noticed. You can certainly be proud of what you do.
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Thanks, Doc!
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It sounds like you have a pretty tough occupation. You are well organised and caring. Wonderful that your patients appreciate this. It probably gives you a boost to keep on being caring. Lovely post. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Times like this definitely gives me the boost I need to be more compassionate with my patients. It feels so good to know that people appreciate you for the work you do.
Thank you for this lovely comment, AuntyUta 🙂
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Wonderful post! So inspiring 🙂
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Thanks a lot!
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A beautiful, heartwarming post! Those cupcakes look almost too pretty to eat. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, thirdhandart!
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What a lovely sentiment! A simple but still powerful gesture. Thanks!
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the cupcakes look sweet, but the gesture and the meaning behind it were the sweetest!
great job, nelson! 🙂
carry on!
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Thanks, doc gelo!
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aww, that’s sweet. it only means that he really appreciate your effort and patience. keep it up!
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Thanks, Michi!
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the cupcakes look delicious:D
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They are!
Thanks for stopping by, Zoan!
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This will inspire you do even more and that how great it would be to learn that your care for your patients didn’t go unnoticed, this must be a big payoff for you – payoff in terms of appreciating the job you did well and continue to do well… No wonder you were one of the chosen few who were sent to Yas Island (sorry not sure if that was the name, all I can remember was it was for a Grand Prix… lol
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Yup you got it right – Yas Island. I’m looking forward to another brief stint there again this November 🙂 I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be chosen again 😀 Thanks for dropping some lines, Arvee!
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ok I will cross my fingers for you as well haha… good luck then and you’re welcome 🙂
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