CommonSpirit Sacred Stories

Sacred Stories | A Childs Generosity “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” - Mark 12:43-44 At our facility, we host an annual event to raise money to help the women in our community who can't afford breast screenings. Our recent event was wonderful, for many reasons. The featured speaker was a breast cancer survivor named Beth, who once worked at our hospital. She developed breast cancer six years ago, which resulted in a mastectomy and much treatment. Shortly after Beth finished treatments, her husband died suddenly of heart failure. Her speech was amazing; it made those present realize how short life can be, and that one must live every moment to the fullest. With the crowd in tears, Beth asked who would be willing to donate $100 to provide a free mammogram for a woman who was unable to afford one. As we collected donations at the end of the event, an eight-year-old girl slid a $20 bill across our table. She said, “This is all of my allowance, and I would like to donate it to help a woman in need.” I took a deep breath and thought, “This little girl is lending her hand — and hard-earned allowance — to help the less fortunate. Wow! At her age, she gets it!” Our chief executive officer sent the girl a letter of appreciation for her donation and told her just how special she was. Her uncle later told me that the CEO's letter meant so much to her. Our mission and ministry call us each day to lend a hand to neighbors in need. Adults realize this is our obligation and privilege. Something special occurs, however, when a child learns to give to others; it marks the transfer of values to a new generation. A child's generosity, like that of the widow and her two copper coins in the Gospel of Mark, is priceless. Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection What values are you passing to the next generation—both at work and in your personal life—through your words and actions? What does it mean to“live every moment to the fullest” this moment...this day? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1,

Sacred Stories | Brief Light “Wisdom rescued from troubles those who served her.” – Wisdom 10:9 I was elated and smiling after my new employee orientation. It was a great day; I was entering my new profession as an RN with an organization that held values and faith that resonated with mine. I could not wait to share my excitement with my children. As a single mom, nursing school had been a long journey, but it was all worth it. Things were coming together; gratitude filled my heart. As I walked towards the exit, a voice caught my attention. Standing at the information desk were three young ladies: one in her mid twenties, another in her teens, and another about seven. What drew me closer was the pain I noticed in their eyes. The teen, standing with her arms crossed, seemed ticked off as well as scared. The child held the older girl's hand tightly. They were looking for the emergency department. Their father had been rushed to the hospital, his condition unknown. Fresh from orientation, I knew the expectation for employees to accompany patients and visitors to their destination. So, I offered to walk with them to the ED. The eldest thanked me, explained the situation and told me how scared they were. The little girl said she was sad because her daddy was alone. I stopped our walk briefly and told her, “No, honey, he's not alone. God is looking over his shoulder right now.” She smiled, and we continued our walk. The teenager had big tears in her eyes. We arrived at the ED, and I waited to make sure they were in good hands. As I said goodbye, the little girl gave me a big hug. Surprisingly, the teenager gave me a hug, too, and thanked me. I asked her why she was thanking me. With the faintest of smiles, she said, “For reminding me.” The goose bumps I experienced in that moment were something I could only describe as heavenly. Did God place those young ladies in my path to show me that my actions make a difference? Or, did God put me there to remind them of their faith? Perhaps it doesn't matter. God shows me each day that my actions can make a difference. Something as simple as a smile or as ordinary as escorting someone to their destination can make a difference. This has touched my heart forever. Thank you, thank you. Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Reflect on a time when a chance encounter created an opening for significant blessing. Was there anything in that encounter that alerted you to the potential for more? How can we encourage each other to remain open to chance encounters? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30,

Sacred Stories | Our Central American Patient “Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for he said, ‘I was sick and you visited me' (Matt 25:36)” and, “What you did for one of these least ones you did for me” (Matt. 25:40).” – Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 36 A few years ago, a very special patient appeared at our hospital. When he first came, he was weak and his voice was raspy, but he had a story to tell. It was a story of pain and near defeat, but it was also a story of help and hope. The patient told us he had known for a long time that something was wrong. “I went to doctor after doctor and emergency room after emergency room, and it was always the same,” he said. “I would wait for hours, and they would tell me that nothing was wrong. They wouldn't listen to my questions or try to help me. All they saw was another Central American who didn't speak much English. After weeks, I begged God to take away the pain or let me die.” Just as the patient reached the end of his rope, a friend took him to another doctor. That doctor told the patient he was very sick with cancer and needed to get to a hospital right away. “I was afraid to go to another hospital,” he said. “I thought they would make me wait for hours only to tell me to leave. But my friend told me he was going to take me to his hospital, and they would take care of me.” Tears shone in his eyes as a smile wrapped around his face. “The doctors and nurses care for me here. They listen to me and answer my questions. They take time with me and help me understand what is going on. I can feel this is a Christian place, a place where God is served, because of the way I am served.” During the course of the following year, we continued to care for this special patient as he battled his cancer. We helped the patient and his family through the maze of paperwork needed for documentation and insurance, and provided spiritual support. We came to know and love this gentle man and his young family. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and prayers, the oncologist reached the end of treatment options and the patient was discharged home with hospice care. I went to see the patient one last time before he left the hospital. Weak from the long struggle with cancer, he had a message to share: “Please tell everyone thank you and that I am praying for them,” he said. “Thank God for this hospital!” Yes, thank God for a place where all are treated with compassion and excellence; where everyone is encouraged to look beyond the readily apparent to see the face of God in those we serve. May we always serve all who come here as if we are serving God. Submitted by Betsy Kammerdiener From the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection This patient said he could “feel that this is… a place where God is served by the way I am served.” How can you serve God in your role? What do you think gets in the way of serving others “as if we are serving God?” How can we encourage and support one another in doing that? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8,

Sacred Stories | Just Hands "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!"   Psalm 90:17 I was a begrudging participant in the afternoon's prayer service —and I was leading it! It was our Spirituality of Work feast day, but I was frustrated because I hadn't found a creative way to involve the entire hospital. To complicate things, only two of us were available to lead the service that day. We finally settled on a traveling Blessing of the Hands service for each nursing floor. My expectations were low. We began on a medical/surgical floor. Despite a busy patient load, a roomful of nurses and aides participated in the service. My spirit brightened at the sight. My colleague led the service while I assisted  in the blessing. I used a drop of oil to anoint the palms of each participant as I spoke the words, “May the work of your hands bring healing and wholeness to everyone you touch.” Rarely do I literally hold the hands of our staff members, so this was initially an awkward experience. But hands are just hands, right? Still, the hands that I touched and God blessed do so many things. They wash, bathe, palpate, fluff pillows, care for wounds and change dressings. They check vital signs and straighten rooms. They document volumes of patient information and responses to physician orders. They administer medication  and reassure anxious family members . The hands I held gesture to communicate and at times, grasp each other in silent frustration. Sometimes, when a patient's life is in danger, they fly around the room in a frenzy of activity. The act of blessing always has some effect. I began to sense the words and experience were powerful and eye-opening. I realized how wonderful the hands I touched really are. In those hands, I saw faith, commitment, sacrifice, generosity, empathy and love. I saw hands that bring healing and wholeness to the ones they touch. I saw the loving, vulnerable hearts of our people as I looked into their outstretched palms. Is there anything ordinary about the work our hands do? My colleague and I visited several floors that afternoon. I don't know of our impact, but I do know that we were blessed; in God's eyes, our simple hands have an extraordinary and wonderful influence. Submitted by Reverend Mark Bekkedahl Questions for Reflection The author asks, “Is there anything ordinary about the work our hands do?” What do you think? How is the work of your hands sacred? How do you bring healing and wholeness in your role? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9,

