FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

GODSENTHealthyLifestyleCenters,KentuckyOneHealth,Louisville,Kentucky

OURSHADOWSCHISt.Joseph’sHealth,Dickinson,NorthDakota

RUNNINGTHERACECHIHealthatHome,Breckenridge,Minnesota

NEWFOUNDFREEDOMCHIFranciscanHealthSt.ElizabethHospital,Enumclaw,Washington

COMFORTACROSSTHEMILESCHIHealthGoodSamaritan,Kearney,Nebraska

NEVEROFFTHECLOCKSts.Mary&ElizabethHospitalandOurLadyofPeace,KentuckyOneHealth,Louisville,Kentucky

PLAYINGCARDS,FINDINGMERCYCHISt.Gabriel’sHealth,LittleFalls,Minnesota

UNEXPECTEDMINISTRYCHIHealthImmanuel,Omaha,Nebraska

NOMORETROUBLESCHIHealthGoodSamaritan,Kearney,Nebraska

AGODOFSURPRISESFlagetMemorialHospital,KentuckyOneHealth,Bardstown,Kentucky

FINDINGTHESTRENGTHTOGOONCHISt.JosephHealth,Bryan,Texas

THEPOWEROFCONNECTINGOurLadyofPeace,KentuckyOneHealth,Louisville,Kentucky

IT’SOKAYNOTTOKNOWEVERYTHINGCHIFranciscanHealthSt.AnthonyHospitalGigHarbor,Washington

ALLINADAY’SWORKCHIHealthGoodSamaritan,Kearney,Nebraska

THECHURCHANDTHEBOYCHIFranciscanHealthSt.FrancisHospital,FederalWay,Washington

WHATWASLOSTISALWAYSFOUNDGoodSamaritanHospital,Dayton,Ohio

WEAREPARTOFGOD’SPERFECTPLANCHISt.Joseph’sHealth,Dickinson,NorthDakota

BLESSINGOTHERSSaintJosephMountSterling,KentuckyOneHealth,MountSterling,Kentucky

THEPOWERANDCOMFORTOFSILENCESt.ClareCommons,CHILivingCommunities,Perrysburg,Ohio

UNEXPECTEDBLESSINGSGoodSamaritanHospital,Dayton,Ohio

HOMELESSNOMORECHIHealthMercyCouncilBluffs,CouncilBluffs,Iowa

ABIRTHDAYTOREMEMBERCHIHealthSt.Elizabeth,Lincoln,Nebraska

THEBEAUTYOFCOMPANIONSHIPCHISt.JosephHealth,Bryan,Texas

FOLLOWINGGOD’SGUIDANCECHIHealthGoodSamaritan,Kearney,Nebraska

GODCHOSETHISJOBFORMECHISt.VincentHotSprings,HotSprings,Arkansas

TABLE OF CONTENTS2

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Thereareactivitieswedoeverydaythataresonatural,it’seasytooverlookthem.Thisincludestheconnectionswemakewithotherpeople.

Weconnectwithothersconstantly–atwork,athome,onthebus,inthegrocerystore–anywherethatwecomeintocontact,persontoperson.Theseconnectionsareassimpleasexchangingawordofgreetingandascomplexassupportingapersonindeeppain.

Theconnectionswemakearesacred.TheycreatespaceinwhichitiseasiertobecomeawareofGod’spresenceandtofeelGodguidingouractions.Theconnectionswemakebringoutthebestofourcompassion,ourreverenceforlife,andourloveandcareforoneanother.

ThiseditionofSacred Storieshasalottosayaboutconnections.Asyoureadthestories,notetheconnectionsthataremade,howtheycontributetothecreationofpeaceorhealing,andhowtheyhowtheyadvancetheministryofCHI.Whenweareopentoconnectionsandtherelationshipsthatfollow,wecaneasethepainofothersandexpandourownunderstandingoftime,placeandpurpose.

FOREWORD

The connections we make are sacred. They create space in which it is easier to become aware of God’s presence and to feel God guiding our actions.

Eachday,CHIemployeesencounterpeopleinneedandwillinglyenterintothechallengestheyface,whethercausedbyillness,pain,oracrisisofspirit.Notallencountershavethiselementofchaos:somearerootedinthejoyofwellness,buildinghealthycommunities,orbringinganewlifeintotheworld.ButwheneverCHIpeopleencounterthechaosofanother,theyenterwillinglytoprovidecareandcomfort,whichisthedefinitionofcompassionandmercy.

SomeofthestoriesinthiseditionofSacred Storiesshowthatthisisn’treallyachoice:thatCHIpeoplearecompelledtoenterintothechaosofthoseweserve,anddosowithoutasecondthought.Thatcanbeexhausting,butit’salsoenlighteningandrejuvenatingwhenwefeelGodworkingthroughustoeaseanotherperson’spain.

Sacred Storiesissovaluabletousallbecauseitprovidesawindowintothereasonswhywedowhatwedo.And,thestoriesareaguidetounderstandingandappreciatingthesacrednessoftheworkwedoeachday.Wehopeyouenjoythiseditionandexperiencesacredmomentsofyourowninyourdailywork.

KevinE.Lofton,FACHEChiefExecutiveOfficer

ThomasR.Kopfensteiner,STDExecutiveVicePresident,Mission

INTRODUCTION

We hope you experience sacred moments of your own in your daily work.

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Suggested Sacred TextJesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; All things are possible with God.” — Mark 10:27

Sacred StorySuehadwatchedherhusband,Keith,strugglemightilywithhishealth.Inthreeyears,KeithhadfivemajorsurgeriesandwasdiagnosedwithCOPD,emphysemaandfibrosis.Hewentfrombeingindependenttobeingunabletowalk,feedorcareforhimself.Oxygenwashiscompanion24/7,andhewouldnotleavehishouse.Hehadenjoyedactivitieswithhisgrandkids,butnowthethoughtofsimplysteppingoutsidewastoomuchtobear.Inshort,Keithhadgivenup.

Keith’sphysicianrecommendedpulmonaryrehabatourHealthyLifestyleCenter,butKeithwantednopartofit.DepressionanddiscouragementweredailychallengesforKeith,andhehadnointentionoffollowingdoctor’sorders.

AsKeith’shealthcontinuedtodecline,hiswife,Sue,hadtotakealeavefromherjobtocareforhim.Sheneverstoppedencouragingherhusbandtogiverehabatry.Hefinallyagreed,knowinghehadnothingtolose.

Fromdayone,weknewwecouldhelpKeith.TheencouragementhereceivedkepthimcomingbackeveryTuesdayandThursday.Overtime,hefoundhimselfconnectingwithothersintheprogramwhocouldunderstandhowhefelt.Thesocialisolationthatillnesscanbringbegantodisappear,andSuewasabletofindsupportfromothercaregivers.ItwasasifGodhadshownthemtheywerenotalone,andtherewashopeforabrighterfuture.

Sueknowshowfarherhusbandhascomesincethedayhebeganrehab.She’sgratefulforthechangeandfortheloveandsupporttheyexperiencedinour

program.“Myprayerswereanswered,”Suesaid.“Thestaffhasbeenagodsend.Theyarelikefamilyandhavemadeahugedifferenceinourlives.”

Inaworldwherewesometimesdoubtthatwhatwedoeverydaymakesadifference,IrememberKeithandSueandcountlessotherswehaveserved.Livingwithchronicillnessischallenging,butnotdefeating,onceweknowwearenotalone;therearepeoplestandingbyourside.It’sareminderthatwearemostaliveinthesacredexperienceofconnectingwithothers.Perhapsthatisattheheartofwhatitmeanstobe“Godsent.”

TAMMYTYILLIANMCDILL

HealthyLifestyleCenters,KentuckyOneHealth

Louisville,Kentucky

Questions for ReflectionHow does knowing you are not alone impact what you do?

In what ways have you come to know that you make a difference?

“It was as if God had shown them they were not alone, and there was hope for a

brighter future.”

GOD SENTGod Sent

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Suggested Sacred Text“And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.” — Acts 5:12

Sacred StoryActs5:12tellsuswhentheapostlePeterwastraveling,peoplewouldbringthesickoutintothestreetssothatPeter’sshadowmightfallonthemashepassedandhealthem.Iwasremindedofthispassageoncewhileinalocalstore.TheclerkapproachedmeandaskedifIworkedatthehospital,andinwhatdepartment.ItoldherIdid,andIwasachaplain.Shesaid,“Ithoughtso.”

