Early on, when this blog first began, I posted a poem by a “crabbit old woman” who lived in a nursing home and pleaded “See Me.” She felt misunderstood, unappreciated, overlooked. I invite you to re-read this touching poem
I have just come across a response to the crabbit old woman which deserves consideration.
Dear Little Old Lady, it’s easy to see You know about you, but not about me. You think I am here for the profit and gain Surrounded by aging, and sickness, and pain. For you see here a woman, efficient and terse, With a neat little pin that proclaims her a nurse And you look in my eyes to find out what I see – But you, too, are neglecting to learn about me. I know you are lonely and frightened and ill But you don’t understand when I offer my skill– You don’t understand that I want you to live And I’m willing to work and to help and to give.. You don’t understand that each patient I see Is a projected picture of what I will be. Please understand when I have to say “No” That it isn’t so easy although it won’t show. Or when pain is a part of the things I must do That the pain is for me as well as for you? I, too, am a women–a maiden or wife– With my even share of the burdens of life. If I’m able to comfort or bring you a smile My day is complete and my job is worthwhile. I bring you my hands and my head and my heart – The gift of my nursing, my skill and my art, Don’t turn me away, don’t hold back your trust For your faith in my love is an absolute must … I will look at you always and ever will see Not a “crabbit old lady” – just extension of me. ———-Florence DeDruchy, Department of Nursing