Sacred Stories | Family, Friends, and Faith "A friend loves at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes." - Proverbs 17:17 NIRV As an occupational therapy assistant, my job is to help people regain independence and, if possible, return to their previous living situations. I often see individuals who have to change their lifestyles due to an illness or injury. This was the case with a patient I will call Grace. She had rheumatoid arthritis, which made tasks we take for granted—such as combing hair, brushing teeth, or getting out of bed—much more difficult. She also had a visual deficit that limited her activities. Her smile, though, was big, bright, and contagious. She had a soft, soothing, gentle voice in which she explained that she had given up many of the things she enjoyed in life. She no longer baked pies, read novels, or played cards because her arthritis and vision problems made these pleasures too difficult. However, every morning, she was bright, cheery, and unbelievably positive. Her attitude rubbed off on those around her. On the morning of her last therapy session, I asked how she remained so optimistic and positive day after day. She said, “Well, why shouldn't I? I have the three Fs in my life; family, friends, and faith. I thank God each day for those blessings.” She explained that those three things are really all an individual needs in life, and that without them life is meaningless—whether one is able-bodied or not. The simple words Grace spoke to me that morning have been etched into my mind. At that moment, I realized how selfish I can be and how much I have to be thankful for. Sometimes, we all think we deserve more out of life. At those moments, we should stop and think of the three Fs. There isn't anything we should be more thankful for than a loving family, good friends, and a strong faith. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection What roles do friends, family, and faith play in your life? What are you grateful for today? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15,

Sacred Stories | I Thought You Might Need a Hug "The compass of God implanted in the seeker's heart stretches toward truth and signals the way to justice...These seekers hear the voice of God in the cry of the poor and oppressed, and they ‘immediately put aside their own concerns' and follow God's call in their actions." - Joan Chittister, OSB, The Monastery Of the Heart: An Invitation to a Meaningful Life I was walking down the hall when I saw a woman who worked in our unit that I'll call Norma, leaning on the wall outside the elevators, waiting for one to open. I stopped to chat. She said she was waiting for a woman she thought would be stepping off the elevator soon. Norma said the woman seemed upset when she got on the elevator, and Norma wanted to make sure she was OK. Just at that moment, the elevator doors opened and a woman stepped off. She was obviously upset; she had the face of a person who had been crying. As she passed, she looked down at the ground. Norma asked if she was OK. The woman did not look up, but quietly said, “Yes,” and kept walking. “I thought you might need a hug,” Norma gently responded. The woman, now 10 steps beyond us, turned and literally ran into Norma's arms. She began sobbing so hard that her body shook. Norma said nothing as she held the grief-stricken woman. I smiled at Norma and went on my way. I don't know how long they stood there together; the silence broken only by the woman's tears. This encounter touched my heart deeply. Observing this simple act of human touch filled me with a sense of peace. It is the perfect example of why CommonSpirit employees and patients know they've come to the right place. Submitted by Robin George Questions for Reflection When was the last time you listened deeply with your heart? How did you respond? What was the impact—for you and for others? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10,

Sacred Stories | Spirits Touching "If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind..." Philippians 2:1,2 I met a very elderly patient recently. She was very thin, malnourished, and had been found in a coma. As we cared for her, she began to revive, although her speech was very slurred and her mind vacillated from lucid to foggy. It took her a long time, with much help, to inform me about her food sensitivities. At the end of our long conversation, she asked me my first and last names, then mumbled, “we are now forever friends. We know each other after a short visit and we will now be friends for life!” I immediately resonated with my patient and said “yes, we are indeed, now, life friends!” I assured her that I would check in again and conveyed how much I treasured her and her sweetness. When I added that I would be thinking of and praying for her, she seemed very grateful.. This dear woman began failing the very next day, and never ate or spoke again. Reading her obituary the following week, I discovered that she had been a ministry leader for many decades and that her “mission in life was to share the love of Jesus.” I would also say that my greatest mission in life is to “be God in skin” to any and all I encounter. So our spirits truly had been in total resonance the day we spoke, even though we had just met. The depth of connection I shared with her remains imprinted in my heart, soul, and spirit, and I look forward to our future relationship in heavenly places. I have experienced many of these types of soul and spiritual connections, often with people who are dying, and they always leave me touched and feeling blessed. I believe that the connection never ceases, that it will continue even after we all graduate to a higher spirit realm. Debbie Hillyard, Diet Assistant Questions for Reflection Have you experienced a deep connection with a particular individual? What was it about that person that resonated with you? What do these types of connections tell us about ourselves, about the Spirit, about the presence of God in this world? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1,

Sacred Stories | A Cup of Cold Water "If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly he will most certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42 NRSV There was an elderly patient in our unit who nervously waited for his doctor's arrival because he anticipated going home. He had reading material in his room, and staff members encouraged him to relax and read while he waited. Instead, he wandered the area despite nurses' instructions to wait in his room with his infected leg elevated. As I walked down the hall toward his room, I heard him talking to the housekeeper, who I'll call Jean. She noted she had a hard time reading without glasses, too. She and the patient talked and laughed for some time, and the patient seemed less anxious after their conversation. When I entered his room later that afternoon, I commented it was good to see him relaxed and reading with his sore leg elevated, as it needed to be. He replied, “That little angel, Jean, gave me her reading glasses, and that's all I needed; I couldn't read a thing without them.” Like giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty, Jean's simple act of kindness meant so much to that man. Her sincere grasp of what service truly means is an excellent example of our core values in action. When I asked Jean about it, she gave me one of her great smiles and said, “It was the least I could do. They aren't prescription. They only cost a dollar, and he left his at home.” Jean saw nothing special about her behavior that day. Not only is she an excellent housekeeper, she is an outstanding human being. Some people may think of housekeepers as less “important” than nurses or doctors. Jean proves to me and to our patients that this is just not true. Our team is better because of Jean. She truly demonstrates that an everyday “cup of cold water” makes a positive difference. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Have you observed a time when things did not go well due to an unmet need? How might you or another tuned in to that need? How can CommonSpirit colleagues be more attuned to those they serve? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1,

Sacred Stories | Ice Cream: Good for the Soul “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” -Romans 12:10 NRSV Working in the emergency medical field, we witness a lot: some good, some not so good. Occasionally, we transport residents from one facility to another for treatments. For about two weeks, my ambulance partner and I had the privilege of transporting an elderly woman I'll call Deborah for chemotherapy treatments. She grew weaker as the days went by, and no family members had visited her for months. Still, she was a happy soul, and we had fun on our transport trips. She looked forward to seeing us, and we looked forward to seeing her. Though her spirits were high, we knew that she was declining. She was unable to eat much. One day after a treatment, I asked her, “If you could have anything to eat right now, what would it be?” She told me how she had loved to go to a local, well-known ice cream establishment with her family. My partner and I waved goodnight and told her we would see her the next day. Then, we looked at each other and knew just what to do. We had no other jobs pending, so we went to the ice creamery and bought her an ice cream cone. We drove back to Deborah's location and found her lying in bed looking at photographs. “Deb, we have a little something for you,” we said, and gave her the cone. Her eyes lit up and she smiled from ear to ear. We had tears in our eyes — to see her so happy was wonderful. We sat for a while and spoon fed her some of the ice cream she had been craving for so long. She didn't have much, but she loved it and was thankful for our gesture. We didn't take her for any more treatments, as she died shortly after that, but we are thankful that her last days were the best they could be. I am thankful I had time with Deborah and helped her enjoy the brief time she had left here on earth. It seems that people always want more in life, but it's the little things that make life so sweet. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection How can you be more attentive to the little things that might mean so much to the people in your life--loved ones, patients, or colleagues? When was the last time you surprised someone with one of their favorite things, and what did it mean to them? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows,

Sacred Stories | Incarcerated And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' — Matthew 25:40 One day during routine chaplain visits, I noticed a man in his 20s who was a patient in the cardiovascular unit. I thought it was an unusual place for someone close to my age, so I went in to visit him. The patient, whom I'll call Michael, seemed nice enough and had two visitors, so I thought it would be a fairly standard visit. Michael complained that he could not contact his wife and newborn and was worried about them. “Why can't you contact them?” I asked. For a moment, he looked at me rather sheepishly, then  answered, “Because I'm incarcerated.” I looked at the room around me in a new light. That explained why the two visitors had been only half-listening to our conversation. I then realized that they were in uniforms and wore guns. They were guards, not family members. It also explained why the patient could not contact his family. Michael was out of prison only because of the severity of his condition; he still had no right to call his wife.  Like it or not, that one word — incarcerated —changed the way I looked at the room around me and the person before me. But then, something happened that changed the way I looked at Michael yet again. He said, “I just don't want my child to be like me.” Before I could think of anything to say, comfort came from an unlikely source. One of the guards  said, “You're not all bad, Michael. There's good in you, whether you see it or not.” Michael and I were both caught off-guard. After that, I saw him as I believe God saw him: as a hurting individual in need of comfort because of his fear of the hospital and his longing for his family. God had provided comfort to him through an unlikely source. The guard's caring words reminded me of God's compassion, which made the moment sacred for me. Michael and I were just two young men, talking about things that seemed much larger than either of us. But when I momentarily lost my awareness that Michael, in spite of his incarceration, had dignity and infinite worth as a person created in God's image, God was kind enough to comfort Michael and refocus me. We were able to talk for a long time about things both big and small. When it was time to go, he asked me to pray for him and his family. God was present for both of us. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection When is it harder for you to see people as God sees them–as people of “dignity and infinite worth”? How has God helped you to refocus and see the good in the least of your brothers and sisters in your daily work? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12,