“I’msureyoudon’trememberthis,but11yearsagomydaughterwasinaveryseriouscaraccident,”shecontinued.“Wewerecalledtotheemergencyroomandtheybroughtherinbyambulance.Shehadlife-threateningheadinjuries,andweweretoldshehadaslimchanceofsurvival.Irememberthatyouwerewithusintheemergencyroom.”

Herdaughterdidsurvive.Today,she’smarriedandhasabeautifulfamily.

Hermomwentontosay,“Idon’trememberanythingofwhatyousaidtousintheemergencyroom,butIrememberthatyouwerethereandwefeltcomfortedbecauseofthat.”

Howoftendowesimplydoourjobs,thengohomewonderingifweaccomplishedanythinggoodthatday?Wemaynotevenbeawareofwhowetouchedwithaword,agesture,asmileoraprayer.Idon’trecallwhatIsaidtoordidwiththatparticularfamilyonthedayoftheirdaughter’saccident.But,whateveritwas,IhadtheprivilegeofGodworkingthroughme–likePeter,whomaynothaverealizedthathisshadowhealedashe

walkedby.HemayneverhaveknownexactlywhatGod,workingthroughhim,didforothers.

Forme,Ineedto“actjustlyandtolovemercyandtowalkhumblywithyourGod”(Micah6:8)andallowGodtoworkthroughme.

DEBHOWIE

CHISt.Joseph’sHealth

Dickinson,NorthDakota

Questions for ReflectionWhat experience do you remember that changed the way you think? Why do you think that happened?

OUR SHADOWSOur Shadows

“ We may not even be aware of who we touched with a word, a gesture, a smile

or a prayer.”

Suggested Sacred TextLet us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. — Hebrews 12:1-2

Sacred StoryItwasalatefallmorningwithcrispairandbeautiful,sunnyskies:aperfectdayformyhusbandtotakearunwiththedog.At8:30a.m.,afriendcalledtoletmeknowthatmyhusbandwasonthesideoftheroadwithpoliceandanambulancecrewhelpinghim.WhenIgotthere,myhusbandwasintheambulanceandreadytobetransportedtoCHISt.Francis;ourdogwasinthepolicecar,lookinglikehelosthisbestfriend.Myhusband’sFitbitrevealedthathehadtakenhislaststepalongtheroadat8:06.Fearstruckme.

WerodelessthanamiletothehospitalandIwatchedmylifelesshusbandbeingtakenfromtheambulancetotheemergencydepartment.Thehospitalchaplaincametoassistandcomfortmeinmyshock.Sheprayedwithusandcaredforuswithdignity,andstayeduntilafriendarrivedtobewithme.Soon,adoctorcametotellmemyhusbandhadsufferedaheartattack.Theyhadstabilizedhim,butheneededtobeairliftedtoFargoforcare.Hewasalive!Theemergencydepartment’scompassionatestaffencourageduswithkindwordsthathelpedtocalmme.Theirdemeanorandcareweretrulyunbelievable.

Thelife-savingmeasuresatSt.Francisgavemyhusband,meandourfamilyanadditionalweektoreminisce,pray,andconnectwithotherfamilymembers,friends,medicalstaff,andevenstrangerswemetinthehospitalwaitingrooms.Then,myhusbandpassedaway,andproceededtochangelives.Themedicalstafffoundrecipientsforhisorgans.Thelivesof62peopleandtheirfamiliesweretransformedbecauseofmyhusband’sgenerousgiftoflife,whichallstartedwiththecarehereceivedatCHISt.Francis.

Lifeisfragile,andinthisexperienceofhumanfragility,myspiritwastransformedwiththecaringandgracereceivedfromthepeopleofCHISt.Francis.

JANABERNDT

CHIHealthatHome

Breckenridge,Minnesota

Questions for ReflectionHas there been a time when you realized how truly fragile life is?

Have you ever had the gift of extra time that allowed you to deeply connect with someone?

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RUNNING THE RACERunning the Race

“ Life is fragile, and in this experience of

human fragility, my spirit was transformed...”

Suggested Sacred Text[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. — Ephesians 4:32

Sacred StoryMyrtlewas100yearsold.Shewasaveryelegantlady.Herclotheswerenotnew,buttheywerewellcaredfor.Herjewelryalwayscomplementedherclothesandherhairwasstylish.Shecarriedherselfwiththeeleganceofaqueen.Everyoneinhercommunityadmiredher.

Thissweetladyneverlookeddownonanyoneorcomplainedaboutanything,soIwassurprisedonedaywhenIvisitedherandsheseemedtobeunhappy.

“Areyousadtoday?”Iasked.

Withouthesitation,shesaid,“Yes,Iamverysad.”Iencouragedhertotalkaboutthatsadness,andforthenext45minutesMyrtlepouredoutalifetimeofgrief.

Shewastheyoungestgirlinastringofninechildren.Shedescribedasweetrelationshipwithherfatherwhenshewasachild.Shewashistag-a-longwhenhedidchoresinthebarn,hissidekickwhenhewenttotown,andhismusewhenhetoldherstories.

ButthatallchangedonedaywhenMyrtlewas20yearsold.Therewasamisunderstandingbetweenfatheranddaughter,andsuddenlyMyrtlefoundherselfoutsidehisfavor.Shecan’tremembernowwhatthedisagreementwasabout,butitchangedherlife.Atfamilyeventsandgatherings,Myrtle’sfathertalkedandlaughedwithherhusbandanddotedonherchildren,buttoMyrtlehewasmerelycordialiftheyhappenedtobewithinspeakingdistance.Whenhedied,heleftthepainofthatbrokenrelationshipdeepinherheart.

Shetalkedopenlyabouthowherfatherhadhurther,andaboutherownreactions,attitudesandresentment.

Iasked,“Canyouforgiveyourfather?”

Sheresponded,“Yes,IthinkI’vedonethat.”

“Canyouforgiveyourselfforyourpart?”Iasked.

Myrtlewasquietforamoment,thensaid,“Iwantto,butIdon’tknowhow.”Itoldherwecouldprayaboutittogether,ifshewanted.

“Iwouldn’tknowwhattosay.IfIdid,itwouldsoundsomethinglike,DearGod...”Myrtlebegan.ThatwasfollowedbythemostbeautifulandheartfeltprayerofrepentanceandforgivenessthatIhaveeverheard.Isaidnothing,butsilentlyprayedwithher.

Whenshewasfinished,sheasked,“Wouldthatbegoodenough?”

Icouldn’tcontainmydelight.“Yes,thatwasperfect,”Isaid.

Myrtlewasvisiblycheeredafterherprayer.ShehadopenedadoorandallowedGod’shealingandmercytopourthrough.Forthefirsttimein80years,shewasfreeofthepainofabrokenrelationship.Today,shecanenjoythememoriesofthegoodtimesshehadwithherfather.

CHRISTINEEIDE

CHIFranciscanHealthSt.ElizabethHospital

Enumclaw,Washington

Questions for ReflectionAre there broken places in your life that you need to repair? How long have you carried the burden? Can you follow Myrtle’s example and forgive yourself and the other?

Have you had the opportunity to be the silent conduit – a listening ear through which God hears another’s pain and sorrow?

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NEWFOUND FREEDOMNewfound Freedom

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Suggested Sacred TextHe has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work. — Exodus 35:35

Sacred StoryTechnologyisanamazingthing.Inhealthcare,weusetechnologyeverydaytohelpcareandmonitor,repairandheal.Itwasmyprofoundhonortowatchtechnologyalsoconnectafamilyduringapainfultimeofloss.

Ahusbandandwifeweretravelingacrossthecountryintheirrecreationalvehiclewhenatireblewandtheirvehiclerolled.Thehusband,criticallyinjured,cametoCHIHealthGoodSamaritan.Hiswife,sadly,didnotsurvive,andherfuneralwasarrangedintheirhometown.

Unfortunately,thehusbandwasnotwellenoughtoreturnhomeforthefuneral.I’mthetelehealthcoordinatoratGoodSamaritan;everyday,Iconnectcliniciansandpatientswhoarehundredsofmilesapart.TelehealthisanecessityinplaceslikeNebraska,wheregeographycouldotherwisepreventsomepeoplefromreceivingthecaretheyneed.Now,telehealthwasneededtoconnectagrievinghusbandtohiswife’sfuneral.

Thechurchwherethefuneralwouldbehelddidnothavetechnologytosupportlivestreaming.AsIcontemplatedwhattodo,twooftheprosfromClinicalEngineeringwalkedby.Thesefantasticstaffmemberstakegreatcareofandresponsibilityfortheequipmentthatourcaregiversuse.Ithoughttheymightbeabletohelpme.And,didtheyever.

