Sing for Joy!

I joked with you when you weren't feeling well.
You smiled with your sweet face when I laughed.

You weren't always well, but you fought hard.
We nurses talked about you with affection.
We had respect for your determination.

Your sisters played with your fingers and toes.
Your father looked proudly at you as you smiled.
Your mother held you gently in her arms.
Your family adored you.

I stroked your hair as you lie sweating.
Tears formed in my eyes as you suffered.

I prayed over you as I cared for you.
I prayed - and God answered by taking you home.

Now you are running and jumping in heaven.
You have no pain, you can breathe with ease.
No more struggling, or uncertainty.
You can see brilliant colors, and hear wonderful sounds.
I even bet you are singing.

You will be greatly missed, my little friend... forever.
But your memory, smiles, and determination will last.
Every time I think of you I will smile and be strong.
You showed me why I became a nurse.

So sing for joy, amazing boy!
Can't wait to see you again someday.

No Nurses In Heaven...

"We nurses won’t be necessary, over there in heaven.

The people there are healthy and there isn’t any death.

The pains that we are easing now will all be gone, in glory,

And nurses can take off their shoes and stop to catch their breath.

There won't be any nursing care that we can give in heaven.

We won’t be giving intravenous fluids there, or pills,

Inhabitants of heaven, we shall run and not be weary,

But they won’t be needing nurses, for there won’t be any ills.

We nurses won’t be necessary, over there in heaven.

If we want to serve God as a nurse, this earth’s the only place.

The only time we’re needed is today, while folks are suffering,

For they won’t need any nurses when they see the Savior’s face.”

-Author unknown

This week we celebrated the life of a most beloved man, Irv Mercer, who passed away last week from a heart attack. We feel as if he was taken too soon from us, but it was in God’s perfect timing! My most favorite memory of him was to see him every Sunday in church. He would drive his wonderful wife to church early so she could practice the hymns of the day on the piano, while he would wait out in the car and make funny faces at us when we’d walk by. Later, after the service, when we would lock eyes, he gave me a surprised look, as if he would have never guessed he would see me there. Then, with the most loving smile, would give me a bear hug – pink shirt, pink tie, and big ol’ belly!! =]

He was always one of my biggest supporters through nursing school and when I started a new job at the hospital. Never did he lack a humorous story or uplifting word that would brighten my day. I’m convinced he could make me smile or laugh anytime, no matter what! Which is why our church family considered it a true honor and JOY, to celebrate his life together yesterday. This one man, whose relationship with God was so important to him, led many lives to Christ. His gentle spirit and smiling face were evidence for the joy of the Lord that he retained in his life. Our hearts are heavy with the sadness of not having him here among us. Truthfully, it is going to be very tough not seeing him at church… and not getting my hug. BUT, through Jesus Christ I have the hope of being reunited with Mr. Irv Mercer again in heaven. Oh what a MAGNIFICENT reunion that will be!! I can’t even imagine what joy it will be!

Please continue to pray for the family, especially his wife, as they begin the next few week’s adjustments. I’m praying and believing that the comfort that only comes from Jesus Christ will enfold them at this time.

Until we meet again, Mr. Mercer, I’ll continue working hard at the hospital! You will no longer be asking me to identify and cure your aches and pains (hehe!!), because, guess what – you have none!!!! None of us will have any aches or pains when we join you. So I guess that means I should work as hard as I can while I still have a job!!! :)

“If we want to serve God as a nurse, this earth’s the only place…”

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” --Revelation 21:4