Sacred Stories | I Have Seen the Face of God “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them...” - Genesis 1:27a NRSV Faith community nurses are registered nurses whose work centers on a parish, church or community organization, rather than in a hospital or doctor's office. Literally meeting people where they are, these nurses focus on care of the spirit as well as holistic health and prevention of illness and injury. We have six faith community nursing programs throughout our ministry. Here is an example of how their work touches both the body and spirit of their patients – as well as themselves. One afternoon, I received a call from a coworker whom I'll call Father Tim. He was concerned about a gentleman he often saw in the neighborhood. All that Father Tim really knew about this man, whom I'll call “Gus,” was that he lived above one of the neighborhood bars, was in poor health and was a very nice man. “Gus is about my age,” said Father Tim, who was 72. “This morning, he said that if he'd had all of his medications last night, he would have taken them to end it all. Can you help him?” When I arrived at the bar, a tall, thin gentleman with a scruffy beard and slightly graying bushy hair met me. When I asked, “Gus?” he smiled. He confirmed that he was so depressed that he would have ended his life the night before except he didn't have the means. Gus was willing to go to the hospital. On the way, he told me that he was 57 years old, but he looked every bit of the 72 years Father Tim described — the result of years of drug and alcohol abuse. He also had heart disease. There was something special about this man that touched my heart and soul deeply; why, I did not yet know. When we arrived at the hospital, he refused to use a wheelchair. I had the feeling he was afraid that I would abandon him if I left to find a wheelchair. When we arrived at the Emergency Department triage desk, Gus said, “I can't stand anymore; I am going to fall.” Two women in the waiting room helped me hold him up while the receptionist got a wheelchair. The triage nurse checked his vital signs and took a brief history before whisking him to the critical care area of the ED. She then took me to see the ED social worker. The nurse said to the social worker, “You know it takes a lot for someone to tug at my heart, but this man surely does.” Later, as I sat in the waiting room, I reflected on my short time with Gus. What was it about him that filled me with a peace beyond my understanding? I thought of what the nurse said, and suddenly I knew— I had seen the face of God in this seemingly broken, yet very kind and gentle man. May he be blessed for the gift he is to others. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection What is it about Gus and the people in our own lives who “fill us with a peace beyond our understanding?” Have you experienced people like that in your ministry? In which seemingly broken persons do you see the face of God? How do you respond? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5,

Sacred Stories | What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7 (1347-1380) Though I've been a singer all my life, there was a time when I was a certified nursing assistant. Singing has been life-giving since I was a little boy and sang with my seven brothers; my father encouraged this gift. I often sing as I go through my day and don't think too much about it. A while back, a patient whom I will call Claire came to the floor where I worked. She was a slight, quiet woman. We chatted as I settled her in her room. I must have carried a tune or two while I was working. Three days later, Claire was my patient again. She told me, “You're always so cheerful. I love to hear you sing.” Though called away to another patient, I promised to return to sing. When I returned, Claire's husband was in the room. She asked me to sing whatever came to mind. I love old spirituals, so I sang, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen.” Tears came to their eyes. They asked for another song, and I sang, “What are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?” Claire and her husband held hands and looked deeply into each other's eyes. I slipped out of the room. When I came to work the next day, the charge nurse asked me to see Claire. Again, her husband was with her. Stuttering as she spoke, Claire asked if I would sing, “When the Saints Go Marching In” at her memorial service. I was shocked, but managed to say yes. She died two weeks later. I knew that Claire was terminally ill, but there were so many other things I did not know. I did not know that the spiritual I sang was a favorite of her husband. I did not know the depth of the couple's love for each other, or that “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” was the story of their love. I did not understand that God was using my gifts to speak His love to them and provide a final affirmation of their love for each other. I just went through my day as I always do — with song, prayer, and an open heart. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection What gifts and skills do you see making a difference to the people we serve? What talents do you contribute to the healing ministry? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13,

Sacred Stories | Uncle Jim “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious.” — Psalm 135:3 NRSV As a hospital chaplain, I had worked for years with a registered nurse who I'll refer to as Mandy, who  was a very comforting presence to her patients in the medical/surgical unit. I also knew her from church, where her beautiful voice would ripple out to the congregation, sending peace to everyone who heard her. I didn't know that one day I would understand the roots of her talent, and the reasons why it was expressed in such ethereal music. One day, Mandy's father, whom we all called “Uncle Jim,” was brought to the hospital. Uncle Jim was dying. He was in bed and would never get out of bed again. At the hospital, Jim's large brood of sons and daughters surrounded him. Each came to make his or her peace and say goodbye. The children had grown up in a musical family; Jim taught each one to sing and play instruments. They were used to making beautiful music together. When Jim saw his daughters crying, he gave them a gentle push in a different direction. “Don't cry when I die,” he said. “Sing!” And sing they did, their father singing with them before he passed. It sounded like a choir of angels had gathered on the medical/surgical floor. They were sorrowful, but they were joyful, too. Staff members closed the door to Uncle Jim's room so other patients wouldn't be disturbed, but many patients and staff members sang right along with Jim and his family. I know that when a child loses his father, it's a sorrowful time. It was such a comfort to see Jim's children helping him make his journey. He was ready to go; he was just waiting for God to be ready for him. In the meantime, he wanted his children to sing. In the end, when Jim died, the nurses formed an honor guard and sang “How Great Thou Art” as they wheeled his body down the hall. Many staff members wanted to share in this ritual, and many patients sang right along. Jim and his children had provided patients and staff alike with a truly uplifting experience. As long as I live, I will never forget this prayerful, musical family and the gift they gave to Jim, our patients, our staff and me. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection How can we use our gifts and talents to help ourselves and others through difficult situations? Reflect on a time when you were both sorrowful and joyful. What helped you see joy in the sadness? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8,

Sacred Stories | A Grandmother's Kiss “Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice." - Proverbs 23:25 Birth is a universal story. Its glory rises above culture and language, connecting all people in the common beginning of a life. As a labor and delivery nurse, I experience birth from a cross-section of cultures: many mothers and fathers have immigrated from refugee populations and have relocated to our community. I stepped into one family's life circle during the birth of their child in a way I'll never forget. I can still see an image of the mother, originally from a Middle Eastern country, holding her baby girl, only minutes old, in her arms. The mother was young, with rich, long dark hair that matched her deep and tender eyes. The baby was passed to her father's arms, which were both tender and awkward as he pulled the newborn  to his chest. His new life in a new country now had true roots. There were no anxious grandparents, aunts or uncles in the waiting room because this family's relatives, like those of many other immigrant families, were a world away. Since the baby was born before video calls were common, the father began the ritual of making telephone calls to loved ones.  Speaking into the phone in his native tongue, his words danced around the world.  The family in the Middle East heard the story of the birth of his daughter. I noticed tears in his eyes as he handed the phone to me. “My wife's mother wants to talk to the nurse,” he said. I was taken aback, but I took the phone. “What does my daughter's baby girl look like?” she asked me.  The new grandmother wanted every piece of information she could gather! Because I had recently become a grandmother myself, I understood completely.  “She is beautiful,” I said. “She has the eyes of her mother.” A soft cry and laugh came from the phone. “And, she has the lips of her father,” I said. There were more sounds of tears and joy. Then, the grandmother asked, “Will you kiss my daughter for her mother? And then, kiss the baby for me.” I promised that I would. I leaned over the bed and gave the beautiful young mother a kiss on the cheek and said “That is from your mother.” She smiled, feeling her mother's love. Then I looked into the newborn's eyes and said, “This kiss is from your grandmother, who loves you very much.” During that tender moment, this grandmother gave a gentle kiss on behalf of  another grandmother in a faraway land. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection How do you see our mission and values reflected in this story? Given pandemic constraints, have you had to “stand in” for a remote family member? How was that experience for you? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12,