Theyhelpedmetestatelehealthmonitorwitha32-inchscreenusinganattachmentthatoneoftheprosbroughtfromhome,whereheusesittoconnecthisiPadtohistelevision.MyhusbandbroughtinaBluetoothspeaker.Wheneverythingwassetupinourpatient’sroom,hissonconnectedaniPadat

thefuneralwithaniPadinthepatient’sroomusingFaceTime.Ourpatientwasabletowatchthefuneralonthelargescreen.Hisnursesandcaremanager,whohadhelpedhimchangehisclothesandcombhishairtoprepare,stayedtowatchthefuneralwithhim.ThefamilymembersatthefuneralmadesuretoshoweachflowerarrangementandcardinfrontoftheiPadsothatourpatientcouldseealloftheimportantdetails.

Thatday,technology–computers,monitors,speakersandcables–providedcomfortinawaythatnothingelsecould,forourpatientandhisfamily,manymilesapart.IdobelievethatGodguidedeachofustomakethesituationthebestitcouldbe.Everyonewhohelpedhumblysaidthatitwasallinaday’swork,buttheywerewrong.Itwassomuchmore.

WANDAKJAR-HUNT

CHIHealthGoodSamaritanKearney,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionHow do you use your talents to help others?

Think of a time when you were part of a team that gathered the strengths of its members in order to help someone. In what ways were you led to help?

COMFORT ACROSS THE MILESComfort Across the Miles

“ ...God guided each of us to mkae the situation the best

it could be.”

Suggested Sacred TextGreater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. — John 15:13

Sacred StoryThedrivetohelpothersisn’taswitchthatturnsonwhenwegettoworkandoffwhenweclockout.Thecommitmenttohelpingothersrunsdeepintheveinsofhealthcareworkers,includingthosewhoworkinemergencydepartments.Theyneverknowwhattraumaticsituationmightcomethroughthedoors,andtheyareaslikelytobecursedatasthankedbyapatient.Onedefinitionofmercyisthewillingnesstoenterintothechaosofanother’slife:thestaffandprovidersintheEDdothiseveryday.

IwasremindedofthisrecentlywhenMagen,atechnicianinouremergencydepartment,putherselfinharm’swaytohelpsomeoneinneed,eventhoughshewasofftheclock.

Oneevening,Magensawanelderlywomanbeingmuggedbythreeyoungmen.Assheranuptohelpthewoman,oneofthementhrewabrokenbottle,whichcuttheelderlywomanandhitanartery.Magenshieldedthewomanandwasalsohitwithaglassbottleasthemenranaway.Magentookoffhert-shirtandwrappedittightlyaroundthewoman’sbleedingarm.“MynameisMagenandI’manemergencytechnicianatSts.Mary&ElizabethHospital,”shetoldthewoman.“IpromiseIwillnotleaveyourside,eveniftheycomeback.Everythingwillbeokay.”

WithMagen’shelp,thewomanwasrushedtoanearbyhospitalandstabilized.Theattendingphysiciansaidthewomanwouldlikelyhavedied(duetotheseverityofthecutandthefactthatthewomantakesbloodthinners)ifnotforMagen’squickthinking.

Theelderlywoman’sdaughtercontactedourhospital

tomakesureweknewaboutMagen’sheroism.WhenthedaughteraskedMagenwhatthefamilycoulddotothankher,Magensaid,“Ilovehelpingpeople,evenifIriskmyownlife.That’swhyIworkatthehospital.ItmakesmydaytoknowIhelpedsavesomebody.”

Wemayneverbecalledontodefendawomanfrommuggersoruseourownt-shirtasatourniquet.But,wedofindourselvesbesideallkindsofpatientswhoarescaredandvulnerable.Intheirdarkesthours,howcanwebestservethem?Bydoingwhatneedstobedoneand,likeMagen,promisingthatwewillbebytheirsides.

JENNIFERNOLAN

Sts.Mary&ElizabethHospitalandOurLadyofPeace,KentuckyOneHealth

Louisville,Kentucky

Questions for ReflectionWhen have you stayed with someone who was scared or vulnerable?

Do you shield others from injurious situations, words or glances; or, do you walk by?

You have the ability to heal or harm. Which do you choose today?

“ I love helping people, even if I risk my own life.”

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NEVER OFF THE CLOCKNever Off the Clock

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Suggested Sacred TextTruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. — Matthew 25:40

Sacred StoryIgrewupinafamilyofninechildren.Adeckofcardswasallweneededtobeentertainedforhours.Conversationshappenedaroundthecardtable.

Forme,workinginacriticalaccesshospitalhasopeneddoorsforcreativeministry.Recently,aswingbedpatient,tooyoungtohavesuchserioushealthissues,wasstayingwithus.Asthedaysworeon,herspiritseemedtoweardown.Oneday,Isuggestedagameoftwo-handed500.Shewasallforit.

Ipurchasedadeckofcardsfromourgiftstore,andasweshuffledthecards,webegantalking.Halfwaythroughoursecondgame,shelaiddownhercardsandstartedtellingmeaboutheramazinglifeofservicetoyoungpeople.Shehadworkedinachildren’shomeandexperiencedmanychallengeswithyoungpeoplewholivedinaworldfullofhurt.

Overourgameof500,shewasabletoreminisceaboutatimewhensheservedthoseinneed,fedthosewhowerehungry,lovedthosewhowerehardtolove,andprovidedaplaceofsafetyforthosewhohadtobeawayfromhome.

Byreminiscingabouthermercy-filledcareer,shewasabletofindstrength.Herpreciousmemoriesprovedtobeaspringboardthatsustainedherthroughthemanychallengesahead.

MICHELEROSHA

CHISt.Gabriel’sHealthLittleFalls,Minnesota

Question for ReflectionHow do those you care for and care with teach you about mercy?

PLAYING CARDS, FINDING MERCYPlaying Cards, Finding Mercy

“ Her precious memories proved to be a springboard

that would sustain her through the many challenges

ahead.”

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Suggested Sacred Text”Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” — Matthew 21:22

Sacred StoryOnmyroundsthroughthehospital,Iusuallystopbyourchapel.Itcanbeagreatplacetopauseforamomentandreflectonmylifeandministry.Isayprayersforourpatients,especiallythoseIhavetheprivilegeofmeetingandspirituallysupportingasastaffchaplain.

SometimeswhenIstopinthechapel,Ifindfolkssittingthere,quietlypraying.It’snotunusualforthemtobesurroundedbycrumpledtissuesastheycrybeforeGodonbehalfofalovedonewhoisinthehospital.Asyoumayimagine,thechapelcanbeagreatplaceforministry.

Oneday,IwasprayinginthechapelwhenIheardanotherpersoncomein.Itwasayoungmanwhobeganprayingoutloud,inalanguageIdidn’tknow.Thiswasquiteintriguingtome.Inthespiritofunity,Iremainedandbegantojoininhisprayerinmyheart.Icouldnotunderstandhiswords,butrecognizedthename“Jesus”fromtimetotime.

Whenhepaused,Istoodupandintroducedmyself.Theyoungman’snamewasBruno.Iaskedhimifhehadalovedoneinthehospital,andhesaidno.HeexplainedthatheoftenfeelsledbytheHolySpirittocometothechapelandprayforthehospital,ourpatients,theirfamiliesandourstaff.

Brunohadneverbeenapatientinourhospital,norhadanyofhislovedones;hesimplycametopray.Hesaidhehadstartedbysittinginthehealinggarden,theninthelobby.Heeventuallyaskedavolunteeriftherewasachapel,andhadbeenprayingtherefaithfullyeversince.

Bruno’sfaithandcommitmentamazedme.WhatIhadthoughtmightbemyopportunitytoministertohimwasactuallyquitetheopposite:IfoundmyselfbeingtherecipientofministryandencouragementfromBruno.

IintroducedBrunotomysupervisor,whothoughttherewasanopportunitytoinviteBrunodeeperintothelifeofthehospital.BrunohasnowbeentrainedasanofficialPastoralCareDepartmentVolunteerVisitorandcontinuestoblessourpatients,familiesandstaff–nowinthepatientrooms,ratherthaninthechapel.

Thereisatimetobless,andatimetobeblessed.ThroughBruno,IwasremindedofGod’sunendingandinfinitegrace,andhowmuchGodlovestosurpriseandshoweruswithit.

KEVINSMITH

CHIHealthImmanuel

Omaha,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionThere are many ways to pray. What are your preferred ways? How can you broaden your expression of prayer?

How can you share in prayer with those of diverse faiths and cultures?

“ There is a time to bless and a time to be blessed.”

