Almost every day I drive about a mile or so to go see my horse, Hannover. She is boarded at a lovely barn with a lot of other lovely horses. She is a rescue that we bought for our daughter years ago, but now she is my pet. And best friend. As I leave her and drive up the private road, this is my view. I am not sure if you can see it, but there is an outline of a beautiful young woman lying in repose on the mountaintop. They call her the Sleeping Princess.
It’s funny, as I was reading, I was reminded of another Henry Nouwen quote. I won’t get it exactly right but he was exploring the difference between caring and curing. He was pretty direct in claiming that curing without caring is bloodless, and maybe even a little cruel.
I feel I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with medical teams
who made caring their first priority. Of course, curing mattered, but curing was not always possible. The caring always was, and they never flinched from that sacred work.
It is such an encouragement to read your words, and to know that there are others who have the courage to care even when caring means seeing what nobody should see.
This is such an important and emotional subject. Before returning to my first love, art, I was a nurse for 19 years. I still remember the names and circumstances of pediatric patients I cared for more than 40 years ago. They remain in your heart forever and the little ache doesn't go away. I am now at an age where friends or their spouses are dying. It is a sobering feeling knowing there are more years behind you and ahead. Thank you for the care you have given to those at the end of their journey.
Thank you for this.
It’s funny, as I was reading, I was reminded of another Henry Nouwen quote. I won’t get it exactly right but he was exploring the difference between caring and curing. He was pretty direct in claiming that curing without caring is bloodless, and maybe even a little cruel.
I feel I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with medical teams
who made caring their first priority. Of course, curing mattered, but curing was not always possible. The caring always was, and they never flinched from that sacred work.
It is such an encouragement to read your words, and to know that there are others who have the courage to care even when caring means seeing what nobody should see.
Thank you.
Thank you. Your Hannover is beautiful and I'm glad she tends you so well.
This is such an important and emotional subject. Before returning to my first love, art, I was a nurse for 19 years. I still remember the names and circumstances of pediatric patients I cared for more than 40 years ago. They remain in your heart forever and the little ache doesn't go away. I am now at an age where friends or their spouses are dying. It is a sobering feeling knowing there are more years behind you and ahead. Thank you for the care you have given to those at the end of their journey.