Sacred Stories | The “Push” for My Career “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” – St. Catherine of Siena, Dominican Pioneer (1347-1380) Soon after I married,   we learned  we were expecting. At the time, neither my husband nor I had insurance. Someone suggested that I seek care through the OB clinic at my local medical center.  My prenatal care through the clinic was a very positive experience. The OB nurse who took care of me – I'll call her Judy – was one of the most compassionate nurses I ever met. She answered every question I had, no matter how ridiculous. When I delivered my daughter, the nurses were wonderful, especially my labor and delivery nurse. I'll  call her Cindy , to protect her privacy.  Cindy was the cheerleader I needed. Soon after the birth l began to think that I could be a nurse. Perhaps I could help support other women through labor; perhaps I could even work at this clinic. Because of  nurses like Judy and Cindy, I decided to go back to school and become an obstetric nurse. Seven years later, I  earned my bachelor's degree in nursing, with honors.   When my daughter was 10, I came to work in labor and delivery as a staff nurse at the clinic that helped me..  I worked alongside the women who inspired my new vocation.  I realized my dream. I serve as a nurse manager and  am pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration. From my experiences as a patient and a nurse, I have learned to never underestimate the profound impact a nurse can have on a patient's life. I know my life has been enriched and blessed in many ways. It all began as a result of being a patient at the OB clinic. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Were you inspired by someone to choose the path you have chosen? Reflect on how their actions made the difference in your life. Have you had the opportunity to inspire someone else? How might you create that opportunity in the future? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12,

Sacred Stories | Margaret Was Not Alone Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words. — St. Francis of Assisi The call to serve came about 10 p.m. on a Friday. The chaplain asked if I could come to the hospital to stand vigil as part of the “No One Dies Alone” program. The program had just begun, and the training was still fresh in my mind.  Nervously, I began to ask questions; then, realizing the questions were pointless, I stopped. I was being called to be with someone who was dying, and being present was the purpose. As I drove to the hospital, I thought of my family, counting my blessings. I prayed to God for strength and wisdom. It was one thing to receive training, quite another to put it into action. Again, I had to focus on the sacred act of being present for another person during the profound last act of life. Upon arriving, my worries about being appropriate in the eyes of the medical staff disappeared. They quickly ushered me to the bedside of a woman I'll call Margaret.  The medical staff flew in and out of the room. Equipment, tubes, IV bags, machines and pumps were everywhere, but they graciously made room for me to hold Margaret's hand and speak into her ear. That's when all the training left my brain and I scrambled to remember what to do. Again, I refocused on the sacredness of the moment. The point of my involvement was to be there with Margaret. Once I centered myself and became a human being instead of a human doing, the process flowed. Though Margaret was not conscious, I believe we prayed, sang, cried and laughed together, sharing a sense of helplessness and togetherness. The medical staff worked hard to keep Margaret present until her family arrived. The vigil lasted about three hours, but it seemed like only minutes until the family arrived. After the initial shock of seeing Margaret, her family composed themselves and there was a very peaceful moment. I was able to gently lead one family member to the side of the bed and place Margaret's hand in hers. I told Margaret that her family was with her and I would be leaving. I thanked her for sharing our sacred time together and quietly left. I'll never know just what Margaret could hear or feel, but there was solace and comfort for me, the staff and her family in knowing she was not alone —someone was there to be her eyes and voice. I was there to tell her who was in the room, what was being done, what was going to happen, and how sorry we were that medical interventions would not save her. I shared with her that we would help her through the dying process as best we could, would help her family begin the mourning process, and would not leave her alone until her family or the Lord was there to embrace her. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection This story speaks about the “sacred act of being present.” When have you experienced the sacred act of being present? How was that experience for you? How can the shift from “human doing” to “human being” help when there is nothing else we can do? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5,

Sacred Stories | Massaging Souls [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet... - John 13:5 Prior to the pandemic, for more than two decades and nearly 1,800 hours, a volunteer I'll call Joanna, has been massaging the feet of our patients. I always know it's Thursday when I see Joanna walking down the hallway, carrying her box of lotions. I have no idea what her age might be. It's hard to notice anything about her beyond the never-ending smile on her face and the forever sparkle in her eyes. Joanna is a faithful, humble volunteer who offers a very special kind of healing touch to patients. As she massages the soles of their feet, she touches their souls with peace, comfort, compassion and reverence. One day I asked Joanna if she had ever had a foot massage herself. Her answer was, “I've never had one. I just give them. That makes me feel good.” Her approach to her work reminds me of the words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel always. Use words if you have to.” When I see Joanna, I also think of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples on Holy Thursday. How fitting that she volunteers on Thursdays. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Reflect on the times you have received a unique or unusual healing touch in your life. What made that touch effective? In what ways can you communicate God's healing presence, with or without words? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20, 2022/by adminSpirits TouchingAugust 3, 2022/by adminI Thought You Might Need a HugAugust 17, 2022/by adminFamily, Friends, and FaithAugust 31,

Sacred Stories | To Truly See “But blessed are your eyes because they see and blessed are your ears because they hear. — Matthew 13:16 While I was working the night shift, a patient forever changed my view on life. This patient was blind, so I made frequent stops in her room. Early one morning, I asked if she would like me to order her breakfast. Though swamped with the upcoming shift change, I took the time to read the menu to her, tell her which items I recommended, and placed her order. Anxious to complete my work, I asked if there was anything else she needed. She asked if the sun was rising yet. I walked to her window and slightly opened a blind, responding, "Yes, ma'am, it is." She asked if I would open the blinds for her. Bewildered, I opened the blinds to the new morning. As I did, I wondered what the day would hold. What promises, heartaches and losses would each of us experience? As I pondered my silent inquiries, my patient sighed deeply and said she had not seen a sunrise in decades. She told me the heart-wrenching story of how she lost her eyesight as a young child and how she would love to see a sunrise just one more time. I looked at the clock, then back to the silent tears streaking my patient's aged face. I walked to her bedside, held her hand for a moment and said, "Can I paint it for you?" She smiled and said, "Well, honey, I still won't be able to see it!" “Yes, ma'am, you will, because God is the painter," I said. I released her hand and walked back to the window. I described the sunrise in such poetic terms that I astounded myself. I described the shades of the shadows that tried to hide from the golden rays of the sun. I blended the hues of blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow and gray in the sky. I highlighted the greenery as it was touched by the sunlight and described the wisps of clouds with their silver linings. I turned back to my patient, who was still crying, but smiling. She thanked me for taking the time to describe something so many of us take for granted. She said a heavy burden of grief had been lifted, and it was a gift to see again, if only for a moment, through my words. I grasped her outreached hand, and she said it was her turn to paint me a picture. "Most people worry about tomorrow. They don't stop to see the beauty God has placed in front of them, or the promises of beauty within that prove God's love. If God takes care of the birds, don't you think God will take care of you? So I ask you, who is it that is truly blind?" Shocked, I answered honestly, "Me.". My patient responded, “I depend on God every day to take care of me. Today, God sent you to describe a sunrise to me. If you open your eyes, you will see that God will take care of you, too." Through my tears, I thanked her and hugged her. On the way home, I pondered her words of wisdom. I realized that a healing had taken place for both of us, and that through us God had met our needs. I was being robbed by worry, fear and doubt, when, in fact, each day was a blessing. Since then, I look to each morning with expectation and hope, which has changed my attitude and even "infects" the people around me. I've learned to count my blessings. Often, when the shadows fall just right and the hues in the sky blend perfectly, as they did on that life-changing morning, I think of my patient and thank God for sending her across my path. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Describe a time when you were the eyes and ears for another person. What did that feel like? Has anyone ever been your eyes and ears? What was that experience like for you? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1,