UNEXPECTED MINISTRYUnexpected Ministry

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Suggested Sacred TextLet not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have not told you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am there you may be also. — John 14:1-3

Sacred StoryIwasworkingasthehousesupervisoronebusySaturdaynightwhena58-year-oldwomancametotheemergencydepartmentbyambulance.Rightbeforeshegottous,shehadacardiacarrest.Wetriedtoresuscitate,butwereunabletoreviveher.

Herthreeadultchildrenwereinthewaitingroom,andweinvitedthembacktowheretheirmother’sbodylay.Herhusband,apastor,wasenroutetothehospitalbutwasseveralhoursaway–hehadnotbeentoldthathiswifewasdead.Ourchaplainandthefamily’spastorarrivedtocomfortthechildrenandpraywiththem.Afterawhile,wemovedherbodytothemorgue.Thechildren,pastorandchaplainwaitedtogetherforthehusbandtoarrive.

Hedid,andthepastorandIescortedhimtothemorgue.Hewasstoicatfirst.Hetouchedhiswife,said“Nowallyourtroublesareover,”andsaluted(shewasanArmyveteran).Then,hebrokedown,andhispastorwastheretocomforthim.

IwasremindedoftheversesfromRevelations21,“Behold,thedwellingplaceofGodisnowamongthepeople…Godwillwipeawayeverytearfromtheireyes,anddeathshallbenomore,neithershalltherebemourning,norcrying,norpainanymore,fortheformerthingshavepassedaway.”

Thattendermomentnearlybroughtmetotears.Hiswife’searthlypainwasover,andwhatacomfortthatwas–eveninthemidstofhisownpersonalsorrow.

Thatday,Ilearnedthedeepspiritualpowerinherentinputtingsomeoneelseaheadofone’sself.

DIANESCHROEDER,RN

CHIHealthGoodSamaritan

Kearney,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionHow much do we dwell on our troubles without reflecting on eternity, when they will all be over?

How do you think you would cope with waiting hours to deliver bad news to someone? Could you deliver the news, and then be ready to comfort that person?

NO MORE TROUBLESNo More Troubles

“ His wife’s earthly pain was over, and what a comfort that was, even in the midst of his own personal sorrow.”

Suggested Sacred TextAs each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.— 1 Peter 4:10

Sacred StoryItwasacolddayinMarch,withtwofeetofsnowcoveringthegroundinKentucky.Iwasattemptingtomakemywaytomyfull-timejobasanoperatingroomnurse,45minutesawayfromhome.Unfortunately,theroadsweretreacherousandIcouldn’tmakeittoworksafely.

AsIslowlyturnedmycararound,IthoughtaboutmycolleaguesatFlagetMemorialHospital,whereIalsoworkonaPRNbasis.It’sclosertohome,andIthoughtImightbeofassistancethere.

Sureenough,someFlagetstaffmemberswereunabletogetthroughtherecordsnowfall,soIgottowork.

Patientswerehavingtroublemakingittothehospitalforscheduledprocedures,too.Mr.Humphrey,scheduledforamuch-neededgallbladdersurgerythatday,calledtocancelduetothebadroads.Fortunately,oneofouranesthesiologists,arelativeofMr.Humphrey,offeredtobringhimandhiswifetothehospital.

Oncethesurgicalroomwasprepared,IintroducedmyselftoMr.andMrs.Humphrey.Mrs.Humphreysaidsherecognizedme,althoughIcouldn’trecallevermeetingherbefore.Shetoldmethatsheusedtobeadearfriendofmymother,whohaddied14yearsearlier.Shealsosaidshehadbeencarryingatinypictureofmymominherwalletformorethanayear,withoutknowingwhy.

Shetookthesmall,black-and-whitephotofromherwalletandhandedittometokeep.Itwasabeautifulpictureofmymom,andasmilecameacrossmyface,

thentearsfilledmyeyes.“It’smymother’sbirthdaytoday,”Isaid.

Manydaysinourlivesdon’tgoasplanned.ThatsnowydayinMarchdefinitelydidn’tgoasIhadplannedit.ButGodisaGodofsurprisesandblessesuswithopportunitiesandconnectionsthatweneverexpectedtofind.

ANNACULVER

FlagetMemorialHospital,KentuckyOneHealth

Bardstown,Kentucky

Questions for ReflectionHow has God surprised you?

Can you relate to this story, perhaps with a similar experience or similar stories? What meaning does that hold for you?

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“It was a beautiful picture of my mom, and a smile came across

my face, then tears filled my eyes.”

A GOD OF SURPRISESA God of Surprises

Suggested Sacred TextWe know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

Sacred StoryApatientbeingtreatedforbreastcancerrecentlysharedthisstoryaboutanincidentthatmadeaprofoundimpactonherlife.

Fivemonthsbeforethispatientwasdiagnosedwithbreastcancer,shelostheronlysoninatragicaccident.Then,nottoolongafterthediagnosisofbreastcancer,herhusbandlefther.

Thispatientfeltasthoughherworldhadended.Whatmoredidshehavetolivefor?Hersonwasgone,andshenolongerhadsupportfromalovingpartner.Shedidn’thaveanyone,nordidshewanttotalktoanyone,becauseshedidn’twanttoburdenanyoneelsewithherdeepsadness.Shefeltthatsuicidewastheonlywayout,andshemadeaplantoendherlife.

Later,shesawLiz,ourbreasthealthnavigator.Theyspoke,andthepatienttoldthisstorytoLiz.Thenshesaid,“Doyouknowwhochangedmymindaboutsuicide?Abel.”

Abelisthepatient’sradiationtherapist.Shedidn’ttellAbelaboutherplan,butontheverydaythatshehaddecidedtogothroughwithit,shecameinfortreatment.PerhapsAbelnoticedthesadnessinhereyes.Hespokeencouraginglytoherthatday,tellingherthatshehadapurposeandGodhadapurposeforher.Hiskindwordsandunderstandingmadeherseethatshedidnotneedtoendherlifeafterall.ShesaidthatAbelgaveherstrengththatdayandthecouragetoseeherpurpose.

Inourministry,webelieveGodworkswithus,throughusandinus.WhatablessingitistosharethisstoryofGodinaction.

MISTICHAPMAN

CHISt.JosephHealth

Bryan,Texas

Questions for ReflectionCan you recall a time when you were deeply discouraged and another person was able to say or do something that changed your attitude?

Have you been able to bring hope to someone in despair?

“ He spoke encouragingly

to her that day, telling her that she had a purpose and God had a purpose

for her.”

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FINDING THE STRENGTH TO GO ONFinding the Strength to Go On

Suggested Sacred Text“If someone has ears to hear, let them hear. And he was saying to them, take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it shall be measured to you; and more shall be given you besides.” — Mark 4:23-24

Sacred StoryMosteveryonewhogoesintothefieldofhealthcaredoessowiththeintentofmakingadifference.Attimes,thisintentcangetcloudedbythehecticroutinesanddemandsofhealthcare.Thesimplegoalofconnectingwithpatientsandmakingadifferencecan,instead,becomeamultitudeofendless“todo”lists.Itseemsthereisneverenoughtimetogetitalldone.

Asapsychiatricnurse,Iknowhowessentialitistobuildarelationshipwithmypatients.It’simportanttogaintheirtrust,worktogethertoachievetreatmentgoals,andseeeachpatientasanindividual.However,wedon’talwaysgettoseethefull,futureimpactoftherelationshipswebuildwithpatients.

Oneday,myspiritwasrenewedwhenIlistenedtoaformerpatienttalkabouthisexperienceatourbehavioralhealthhospitalwhenhewasanadolescent.“Mydoctorandthisplacesavedmylife,”hesaid.Herecalledhowadoctorbrushedtheyoungpatient’smedicalrecordoffhisdesk,saying,“I’mnotgoingtolearnaboutyoubyreadingthis.Iwantyoutotellmeaboutyou.”

“Thatwasthefirsttimeinmylifethatadoctorhadaskedmetotellmystory,”theformerpatientsaid.Itwasthefirsttimehehadfeltconnectedtohistreatmentteamandfeltthattheteamsawhimasaperson,notjustasamentalhealthdiagnosis.

AsIlistenedtothepatient,nowanadult,talkabouthowhisexperiencehereputhimontheroadto

recovery,Ifeltrefreshedandexhilarated.HisstoryremindedmeofwhyIworkinhealthcare:toconnectwithothersandmakeadifferenceintheirlives.

ThatformerpatientisnowtheCEOofanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtohelpingpeopleachieverecoveryandbreakthecycleofpoverty.HeisalsoareminderthatourcorevaluesofReverence,Integrity,CompassionandExcellencearemostalivewhenweexperiencethesacrednessofconnecting,persontoperson,withthoseweserve.Allofourpatientsdeservetobeseenasindividuals,notasdiagnoses.

SHERRIBOGGS

OurLadyofPeace,KentuckyOneHealth

Louisville,Kentucky

Questions for ReflectionWhat does it mean to truly listen?

Has it ever happened to you? How did it feel when someone truly listened to you?

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“ All of our patients deserve to be seen as

individuals, not as diagnoses.”

THE POWER OF CONNECTINGThe Power of Connecting

Suggested Sacred TextGod is a God of surprises, and blesses us with opportunities and connections that we never expected to find.

Sacred StoryItwasthebeginningoftheweekandIhadalistofnewpatientstoseefordischargeplanningassessment.Oneofthemwasveryill,buttherewassomeimprovementthatday,soIhopedshewouldbebetter.Aslintroducedmyselftothepatientandherspouse,Icouldseethatshewasinpain.Herspousewasquiteworried.TheywerefromtheEastCoastandplannedtogobackhomewhenthepatientwasdischarged.Iwishedthemwellandtoldthemourcaremanagementteamwillremainavailable,ifneeded.

Duringthenextfewdays,thepatient’sconditionbecameworse.Herfamilywantedhertransferredbacktotheirhomestate;thepatientwantedtogohome,too.Everyoneunderstoodthatasmuchaswewantedtomakethetransferhappenquickly,weneededtimetocoordinatewiththepatient’shomemedicalteam;wealsoneededtocoordinatehertransportation,bothlandandair.

BythatFridayafternoon,allthatwasneededforthetransferwasanavailableflightcrew,anditlookedlikethatwouldhappenbeforetheweekendwasover.

ThefollowingMonday,Ilearnedthatthepatienthadindeedbeentakenhome.Acoworkersharedthatshehadthoughtofthepatientduringtheweekendandwishedsheknewhowshewasdoing.

Inoddedinagreement,thenrememberedaconversationI’dhadwithoneofmykids’friends.Afterwatchingamoviewithmykidsandtheirfriends,mostofthemsaidtheylikedthemovie.However,onesaid,“Ididn’tlikehowitended.Iwantedtoknow

exactlywhathappenednext.Iwantedtoknowmore,’’hesaid.ItbroughttomindthewordsoftheprophetJeremiah:ForIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,declarestheLord.

Iwantedtoknowmoreaboutthepatientwhohadtransferredhome.Butinthehealthcareministry,wedon’talwaysknowwhathappens.Iknowthatweworkedasateamtohelpthepatientandherfamilyandsupporttheirgoals.Knowingthisisenough.

RAYNETTEAMILING

CHIFranciscanHealthSt.AnthonyHospital

GigHarbor,Washington

Questions for Reflection“Letting go” is not always easy, but it is an essential ability for those in the health care ministry. How do you “let go”? What role does your faith have in the process?

Our calling in the health care ministry is to provide healing even when we cannot cure an illness or results of an injury. By helping this patient and her family support their goals, how did the care team promote her healing?

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IT’S OKAY NOT TO KNOW EVERYTHINGIt’s Okay Not to Know Everything

“ But in the health care ministry, we don’t always know what happens.”

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Suggested Sacred TextWhatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24

Sacred StorySomedays,theremarkablethingsaccomplishedbytalentedindividuals,workingtogether,getlostintheshuffle.Thefeedbackonemayhearafterabusy,stressfuldaymayonlybeaboutwherebreakdownsoccurred.

Thiswasnotoneofthosedays.

Itstartedwithpreparationsinthesterileprocessingdepartment,whereIwork,foranincomingtraumacase.Wequicklybuiltcasecartsofsurgicaltoolsanddeliveredthemtotheoperatingroom.Intheoperatingroom,Italkedwiththenursestoworkoutdetailsabouttraysoftoolsandotherinstrumentsthatmightbeneeded.Backinsterileprocessing,webuiltanddeliveredmorecarts.Whenthepatientcameinandsurgerybegan,tensionsroseandmorecallsforinstrumentscamein.Atonepoint,asIsearchedforanunusualbutspecifictoolthatoneofthesurgeonshadrequested,asurgicaltechcameinandwasabletofindit.Awesometeamwork!

OursupervisorpoppedintomakesurewewereOK,becausesheknewtheORwasincrediblybusyandthatweweregettingstatcallsformoresurgicaltools.Sheapologizedforthetenseworkingconditions.Weassuredhertherewasnoneedtoapologize:wewerereadytostepupanddeliverwhateverwasneeded.

CallskeptcomingfromtheOR,someaskingformoresupplies,somegivingahead’s-upthatthingswerecomingdowntheelevatorforcleaningand

reprocessing.Ithinkwealldrewonourspiritualityandinnerresourcestostaycalmandcollected–agreateffortbyeveryoneinvolved.

Whenthedaywasdone,abrokenhumanbodywasputbacktogether.And,usingouruniquecapabilities,wehadallhelpedtoaccomplishthat.That’swhyIloveworkinginthisdepartment,inthishospital.Noawardswereearnedthatday,norwereanyneeded.Everyonedidtheirjobs,andthensome.Thestressbroughtoutthebestinus.Agoodstorylikethiscanneverbetoldtoomuch.

GREGGKVATEK

CHIHealthGoodSamaritanKearney,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionHow does your spirituality help you keep a sense of calm and focus in the midst of a stressful situation?

How do you experience a sense of connection to the healing mission?

“We were ready to step up and deliver whatever

was needed.”

ALL IN A DAY’S WORKAll in a Day’s Work

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Suggested Sacred TextCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28

Sacred StoryNotlongagoIreceivedarequesttovisitCharlie,asixty-somethingmaninourprogressivecareunit.HisnursetoldmethatCharlieseemedtobegivinguponlife.

Charliewasalittlesuspiciousofa“chaplainvisit”andaskedifIknewsomethingthathehadn’tbeentoldyet.ItoldhimIthoughtI’djustdropinandseehowhismorningwasgoing.Hetoldmehereallydidn’thaveanyspiritualneeds;thathehadexploredlotsofreligions,butnothingeverfit.HesaidhewasraisedCatholicandhadbeenanaltarboy,buthadn’tattendedchurchinyears.

CharliewasfromtheEastCoast.HejoinedtheAirForcewhenhewas18andwasassignedtoMcChordAFBnearTacoma.There,hemetHelen,theloveofhislife,whohaddiedtwoyearsearlier.Theyhadbeenmarriedformorethan40years,buttheironlychildhaddiedinanautoaccidentmanyyearsago.

Charlietoldmethatsincehiswife’sdeath,allthejoyinlifehaddisappearedforhim.Now,eachdaywasjustlikeeveryotherday.

“About2:00everyafternoon,Itakeabookanddrivedowntheroadtoachurchandparkmycarunderatreeandreadforawhile,”Charliesaid.

“It’sinterestingthatyoudrivedowntoaCatholicchurchdaily,andthatyouparkthereandread,”Isaid.“Itseemsthat’saplaceofpeaceforyou.What’sthatabout?”Andwiththat,thefloodgatesopened.

CharliesaidthatheandHelenhadbeenmarriedinthatlittleparish.Theirsonwasbaptizedthereandhadbeenburiedthere.Allthistime,Charlie’sbroken

hearthadbeenyearningforhealing,yethecouldnotbringhimselftoopenthedoorofthatchurchandwalkin.Itwastoopainful.

Charlie’seyesbegantofillwithtears.Iaskedhim,“Areyoutellingmethatafteralltheseyearsandallthispain,youcantaketheboyoutofthechurch,butyoucan’ttakethechurchoutoftheboy?”

“IguessthatiswhatImean,”Charliesaid.“I’vebeenawayforsuchalongtimethatIdon’tknowifGodwouldwelcomemeback.”

IassuredCharliethatwithGod,thereisalwaysawelcome,aswellashealingandpeaceforhissoul.ItoldhimaboutapriestIknow,andaskedifhewouldlikeavisit.Charliesaidyes,andFr.John(fromthatsamechurch)cameovertovisit.HeandCharliespentalongtimetogether.Theystillspendtimetogether.

Inhealthcare,asignificantemphasisisplacedoncuring.Inministry,weknowthathealingcanoccurregardlessofcuring.

AfterCharlie’sfirstconversationwithFr.John,heseemedlikeanentirelydifferentperson.Heatewell,smiledandwaspositive.Helookedforwardtogoinghome.Thehealingofhissoulhelpedmakeallotherhealingpossible.