Sacred Stories | Bagpipes “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps." — Proverbs 16:9 NRSV It was near Saint Patrick's Day, when I met with a friend, whom I'll call “Ian.” We shared stories of life and the paths we had traveled in our medical careers. We spoke about family heritage; Ian has Irish roots, and I was born in England. He mentioned that he played the bagpipes, which I love to hear, and that he would be performing in a Saint Patrick's Day parade with his piping band. I asked if he would stop by on his way to the parade and play the pipes for me. He agreed and came to my facility with his father and friend. Donned in their kilts, the three stood in the parking lot and played the pipes for all to enjoy. It was beautiful. A man appeared and asked who was playing the pipes and if they would consider playing for his mother, a patient in our hospice. She had always wanted to hear someone play the bagpipes. Ian and his fellow musicians agreed to play for the man's mother, and we secured permission to do so. The trio proceeded upstairs to the hospice area and played “Amazing Grace.” The sound of the pipes echoed in the halls, and everyone was caught up in the moment, briefly forgetting their troubles. We shared tears of joy and sadness as the bagpipers granted the woman's wish. Ian and his colleagues stayed a while longer to chat with the patient and family. He mentioned shortly after that she seemed content. The woman died a couple of days later, and her son gained comfort from knowing he had granted her dying wish. Ian later was invited to play the bagpipes at the woman's funeral. What a nice ending to a heartwarming life experience. No money or possessions can ever replace the goodness that comes from our hearts. Was it coincidence, or a blessing in disguise that Ian and his colleagues stopped by that day? God really does work in mysterious ways. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Stop and reflect on the sounds that lift your spirit and why those particular sounds have that effect. Think about how others experience your voice: Is it heartwarming, like the bagpipes? Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7,

Sacred Stories | Can You Hear Me in the Noise? “I am with you always, to the very end of the age." — Matthew 28:20 The building we worked in that day was crowded and noisy. We were a team of medical missionaries, working in a small village in Honduras. We were doctors, dentists, nurses, translators and helpers, busy with our tasks. As usual, a crowd gathered and clamored to see us. A gatekeeper was charged with monitoring the flow of patients we would serve. The environment was chaotic, with excitement, anxiety, fear, pain, desperation, relief, joy and laughter - all audible at the same time. I struggled with why it had to be that way: why couldn't it be quiet and calm? On that particular day, I got an answer, and it stunned me. I was busy and having a hard time hearing my own thoughts. For one brief moment, I just sat and listened to the cacophony surrounding me. That's when a quiet little voice inside my head said, “Can you hear me in the noise?” Such a simple message, but it made me stop and notice a much bigger reality. This was more than a noisy crowd seeking medical care and a group of health care providers trying to help. I heard and was aware of God's very presence, audible at that moment, existing in the noise itself. God's spirit was speaking, trying to be known to us in the voices of people asking for our ears to listen to their needs. He was present, not in spite of the noise, but actually within it. I had to let that sink in. As the day went on, from time to time I would listen to the little voice again. Our conversations with God are often one-way, with us pouring out our needs and concerns. How wonderful it is to occasionally hear God say something directly to us, sometimes through scripture, liturgy or the wonders of nature. On that blessed day in Honduras, I realized more clearly that God is everywhere. In the desperate eyes of the vulnerable who come to see us, God is looking right at us. In our own hearts and heads, God whispers encouragement and instruction. God is wherever two or more of us connect in care, concern and love. Back home in our clinics and hospitals, it is harder for me to hold on to this truth in the daily routine. I often find myself struggling and feeling put upon by the demands of the day. Why is that? If I take a moment to recall that wonderful day in Honduras, I can barely perceive a similar message: “I'm still here, even in this noise.” Then, I can once again grasp the call to be God's hands, ears and voice for the next person I encounter. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection When you find yourself struggling and being put upon by the demands of the day, how do you quiet the noise to be attentive to the quiet little voice inside your head? How have you recently been God's hands, ears and voice for someone? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23,

Sacred Stories | Life and Death “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news …to give them a garland instead of ashes." – Isaiah 61: 1 & 3 NRSV I had an experience years ago that continues to remind me why I became a nurse and how much the “little things” we do can affect others' lives. Working the night shift in our obstetrics unit, I met a patient I'll call Jill. An elementary school teacher, she and her husband, “John,” were having their first child. As I became acquainted with them, I learned that John's father was also a patient, near death after a battle with cancer. John was torn up about who needed him more: Jill, who was about to deliver their baby; or his mother, father and family. I reassured him that whenever he needed to be with his father, I would stay at Jill's bedside and that we would call him right back if Jill needed him. Throughout the night, John and I took turns being with Jill so that he could make several trips to his father's bedside. The couple's baby girl arrived just after 4:00 a.m., beautiful and healthy. As I held her, I looked at Jill, John and the attending physician. I asked if John and I could take the baby to meet her grandfather. They all agreed. John and I wrapped the precious bundle and took her to meet her grandpa. John's father was surrounded by family. Though his breathing was labored, I felt him relax as we took his hand to help him touch his granddaughter. It was as though God had His hand in that moment. We stayed only a few minutes before returning with the baby to Jill's bedside. John's father died about two hours later. It seemed that the whole family could accept his death more easily, knowing that life had been carried on through the birth of this precious baby girl. Five years later, I received a card from Jill. She wrote that she became a registered nurse in a pediatric unit and believed it was a perfect fit with her elementary education background. She said that in nursing class she had used our story for one of her personal experience speeches. She wanted me to know that she changed her career because of one night with one nurse who made a difference. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Why did you start working in health care? Reflect on “God's hand” in your daily work. How can you make known God's healing presence for others? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14,

Sacred Stories | My Poignant Story “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." — Matthew 14:14 On my second day as activities director in our behavioral health department, I decided to visit each room. I wanted to meet all the patients and try to see through their eyes how to make their days special. One of our patients was a man in his eighties, whom we'll call Jerry. He came to us from rehab after suffering a stroke. The rehab team had noted some aggressive behavior from Jerry. When I met him, he hadn't eaten or slept in three days. He seemed lost and disoriented. I asked Jerry about his family: he mentioned the name Lolli, and said she had just been with him, but now he couldn't find her. I wasn't sure if Lolli was a nurse who had helped him, a pet, a friend or a family member. The next day, Jerry still had not eaten or slept, his condition was deteriorating, and he was still looking for Lolli. I did a little research and found out his wife, “Lucy,” was in the ICU at our hospital. She was in critical condition after suffering a stroke. Could she be the Lolli that Jerry was looking for? I asked the nurses if we could take him to the ICU to see his wife, who was in a coma. The nurses were willing to help reunite the couple, though they cautioned that Lucy might not even know that he was there. I called the couple's daughter, “Kathy,” to ask her permission to take Jerry to visit her mother. She was extremely grateful. She also said that she was on her way to the hospital. While I waited for Kathy to arrive, I helped Jerry and combed his hair so he would be ready to see his wife. Once we were all on the way to the ICU, Jerry smiled, and a tear rolled down his cheek. Kathy was teary-eyed and excited, too. Lucy's ICU nurse greeted us and guided us into the room. Lucy was unresponsive as we wheeled Jerry to the side of her bed. When he saw Lucy, he immediately held her hand. “Lolli!” he said. We helped him stand up so he could lean over and give her a kiss. Then, Lucy's eyes opened. “Jerry, is that you?” she said. Lucy started to remove her blankets and pull herself towards him. We helped Jerry sit on the hospital bed with his wife, and she hugged him. Lucy saw her daughter and smiled, gently repeating Kathy's name, over and over. The ICU nurse was in tears, and we were literally on our knees with amazement. Lucy asked for water and ate a popsicle as if her stroke had never happened. After this, both Jerry and Lucy improved. They eventually were discharged to live with their daughter. God bless this ministry for allowing me to experience this poignant story. It is a reminder that God guides us through every encounter if we take the time to hear His voice when we listen to patients like Jerry, who really need to be heard. It was a beautiful reminder of our mission. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection Why is being present and listening so important in this story? Can you think of a time when you truly listened to someone? What happened? How much more healing could take place if we took the time to be truly present, listen and find compassionate ways to meet people's needs? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8,

Sacred Stories | Many Gifts, Same Spirit “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV I came to work in the emergency department to the news that a semi-trailer truck had collided with a recreational vehicle. Both vehicles were total losses, and there would be multiple patients. The family in the RV included a husband and wife, their two teen-aged children, and the wife's sister and brother-in-law. Both the mother and son required surgery. The daughter required inpatient observation. The husband and his in-laws had bumps and bruises that were treated at the site of the accident. When the husband later arrived at the hospital, I updated him and then hugged him. As you might imagine, he and his in-laws were dazed, unable to process all that was happening and all that had so instantly changed in their world. A nurse brought them new T-shirts to change into. One of the sisters on staff came to pray with them and give them a key to a hotel room where they could clean up. In the early afternoon, the wife's sister and her husband came by the emergency department. As we talked, they freely shed tears. They felt blessed that the accident had brought them to our hospital. They said that one of the paramedics gave them all the money in his pocket – $100 – for things they might need. The paramedics also made a second two-hour round trip to the accident scene to gather any personal belongings they could find for the family. When the couple went to the cafeteria for lunch, a hospital employee paid for their meal, then disappeared. Later, I talked with the father, who said several employees had offered him their car keys so that he would have a car. That day left me in awe of the people I work with. The outpouring of caring seemed endless. Like the family, I continually found tears in my eyes, blessed to witness this genuine caring. I thought about how God used these people to help the strangers on the road, but I had difficulty grasping the magnitude of the grace I witnessed. It was not until later, when I told the story to my best friend, that I realized the real majesty of that day. They were simply being real Christians, quietly living their values. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection The name CommonSpirit was inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” What different “manifestations of the Spirit” do you see in the actions of the staff? How does our name relate to our mission to “make the healing presence of God known in our world”? What unique gifts do you bring to this ministry? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21,

Sacred Stories | Whenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to Me We serve with fullest passion, creativity, and stewardship, and exceed expectations of others and ourselves. -CommonSpirit Health's definition of excellence During the early hours of the morning, as I was attending to the needs of a terminally ill gentleman, I mentioned to him that it had started to snow. In a very weak voice, he said, “I would so like to touch the snow once more.” The snow continued to fall during the night. At 4:30 a.m., I brought a tray outside, collected a mound of snow and took it to his room. He was awake, and when I showed him the snow, he smiled as I arranged the bed linens and placed the tray on his bed. He reached into the snow, picked up a handful and slowly rubbed it across his face, neck, forehead and lips. He then closed his hand and held the snow until it melted. I stood and watched; there was such a sense of peace about him. I felt very happy that I was able to fulfill his wish. Less than two days later, he passed away. I believe that in the future, whenever it snows, the memory of him holding snow in his hand will come to me. Question for Reflection In what ways have you used creativity to meet a person's needs? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20, 2022/by adminSpirits TouchingAugust 3, 2022/by adminI Thought You Might Need a HugAugust 17, 2022/by adminFamily, Friends, and FaithAugust 31, 2022/by adminJust HandsSeptember 6, 2022/by adminOur Central American PatientSeptember 14, 2022/by adminLoad more About Sacred Stories As CommonSpirit Health,

Sacred Stories | Santa Finally Comes to Our House “Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.” – St. Benedict of Nursia, Founder of the Benedictine Order (480-547) In the December-darkened room, the little girl shone brightly. With a mop of golden curls and a sunny smile, she looked like the Campbell's Soup child. Her young mother was caring for her grandmother. The little girl was quiet, but I could see that the hospital room was not much fun for her. With her mother's permission, I began to play with the young girl. We colored pictures and quietly read stories. Day by day, I came to know the child and her mother better. They lived with the grandmother and depended on her home and her wisdom. Her illness troubled them, and uncertainty hovered nearby. One afternoon, Santa came to visit the unit. With her mother's permission, I took the child to see him. She was still with awe. I asked her if she would like to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas, but she said no. “Would you like to tell me, and I can tell him?” I asked. She whispered in my ear, “A Dora the Explorer doll.” Later, I told her mother what the child had asked for. Grimly, she said, “Santa doesn't come to our house. Santa is just for those who have money.” Suddenly, I realized what kind of Christmas awaited this little family. It broke my heart. I called one of my coworkers to share my sadness. She said, “I have a Dora the Explorer doll under my tree at home. I bought it for a friend's daughter, but my friend told me, ‘please do not give it to my daughter; she already has so many toys.' I am going to call my husband right now and ask him to bring it here.” When the doll arrived, we placed it under the Christmas tree in my unit. When all was ready, I brought the child to the tree. When she saw the doll, she gasped, “Santa listened to me! He really listened!” There are many problems we cannot f ix: broken families, miserable economics, shattered health. But we can listen to each other, and perhaps that is the greatest gift of all. The author is Betsy Kammerdiener Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection When was the last time you demonstrated our value of compassion by caring with listening, empathy, and love? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18,

Sacred Stories | Like a Grain of Wheat “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” - John 12:24 Sometimes, healers need healing. And often, caring for patients heals the healers. This is what happened when a man was admitted to one of our intensive care units  with severe complications from  influenza. Almost no one on staff had much hope for his survival. One reason was the severity of his case. Another was a sickness of spirit among staff members who were grieving the recent and shocking murders of local police officers. The staff knew these officers, and had grown accustomed  to seeing them in the emergency department. They were friends, and the entire staff was grieving their deaths when this man was admitted to the ICU. For the first week, the patient's condition didn't improve.  Then, one of the doctors ordered a special bed that would place him in a prone position. The staff had not seen this type of bed before and some said, “Really? That thing's going to make him better?” After the second week, they began to think, “Well, maybe he might possibly live.” Under the heavy burden of their grief and the daunting odds against this patient's recovery, the ICU staff kept their focus, attention and commitment to his care. They kept faithful to their covenant of care while enduring their own dark night of the spirit.  As this patient gradually began to heal, so did the ICU staff. Their selfless demonstration of compassion and excellence  brought about his healing; in return, his healing rejuvenated them. Similar to the grain of wheat as they gave of themselves, their spirits found rebirth.  Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection Reflect on a time when you experienced healing through helping others. Who recently has brought renewal to your life or spirit? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26,

Sacred Stories | Jesus Lit Up Our World “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” - 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV Music can be a means of spiritual communication that transcends human understanding. We had such an experience during the Christmas season. Years ago, we had a wonderful schedule of events to celebrate the birth of our Lord. I had the privilege to organize and direct an employee choir. We sang a cantata titled “Jesus, Light of the World.” It was a wonderful experience for me, for the choir members and for those who listened to our presentations. After we performed at the annual employee Christmas buffet, one of our chaplains told me about a hospital patient who loved music but was not expected to live more than a day or so. The chaplain asked if some of the choir members would go to the patient's room and sing a few carols. I sent an email to the choir, asking all who could to meet me at the patient's room. Nearly all of the 34 choir members gathered around the bedside. With his family in the room, we sang the entire cantata for them. We could really feel God's presence with us. But for the Grace of God I'm not sure how we made it through. It was the most touching and memorable moment of my entire Christmas celebration. I know it was a sacred moment for the patient and his family. I really appreciate sharing in the mission and healing ministry. I'll never forget this 30-minute experience in which Jesus lit up our corner of the world in song. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection When have you demonstrated empathy to comfort another? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6,

Sacred Stories | A New Friend “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?” - Henry David Thoreau I volunteered to work the day shift on Christmas Day because we were short-staffed. I was a little sad to leave my children and go to work. But, during my hour-long drive to work, I decided that I would make this a cheerful day and help my patients to not feel sad about being in the hospital on Christmas. I knew that they, too, would rather be at home with their families. Most of the patients were in cheery moods, greeting the nurses with, “Merry Christmas!” However, one patient was just plain crabby. I did what I could to make her comfortable and opened the curtains so she could see the white, fluffy snowflakes gently falling outside. But, she remained crabby. About 5:30 p.m., the dietary aides brought her supper. When I went to help her set up her tray, she complained that she didn't like any of the food. I told her I could arrange for another tray, or I could go to the galley and make her some chicken noodle soup. She decided that she would like the soup. When I returned with her warm bowl of soup and crackers, she thanked me and said, “I don't know why you have been so nice to me all day when I have been nothing but crabby.” I told her, “I know that you don't want to be here, especially on Christmas, so I was trying to make it a good day for you.” She began to cry. She told me that her only son had died, she had lost her husband recently and that this was her first Christmas alone. We gave each other a hug, and I sat and listened to her. I left work thankful that I had a family to go home to - and that I had made a new friend that Christmas Day. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Question for Reflection When was the last time you “looked through the eyes of another” and gained a renewed sense of empathy? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26,