JENNIFERTAPLEY

CHIFranciscanHealthSt.FrancisHospital

FederalWay,Washington

Questions for ReflectionIn the hectic pace of health care, how do you take time to be a healing presence for patients’ minds, bodies and spirits?

How can you be a welcoming presence to someone in need?

What barriers may challenge your expression of faith? How can you overcome them?

THE CHURCH AND THE BOYThe Church and the Boy

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Suggested Sacred TextAgain, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. — Matthew 13:45-46

Sacred StoryItwasadaytocelebrate,andasIwalkedintoherroomontheintensivecareunit,shesmiledatme.“Thekidstoldmeyou’vebeencomingby,”shewhispered.

“OfcourseIhave,”Isaid.“I’vemissedyou!”

Shewasafriendfromlongago,whenwewereyoungmotherswithsimilarly-agedchildreninthesameschool,volunteeringatthesamechurch.Butafteradifficultspellinhermarriageandacontentiousdivorce,shedisappearedfromtheparish.ThelastIhadheard,shewasinCaliforniawithherdaughter.Soitwasashock,aftermorethan10years,toseehernameonthehospitalcensus.Shewasteeteringontheedgeoflifewitharare,mysteriousailment.

Ourconversationsandprayersquicklybecamelonganddeep.Sheweptoverthepathherlifehadtaken.SheaskedwhereGodhadbeenforsolong,andthenconcludedthatinthemidstofhergrief,itwasshewhohadwalkedawayfromGod.

“Icouldn’tfigureout,”shesaid,“whyagoodGodwouldletmesufferlikethat.Andthey’vetoldmethatIshouldn’treallyhavelivedthroughthis.Whatdoesitallmean?DoyouthinkthatmaybeGodallowedthistohappenjusttoremindmethatIneedGod,andGodstillwantsme?”

ItoldherIsuspectedthatGodhadbeenverypresent–ifhidden–inherlifeallalong.Shehadmanygrandchildrenthatshecherished,aswellasabrotherwhohadbecomeherbestfriend.Shehadajobthatshe

loved.Allthesethingswere,Ipointedout,divinegifts.And,IagreedthatGodstillhadworkforhertodo.

Shenodded.Shesaidthatshebelievedmanyofthehospitalstaffwereangelsindisguise.“TheytreatmelikeI’msomeonereallyspecial.Theirpatienceisendless.Theypraywithme!Whodoesthatanymore?”

Asthedayswentby,wetalkedabouthowshemightreintegrateherselfintochurchlifeandhowprayercouldkeepherspiritsupassherecovered.Then,sheleftforrehab.“Howweirdtosaythis,”shewrotelater,“butthehospitalstaywasoneofthebestthingsevertohappentome.Iwaslost,butinsomanydifferentways,Ihavebeenfoundagain.”

SUESACK

GoodSamaritanHospitalDayton,Ohio

Questions for ReflectionHave you ever found yourself pleasantly surprised in a situation you were not looking forward to? How did it make it you feel?

Describe a time when God was present in your life even though you thought God was hidden at the time.

WHAT WAS LOST IS ALWAYS FOUNDWhat Was Lost is Always Found

“I was lost, but in so many different ways, I have been

found again.”

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Suggested Sacred TextLet us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9

Sacred StoryIbelievethegreatestrewardofworkinginhealthcareisthejoyofhelpingpeople,ofmakingadifferenceinsomeone’slife.WhenIstartedworkingatCHISt.AlexiusHospitalinDickinsonasasonographer,IknewIwasgoingtoexperiencesuchjoys.LittledidIknowthatintheprocess,Iwouldprobablybetheonetobenefitmost.

Letmegiveyouanexample.OnaFridayafternoon,apatientcameinforaroutine20-weekOBexam.Herpregnancywithtwinswasontrack,withnocomplications.Halfwaythroughtheexam,somethingcaughtmyattention:itlookedlikeaseverecaseofcervicalfunneling,wherethecervixtakesanabnormalshape.Icompletedtheexamandimmediatelycalledthepatient’sproviderwiththefindings.Aftergoingovertheimagesandthoseofpreviousexams,itwasclearthatthesituationrequiredimmediateattention.

OnMonday,Isawthepatient’sproviderinthehallway.HethankedmeforfindingtheabnormalityonFriday,andexplainedthatanemergencyproceduretookplacelaterthatdaytosavethepregnancy.

Afewdayslater,Ispokewiththenewmom,andwhatshesaidI’llcarryforeverinmyheart.Whenshesaid,“Thanksforsavingmybabies,”IrealizedhowfortunateIamtobepartofthisorganization,fulfillingmypartinnurturingthehealingministryoftheChurch.

Thetwins,deliveredatjust24weeks,neededseveralproceduresandspentthreemonthsintheneonatalintensivecareunit.Theywenthome,healthyand

beautiful,andIhadthejoyofseeingtheirpreciousfaces.

Thisstoryandmanyothersareforeveretchedinmymemory.Theywillalwaysremindmeofwhywedowhatwedo.It’snotaboutus.Wearepartofagreaterplan.Asthatplanunfolds,weareshapedintonotonlybetterprofessionals,butbetterpeople.Whenwedoourpartandshareourgifts,theoutcomescanbewonderful.

FABIANOPORTUGAL

CHISt.Joseph’sHealthDickinson,NorthDakota

Questions for ReflectionDescribe a time when, in caring for another, you benefitted the most. How did it make you feel?

Have you ever felt like giving up, yet, through perseverance, ended up making a positive difference in the life of another? If so, how did that experience affect you?

WE ARE PART OF GOD’S PERFECT PLANWe Are Part of God’s Perfect Plan

“ W h en we do our part and share our gifts, the outcomes can be wonderful.””

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Suggested Sacred TextTherefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Sacred StoryI’mthefinancedirectoratSaintJosephMountSterling,andeveryday,Imakepatientroundswiththerestofourleadershipteam.I’vebeenblessedbymanyinteractionswithpatients,butoneexperienceleftadeepimpression.

Annawasapatientintheintensivecareunit.Italkedwithheraboutherexperienceatourhospital.Shepraisedthenursesandphysiciansfortheirkindness,excellentcareandhardwork.Shetalkedabouthowquicklythenursesrespondedtohercallbell.Shewasimpressedbyhowtheytreatedher,butalsobyhowtheytreatedoneanother.

AnnasharedherspecialgratitudeforanursenamedSue.AtonepointduringAnna’sstay,shefeltsoterriblethatsheprayedthatshewoulddie.Shewastired,butcouldnotsleep.Shefeltcompletelydefeated.ShesharedthiswithSue,whorepliedthatshewouldprayforAnna.

Suekneltnexttothebed,tookAnna’shand,andbegantopraythatGodwouldhelpAnnasleep.ThenextthingAnnarememberedwaswakinguptofindSuestillkneelingbesideher,holdingherhand.Suesmiledandsaid,“Youwereabletosleepfor45minutes.”

AnnawasoverwhelmedbySue’sselflessnessandcouldn’tsayenoughabouthowmuchthisencountermeanttoher.Itwasatestamenttohowourcaregiversexpressourcorevaluesineverythingtheydo.

Genuinekindnessandconcernforotherscannotbefaked;itcomesfromtheheart.Sue’sgiving

heartspilledoverintoheractions,makingalastingdifferenceforapatientwhowasreadytogiveup.

WhenIarrivedatworkthatmorning,IhadprayedthatIwouldbeablessingtosomeonethatday.But,Annaandherstorywereablessingtome.I’mgratefultohaveasmallwindowintotheremarkableworkthatourpatientcarestaffdoeseachday.I’mequallygratefultobepartofanorganizationwherecorevaluesarenotjustwordsonapage,butresultinactionthatcomesfromtheheart.

Everyday,IamgratefulfortheguidanceofmanygiftedleadersandtheSpiritinmyworkatCHI.IseethoseofuswhoworkatCHI,tryingtodothesameasMotherTeresa:thatis,tobeGod’spresencetooneanotherandtothoseweserve,andtoseeJesusineachpersonwemeet.

ANNAKINMAN

SaintJosephMountSterling,KentuckyOneHealth

MountSterling,Kentucky

Questions for ReflectionWhom are you grateful for this day? Why?

How have you encouraged or built up someone today?

BLESSING OTHERSBlessing Others

“ I t was a testament to how our caregivers

express our core values...”

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Suggested Sacred Text“No,” said the little prince. “I am looking for friends. What does ‘tame’ mean?”

“Something that is frequently neglected,” said the fox. “It means ‘to create ties.”

“To create ties?”