Sacred Stories | Ladybug's Christmas Tree “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16 NRSV Sometimes God lets you know that you are part of His plan. When He does, you are blessed. Such was the case just before Christmas a few years ago. A colleague and I were just getting to know one another. She had moved after her mother passed away so she could be closer to her grown children. She was so tiny. The first time I saw her, she had red on, so I thought I'd call her Ladybug. In November, I asked her if she had decorated for Christmas. After all, my tree had been up since Halloween. She somberly said she didn't decorate for Christmas anymore. I wondered why, but she didn't elaborate. Soon after, I was shopping and saw a rosemary plant shaped like a Christmas tree. I instantly thought of my new colleague. I decided to buy some lights, put them on the plant, and put the plant on her desk. When I arrived to deliver it, she was on a break, so I placed the tree on her desk and left. When I returned home, she had already left a message for me. “You don't know what you did, give me a call,” she said. When I returned her call, she told me that on her way to work that morning she had longed for her mother. She prayed to God and wondered if He even heard her. “Do you know what my mother's name is?” she asked. “It's Rosemary! Did you read the card attached to the plant? It says rosemary means friendship, love and remembrance.” Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection What is a special memory you have from a holiday? Can you remember a time that you realized you were part of God's plan? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6,

Sacred Stories | With the Arms of Christ “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, cold, in need?” - Matthew 25:37 Working in a hospital, we have many opportunities to see the Lord hungry for compassion, thirsty for peace, cold from loss of love and in need. We also have the awesome opportunity to respond to the Lord and meet those needs as often as we encounter them. One such encounter occurred just before Christmas, when the weather got worse as the day went on. Blizzard warnings were issued, and the snow piled up fast. Everyone kept an eye on the weather, knowing that travel was becoming treacherous. Late in the morning, an ambulance brought an elderly man to the emergency department in cardiac arrest. He was accompanied by his wife. They lived in a nearby assisted living facility, and they had no family except each other. The patient's prognosis was very poor, and he was moved to the intensive care unit. The chaplains provided presence, prayers and care as the day went on. The medical staff was tenderly attentive to both the patient and his wife as she kept vigil at his bedside. At about 3 p.m., the patient died peacefully. By that time the hospital had implemented its emergency snow protocols to deal with bringing in needed staff and hunkering down until the storm had passed. Everyone felt terrible that the patient's wife was stranded at the hospital, grieving the loss of her lifelong love. Because of the snow, her assisted living facility was unable to send a car to pick her up. One of the chaplains went to see if he could help. He found the woman sitting at the exterior door in the emergency department. Nearby was a large, four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle. The driver was our director of facilities, who had equipped his personal vehicle with signage that would allow him to drive the streets during the weather emergency. As the chaplain watched, the facilities director gently put his arm around the woman's shoulders, as if with the arms of Christ, and said, “Let's get you home after this difficult day.” He carefully guided her to the vehicle, settled her in, and drove her home. The lived spirituality in this sacred encounter certainly put the words of St. Matthew into action and, in doing so, brought uncommon warmth on a very cold and lonely night. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Reflect on a time when you demonstrated compassion by meeting the needs of another. How did your actions make God's healing presence known? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6,

Sacred Stories | A Thank You Note “Above all, love each other deeply...” - 1 Peter 4:8a NIV “The first thank you note I write must be to you. I am very grateful for the help and comfort you so freely gave to mother and me...” As I read the thank you note, my mind filled with memories. It was late on a Wednesday afternoon when the phone rang. The tightness I heard in the woman's voice indicated that she was holding back tears. Her mother, whom I had visited many times at a nursing home, was having a difficult day. I agreed to visit her mother on my way home. As I walked down the hallway to her room, one of the aides said, “I hope you have on your armor. No one can do anything right for her today. She hollers and complains when anyone goes into her room. Even her daughter left in tears.” I found the woman sitting in a wheelchair next to her bed. “What are you doing here?” she asked angrily. “Is that any way to greet a friend?” I said. “I came to see how you are doing. Obviously, you're not pleased with that.” Calmly she said, “No, I'm glad you are here.” She said she had been praying for God's help. When I asked what she needed help with, she said, “I want it to end. I want the suffering to stop, but I'm afraid to be alone.” I guided her through a review of the details I knew of her life; as a young widow, she had raised four children alone. The courage and determination that she showed in her journey through life amazed me. Listening to her was like watching the fall colors come alive during an October sunrise. The unique way that God works in each person's life is awesome. I asked her if she had any regrets. Her eyes filled with tears. “It's been 40 years since anyone held me in their arms,” she said. I knelt beside the wheelchair and put my arms around her. I hummed “Amazing Grace” as best I could, and in about 15 minutes she was asleep. “Whatever you said was what Mother needed to hear. ... She died Friday evening in her sleep. I believe you are responsible for helping Mother end her suffering. I am happy knowing she is finally home.” Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection How are creativity and compassion related? When have you seen compassion ease the pain of another person? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18,

Sacred Stories | It Only Takes a Second “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18 NIV Nursing school taught me that nurses meet many challenges. Years ago, I was working in labor and delivery when a young couple came in, their faces taut with distress. The young woman was four months pregnant and had just lost her baby. Communication was a challenge because she spoke no English. I had no idea what the couple's spiritual beliefs were, and I could not speak their language. But I knew they were in pain, and I wanted them to know how sorry I was that they had lost their baby. So as her appointment ended, I looked at the woman. I touched my finger to my cheek near my eye, traced a tear down my face, then touched my heart. This simple action brought much-needed tears to all of our eyes. It only took a second. It crossed language and cultural barriers that exist only because we let them. Each of us has the ability to communicate at levels much deeper than words. It is our thoughts and actions that people read. With a little extra thought and care, we can enhance the medical care we provide to touch our patients - and maybe ourselves - a little deeper. From the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection In what ways does compassion rise above words? How can accompanying a person in need bring people together? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20, 2022/by adminSpirits TouchingAugust 3, 2022/by adminI Thought You Might Need a HugAugust 17, 2022/by adminFamily, Friends, and FaithAugust 31, 2022/by adminJust HandsSeptember 6,

Sacred Stories | Always a Reason “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” - James 1:17 NIV For those who believe in God, there is a reason behind each incident in life. We may not get the message right away, but He lets us know in His own time. I discovered this one day when I was tired, but still had a patient to visit. A nurse told me the patient I was planning to visit had already been discharged, but a strong feeling inside took me into that room anyway. I learned I had been led there. In the room was a sweet lady in her eighties. She said she had been waiting for someone to talk to and pray with. We had a wonderful visit, during which I learned she had no family. As I prepared to leave, I told her how God had led me to her and reminded her of His faithful love. I asked if there was anything else I could do for her. Her only wish was to see a little baby again. I immediately called my husband and asked him to bring our daughters — one three years old, the other two months old — to the medical center. Within 20 minutes, he and the girls were there. As we stepped into the room, tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. She held our newborn, and it was obvious that it meant the world to her. I thought about and prayed for her that night, and looked forward to seeing her the next day. During my dinner break the next day, I went to visit the lady again. Her nurse saw me approaching and thanked me for bringing my children to visit her. She said it was like heavenly joy to the patient. She also told me that during the night the lady died, very peacefully. That incident touched my heart and soul. I thanked God for letting me be part of the lady's life and joy in her final hours. God, for sure, loved her. I would not be there had He not led me. Submitted by Chaplain Nosheen Rafique from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection How have you used your gifts of passion and creativity to make the healing presence of God known? When was the last time you demonstrated excellence by exceeding another's expectations? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15,

Sacred Stories | Fair, with Occasional Clouds “When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?' They said to him, ‘Sir, come and see.' And Jesus wept.” - John 11: 33-35 NABRE It was lunch time. I had just filled my coffee cup and was pressing on the plastic lid when an elderly man approached the coffee pot in our hospital café. I greeted him with a smile and asked, “How are you, sir?” He answered with one of the polite metaphors typical of his generation: “Fair – with occasional clouds.” He kept his head down, as if he was pondering something, while his coffee cup was filling. When the cup was full, he looked up at me. That was when I saw the clouds. A raindrop of a tear formed in the corner of his eye. He said, “My wife has been sick for quite a while. I just came from taking her to the clinic across the way.” He paused and had a look of remembered comfort. “It's a wonderful thing when a doctor holds your hand and has tears in her eyes when she tells you the bad news you already know.” There was a raindrop in my eye, too. We stood together under the cloud, waiting a few moments for it to pass. “And Jesus wept” at the coffee pot. And nobody thought it was odd. Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive Questions for Reflection Reflect on a time when you listened with empathy and love. How was your demonstration of compassion received? As a caregiver, we often provide comfort. When was the last time someone accompanied you in your time of need? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20,