“Precisely,” said the fox. “To me, you are still only a small boy, just like a hundred thousand other small boys. And I have no need of you. And you in turn have no need of me. To you, I’m just a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you shall be unique in the world. To you, I shall be unique in the world.” — The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sacred StoryLong-termcarefacilitieshavesuchwonderfulpotentialforresidentstointeractandbefriendoneanother!

Mysacredstoryisabouttwomenwhocametoknoweachotherandlookedforwardtospendingtimewitheachotherovercupsofcoffee.Eachhadpreviouslylosthisspouse.Becauseoneofthemenwasveryhardofhearingandalmostblind,thetwodidn’tspeakmuch.Butthetimetheyspenttogether,sittinginoneanother’spresence,wassacredtimethatprovidedcomfortandpeacetoboth.Silencebondedtheminthemidstofalltheotheractivitythatsurroundedthem.Thepowerofsilenceinfriendshipisstunning!

Thedaycamewhenoneofthemenwasdying.Familysurroundedhisbedside,andhisfriendarrivedto“bewith.”Hesatattheendofthedyingman’sbed,andspokenotaword.Ispokeintotheman’searthathisbestfriendwasnowsittingattheendofhisbed.The

dyingman,whohadn’tspokenormademuchcontactwiththosearoundhim,reachedouthishandtohisfriendinasilentgestureofrecognition.

WeatthebedsideknewthatGodhadvisitedandtouchedbothmen,inlifeandindeath.HowblessedwearetobeministerswhostandonsacredgroundwithpeopleaswewatchGodworkinginoureverydaylives.

SISTERJOYBARKER

St.ClareCommons,CHILivingCommunitiesPerrysburg,Ohio

Questions for ReflectionRecall a person you felt deeply connected to without having to speak many words. What were the circumstances that made this possible?

Have you ever had a friendship with someone in which you needed few words to connect?

Has God ever spoken to you as you sat in silence?

THE POWER AND COMFORT OF SILENCEThe Power and Comfort of Silence

“ Silence bonded them in the midst of all the other activity that

surrounded them.”

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Suggested Sacred TextHis master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” — Matthew 25:21

Sacred StoryLifeisfragile.Thetrialswefaceareoftenhardforourbodiesandspiritstobear.Yet,sometimesfromsufferingthererisessomethinggreater.

Recently,Iwasblessedtomeetapatientwhocametothehospitalindelicatecondition.Ahomehealthnursehadfoundthepatientdownonthefloor,deliveredCPRandcalledforhelp.

Theemergencyrespondersbroughtthepatienttothehospital,herheartstoppingagainjustastheambulancereachedtheemergencydepartment.TheEDstaffwasabletoreviveher,andtodiagnoseherproblem:atearinherheart.Thatgavethepatientandherfamilyaterribledilemma:whethertoagreetoanextremelyriskysurgerytorepairtheheart,ortokeepthepatientcomfortableandplaceherinthehandsofGod.

Still,theblessingswereabundantthatday.Thehomehealthnursereachedthepatientattherighttimeandwasabletoreviveher.Theemergencysquadarrivedandtransportedherquickly,arrivingatthehospitaljustintimefortheEDstafftorevivethepatientonceagain.Thepatient’swilltoliveilluminatedthebestofthehumanspirit.And,thepatient’sdaughterwasinspiredtohavehermomwritethethoughtsshewasn’tabletospeak.

Alloftheseblessingscreatedasacredtimeandspaceinwhichthepatientcouldclearlycommunicateherdeeploveforherfamilyandgratitudeforherlife.TrustingthatGodwasincontrol,blessedandunifiedwith

peace,thefamilychosetoplacethepatientintoGod’shands.Thisofferedthemamorecertainopportunitytospendtimetogether,andthepatientwasclearlycomfortedtohaveherfamilyatherside.

Despitethetragicprognosis,thepatientandherfamilyweregivenagiftofsacredmomentstogether,withtimetosay“Iloveyou”andsomuchmore.Iwasblessedtowalkonholygroundwiththemastheyemergedfromtheforestofsufferingintothegreenfieldsofpeace.

MICHAELMONTGOMERY

GoodSamaritanHospital

Dayton,Ohio

Questions for ReflectionThis family was given the opportunity, although limited, to enjoy sacred space. Where in your life are the opportunities for sacred space? Do you take advantage of that space?

Can you choose a time – a day, a week, a month – to really pay attention to the opportunities to enjoy sacred space?

“ Still, the blessings were

abundant that day.”

UNEXPECTED BLESSINGSUnexpected Blessings

Suggested Sacred Text“And the King will answer, ‘I tell you solemnly, insofar as you did this to one of the least of these my brothers of mine, you did it to me’.” — Matthew 25:40

Sacred StoryI’mpartofahospitalprogramcalledNoOneDiesAlone(NODA).We’reateamofvolunteerswhoattendtopatientswhohavenoonetobewiththemduringtheirdyinghours.

Oneday,wewereaskedtobewithJohn.Hehadbeenatthehospitalfor50days.Hewashomelessandhadbeenintroublewiththelaw.Theonlylivingrelativethatcouldbefoundwasanestrangedbrotherwhohadnowaytotraveltoourcity.Hewassorryabouthisbrother’splight,butdidnotwantanyofJohn’smeagerpossessions,norhisashes.

Andso,webecameJohn’s“family.”EverytimeoneofusenteredJohn’sroom,wespoketohim,smoothedhiscoversandaskedhimifhewantedanything.Johnwascomatose,butweministeredtohimasthoughhewasawake.Weprayedandreadtohimasifhewasourownbrother.

IwassittingwithJohnandholdinghishandwhenhiseyessuddenlyopened.Helookedattheceilingandopenedhisarms.I’veheardstoriesaboutpeoplewho,whiledying,couldseeotherswhohadcometohelpthemmakethetransitionfromthisworldtothenext.IaskedJohnifthatwasthecase:ofcourse,therewasnoresponse.But,atthatmomentIrealizedthatafterallthoseyearsonthestreet,hewouldsoonnolongerbehomeless.Hewouldgotothatwonderfulhomewherenosicknessexists.Whatawonderfulthoughtthatwas.

Thenextday,John’sbreathingbecamemorelaboredandallsignspointedtohimhavingjusthourstolive.

Wedrewclosetohimandprayed.Wetoldhimnottobeafraid,thatalovingFatherwaswaitingforhimtocomehome.Ashisbreathsbecameshorter,weknewitwastimeforhimto“gohome.”At1:45p.m.,hedrewalastbreathandquietlydied.Homelessnomore.

OnarainyFriday,severalnurses,administratorsandmembersoftheNODAteamgatheredtospreadJohn’sashesunderabeautifultree.Weprayedinaplacethathadnoaddress,nomarker,nocoffin.Whatwedidhavewasagroupofpeoplewhocaredforthisman,whodidn’tjudgehislifestory,andwerethankfulthathehadahomenow.Restinpeace,brother.

BARBARALINDSLEY

CHIHealthMercyCouncilBluffsCouncilBluffs,Iowa

Questions for ReflectionThis is a story of giving with no expectation of anything in return. The NODA volunteers treated this man like their own brother. What about their ministry is most significant to you?

Have you ever accompanied a friend or loved one from this life to the next?

Do your beliefs and your faith incorporate confidence in the afterlife? If so, what do you imagine it to be like?

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HOMELESS NO MOREHomeless No More

“ We drew close to him and prayed.”

Suggested Sacred TextYour eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. — Psalm 139

Sacred StoryOnereasonIlovebeinganurseisgettingtheopportunitytoputasmileonapatient’sface.Intheintensivecareunit,thoseopportunitiescanbefewandfarbetween.Whentheycome,theyarenevertakenforgranted.

Therewasonepatientwhowasalwaysreadyforasmile,andwhomademesmile,too.HeandIwouldchatandswapstorieswhenIbroughthimacupofJell-Oasanighttimesnack.RedJell-Owashisfavorite.Thispatienthadaroughgoofit,havingbeenintheICUformorethantwoweeks.Hedecidedtostoptreatment.

Aroundmidnightonenight,oneofmycolleaguesaskedmetohelpwithoneofherpatients.Iwentintothepatient’sroom,andabigsmilecameovermyface:itwastheJell-O-lovingpatient.Iaskedhimifhe’dhadhisJello-Oforthenight.Hesaidno,buthewoulddefinitelylikesome.Ithoughtanangelmustbeontheunit,becauseIfoundonecupofredJell-Oleftintherefrigerator.AsIfedittohim,wetalkedandIlearnedthatitwouldbehisbirthdayatmidnight.

Wedecidedtothrowhimalittlebirthdayparty.Imadea“HappyBirthday”sign,andweblewupsomecoloredballoons.Mycolleaguewentdownstairsandboughtsomeicecreamandcookies.At1:30a.m.,threeofuswentintohisroomwiththesign,balloonsandtreats,andsang“HappyBirthday.”Wecherishedthesmilehegaveus.

Twohourslater,ourpreciouspatientpassedawaypeacefullywithhisfamilybyhisside.

Ithoughtabouthowsurrealitwasthatheenteredandlefttheworldonthesamedate.God’splansaremysterious,buteverythinghappensforareason.Iwillalwaysbegratefulfortheopportunitytoputasmileonthatman’sfacesoonbeforehedied.I’mgladwewereabletoprovidehimwithcomfortandhappinessforhisbirthday,andforhislastday.

ALLYPRYOR,RN

CHIHealthSt.ElizabethLincoln,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionIn life, joys and sorrows are often blended together. When have you experienced that in your life?

Although this patient was having a “rough go,” he was able to bring a smile to the nurses and appreciate a simple cup of Jell-O. How do you find joy in the midst of a challenging situation?

When have you been in a situation in which someone went out of their way to make the day a little more special?

25

A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBERA Birthday to Remember

“ I thought about how surreal it was that he entered and left the world on the same date.”

26

Suggested Sacred Text“Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, his prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Jesus from all eternity.” — 2 Tim 1:8-9

Sacred StorySometimes,theweary,sickanddyingreceiveimmensecomfortwhenthereaffirmationofGod’slovecomesfromunexpectedsources.NumerouspatientsatCHISt.JosephHealthRegionalHospitalreceivethattypeofsupportfromadevoutandlovinghousekeeperwhospeakslittleEnglish.

Despitethelanguagebarrier,lsmeldaclearlycommunicateshermessageofGod’sinfinitelovetothoseinneed.Forexample,asshecleanedtheroomofapatientwhohadsufferedaheartattack,thepatient’swifeaskedhertopray,andtolayherhandsuponthepatientwhileprayingforhim.

Instead,Ismeldaconveyedthatthewifeshouldplaceherownhandsonherhusband,thenholdIsmelda’shands.Afterafewminutesofprayer,thewifeexperiencedaphysicalreaction,andfelthappier.Shelookedandbehavedlikeacompletelynewperson.

Manypeoplehavetoldmeofothertimeswhenlsmelda’sunwaveringfaithhashelpedpatientsandtheirfamiliesinatimeofneed.lsmeldasaysthatduringtheseimportantmoments,theHolySpiritchannelstheappropriateEnglishwordsthroughhersoshecangetGod’smessageacross.

Bylivingourwork,weknowthatprayerisfarmorethanincidentaltohealing.Ismelda’scalmingpresenceandthebeautyofhercompanionshipcreate

acommunionofplaceandopenthedoorwaytohealing.lsmeldahelpspeopleliveinfaith,evenintheirdarkesttimes.CAREYBREVARD

CHISt.JosephHealth

Bryan,Texas

Questions for ReflectionWhat are the characteristics of a holy person?

Have you ever met a holy person?

Did you ever consider the fact that you, too, could be holy?

THE BEAUTY OF COMPANIONSHIPThe Beauty of Companionship

“ By living our work, we know that prayer is far more than incidental to

healing.”

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Suggested Sacred TextA voice of one calling: in the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. — Isaiah 40:3-5

Sacred StoryOnedayin1990,asIworkedataprofessionIhadbeeninfor20years,Ifellfromaroof,shatteringmyheel.IwastoldIwouldhavetogiveupmychosentradeofheating,coolingandappliancerepair,andstayoffladdersandrooftops.

Ihadworkedhardtobecomeoneofthebestinthatfieldandwasproudofmywork.Havingtogiveitupleftmedeeplydepressed.Withawifeand18-month-oldsontosupport,Ididn’tknowwheretoturnorwhattodo.Monthsoflegalturmoilrelatedtoworkman’scompensation,welfareandfoodstampsmademattersworse.Finally,Iwasabletogobacktoschoolandretrainforanewcareer.

IchosebiomedicalelectronicsbecauseIwouldstillbeabletoworkwithmyhandsandmymind.Formorethanthreeyears,Idrove125mileseveryweekdaytoreceivebiomedicaltrainingatacommunitycollege.Thattookatollonourfamily,too,asdidtheknowledgethatbiomedicalelectronicsjobswerenotabundantwherewelived,andthisnewcareerwouldrequireustorelocate.

InJanuary1994,CHIHealthGoodSamaritanbroughtmeonasanintern.Thatsummer,theyofferedmeapermanentposition,andmynewcareerbegan.

Throughtheyears,Ihavefoundmeaningintheseeventsthroughthelensoffaith.IdobelieveitwastheLordthatguidedmetoworkinthiscaringfacility.ThegoodLordchoseadirectionformethatItrulybelievein,andourhardworkshowsinthehealingofourpatients.Althoughwedon’thavedirectpatientcontact,ourclinicalengineeringteamtakesprideinknowingthattheequipmentthathelpswiththeircareisalwaysreadyandsafetouse.

IknowthatGodcontinuestoguidemyactionseachday.I’mgratefulandhappythatIfollowedthepathGodpreparedtothiscareerandthisplace.

RUSSHILL

CHIHealthGoodSamaritanKearney,Nebraska

Questions for ReflectionDo you believe that God has a plan for your life? How have you experienced that?

Have you ever experienced something bad, only to have it lead to something good?

How do you hear the voice of God’s spirit in your life?

FOLLOWING GOD’S GUIDANCEFollowing God’s Guidance

“ The good Lord chose a direction for me that I

truly believe in.”

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Suggested Sacred Text“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7

Sacred StoryThreeyearsago,Iwasofferedapositionincasemanagement,amoveawayfrombedsidenursing.IprayedforGodtohelpmedotherightthing,toguidemedowntherightpath.Iacceptedtheposition.

Oneday,Imadeafollow-upcalltoapatientafterherkneereplacementsurgery.Everythingwasgoingwellforthepatient.Attheendofourconversation,IremindedhertocallmeiftherewasanythingIcouldhelpherwith.

Thenextmorning,myphonerang.Itwasthepatientwiththekneereplacement,andshewasindistress.Shewascryingandbreathingfast,makingithardformetounderstandher.

lprayed,“Lord,pleasehelpmedotherightthingandpleasedon’tletthispatientdie!”Iaskedhertoclosehereyesandtakesomeslow,deepbreaths,whichcalmedher.Fromheranswerstomyquestion,Iruledoutabloodclotinherlung.

Iaskedwhereherhusbandwas,andshesaidhewasatwork.Iaskedpermissiontocallhimandsheagreed.IplacedheronholdwhileIcalledhimandexplainedwhatwashappening.Heimmediatelyleftworktogohomeandbewithhiswife.

WhenIretrievedhercallfromhold,thephonewasdead.Mymindwenttotheworst-casescenarioandIthought,“ShouldIhavecalled911instead?Isherhusbandgoingtogohometofindherdead?”

Icalledhernumberagain,prayingtohearhervoice,butitwenttovoicemail.Idialedherhusband’snumber,andheanswered.Hewasalreadyathome.Thepatientgotonthephoneandthankedmeformyhelp.Ifoundoutthatshehadahistoryofreactiontopainmedication,andthatwaswhatwashappeningtoher.Icalledhersurgeonandherprimarycarephysician,whowroteadifferentprescriptionforpain.

Icalledthepatient’shusbandback,whothankedmeandmentionedthathehadtoworkthenextseveraldays–hehadusedsometimeoffforhiswife’ssurgery,andhewashesitanttoaskforanymore.Iaskedifhewouldlikemetocallanddiscussthesituationwithhissupervisor,andhesaidyes.Hissupervisorwasveryunderstanding.

Theverynextday,thepatientcalledmysupervisorandtoldherallaboutwhathappened.Shesaidthatifithadnotbeenforme,shewouldhavedied.

Iknowheroutcomeactuallyhadnothingtodowithme.IthadeverythingtodowiththepowerofprayerandGod’shealingpresence.PatientsoftensaythatIamanangel,butIknowthatmynewjobsimplyputmeinapositiontobeusedbyGod.

NATALIEMARTIN,RN

CHISt.VincentHotSprings

HotSprings,Arkansas

Questions for ReflectionWhen have you heard relief in another’s voice because of your actions?

When have you conveyed relief in your voice because of another’s actions?

GOD CHOSE THIS JOB FOR MEGod Chose This Job For Me

Catholic Health Initiatives promotes a workplace spirituality in

which we can come closer to being aware of our God working with us and through us, even in our most

ordinary activities.

The patient said I should be very proud of our team.

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