Sacred Stories | The Gift of Time in the Giving Garden “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have required us to draw on our mission, vision and values as daily sources of comfort. Recently, we had the opportunity to serve a patient who had an independent spirit and loved the outdoors. In fact, he loved to spend countless hours in forested mountains. Although he was not a religious person, he had consistently found peace within nature. Unfortunately, he had not seen the outdoors for weeks; because our hospital had an increased need for negative pressure rooms during the pandemic, his ICU room did not have a window. In conversation with his family and treatment team, the patient decided to focus on comfort care. While he was at peace with his decision, our staff felt called to care for his spirit as well as his body. Recognizing the importance of nature as an expression of his spirituality, we collaborated to give him some time outdoors in the hospital's Giving Garden. Although the logistics were challenging, we were determined. The patient's nurse, along with the chaplain and palliative care coordinator, focused on clinical support. The security team ensured the path to the garden was easily accessible and added a special touch: a patio umbrella to offer shade. The maintenance team provided support to ensure a gentle transition outside. Infection prevention staff and the transport team shared items that made the time outside more comfortable. The patient and his family came with open hearts filled with gratitude for time together in the outdoors, even as they grieved their anticipated loss. Together, we created a sacred space for them to spend precious time together. It was sunny and hot, providing warmth for our patient. A gentle breeze allowed the birch trees to show off their glistening leaves in shades of green. There was an essence of tranquility and comfort. The beauty that surrounded us modeled the verse, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” For just a few moments, time stood still and all was well. Through this encounter we reexperienced our call to serve, which gives us the strength and compassion to care for each patient in body, mind, and spirit. It re-energized our sense of purpose at a time when we often felt overwhelmed and helpless to ease pain and suffering. The timing of the garden visit was profound, as our patient died peacefully later that day. His family expressed deep appreciation for the care they received. They were especially grateful for the gift of time in the garden, surrounded by nature's beauty. Together we work hard to live our mission every day. We strive to show compassion, respect for the dignity of each person, and the power of collaboration. On that particular summer day, it was inspirational to work together to bring joy to our patient and his family. May God continue to work through us in this special ministry of healing that has been entrusted to all of us. Submitted by Kristine Ehlert and Leslie Smart Questions for Reflection In what ways do we collaborate with others and demonstrate our common spirit to those we serve? How can nature renew your spirit in the midst of a challenging day? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1,

Sacred Stories | CommonSpirit Health's Ever-present Values “Compassion is caring with listening, empathy, and love, and accompanying and comforting those in need of healing.” - CommonSpirit Definition of Compassion Recently, a colleague shared a reflection from Henri Nouwen, titled “Compassion is Being With.” “Those who can sit with [another human], not knowing what to say, but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life...” I greatly appreciated that my colleague added his insights on Nouwen's words. He highlighted compassion as one of CommonSpirit Health's core values; that at its essence, compassion translates to being present for and with others. He also told us how he put compassion into action with a man in his Bible study who would soon graduate from a program. My colleague decided to “be present” for this individual and planned to attend this celebration. My colleague's reflection and action inspired gratitude and introspection on my blessings, including when opportunities, life experiences and God's blueprint have intersected. Nearly ten years ago, I was assigned a task that introduced me to the inspirational teachings of the Jesuits. I thought: “If I have an opportunity to pursue further education, it will be at a Jesuit institution.” Recently, I completed my studies at Creighton University. The ritual and celebration, the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony, created space for deeper reflection and realization of a long-forgotten wish. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, my family could not travel. This caused me to ponder whether I should participate. I shared my dilemma with two CommonSpirit colleagues, who convinced me to attend the exercises as planned. Not only did they offer gentle encouragement, they selflessly demonstrated compassion by clearing their calendars to be present with me at the ceremonies held in Omaha, Nebraska. After the commencement ceremony, we walked around campus for an impromptu photo shoot, including a visit to St. John's Church. As I sat in silence, I felt a warmth wash over me. I thanked God for his guidance and presence and the many CommonSpirit individuals who accompanied and supported me along the way. Unbeknownst to me, a colleague captured that prayerful moment. That picture, and a selfie of us sitting on St. John's steps, represent the culmination of this journey. Through deeper reflection, the interconnectedness of two additional values surfaced: collaboration: building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and excellence: exceeding expectations of others and ourselves. Submitted Anonymously Questions for Reflection Have you experienced the magnitude of one or more of our values from a colleague or patient? If so, how did the expression of the value(s) inspire the way you complete your daily work? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23,

Sacred Stories | Receiving Guests With Compassion and Kindness “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” - Hebrews 13:2 NRSV  Webster's 1828 Dictionary of the English Language defined hospitality this way: noun [Latin hospitalitas] The act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality. In addition to my work as a chaplain, I've been serving as a COVID-19 screener at the main entrance and in the emergency department at our hospital. Being hospitable and welcoming as a COVID-19 screener, and even bringing a bit of comfort or encouragement to our guests, gives me an added sense of mission fulfillment. One day, I greeted a woman and her husband who had arrived early, before sunrise, for her knee replacement surgery. The woman expressed fear and anxiety about the procedure. I asked her if she was a person of faith; she said yes. I offered to pray for her, which she welcomed. I gave a brief prayer for peace and comfort for her and her husband, for the skill and wisdom of her surgeon, and for quick healing and recovery. After our prayer, the woman looked at me with tears in her eyes and an expression of relief on her face. It was a special moment that helped me define my service and remind me of the ultimate purpose of each day. I started work at 5:30 a.m. that day – which was a challenge for me, being a night owl – but I was so glad to be there, in the quiet darkness before sunrise, able to go with our patient before God and seek help on her behalf. It's interesting that the word “hospital” comes from the same root as “hospitality.” Every day, we receive guests with kindness. I'm proud that this hospital receives all who come here: young and old, rich and poor, from various religious backgrounds, with many skin colors and countries of origin. We are privileged to receive all of our guests, and to extend the healing ministry to the people of our community. I feel blessed and grateful to be a small part of this ministry. After a full day, I may breathe a sigh of weariness, but that sigh has an equal measure of satisfaction and confidence that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. Submitted by Kris Ranney Questions for Reflection In what way is your work satisfying at the same time it is challenging? When was the last time you showed “hospitality” to a guest or stranger in your day-to-day work? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8,

Sacred Stories | God Has This in Control “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6 NRSV I am a community health nurse. After the doctors in our clinic see patients, I reach out to patients and their families to help them with additional needed resources – such as food, transportation, utilities, medicine or eyeglasses, to mention a few. I made a follow up call to an older male patient after his visit with one of our doctors via telehealth, as is now quite common in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. When I called the patient, his wife answered the phone. Her voice was shaky and she sounded distraught. As we talked, she started sobbing. She shared that a niece she and her husband helped raise had died the week before, and because of COVID-19 they had not been able to pay their respects. She was also worried about the upcoming COVID-19 test results for her husband; he was running a fever and had recently been around their grandchildren. Having shared she was a person of faith, I offered words of encouragement. “I believe in looking for the good, even in difficult circumstances,” I said. “God has this in control. Would you mind if I pray with you?” “Yes, please do,” she said. I prayed with her on the phone. Afterwards, through tears, she said, “I really appreciate this; you don't know what it means to me.” I told her to call if she needed me. The next day she called me and thanked me again for praying with her. “I felt a calmness immediately after we prayed and it has stayed with me,” she said. “Will you continue to pray for me and my husband and family?” “Absolutely,” I agreed. At home I keep a prayer book and pray daily for those who have ask for my prayers. I am a firm believer in prayer; God has done many good things in my life. Submitted by Pam Smith Questions for Reflection Has there been a situation when prayer helped you through a challenging time? Reflect on the benefits of remaining positive in the midst of difficult circumstances. Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?

Sacred Stories | Wisdom from a Child “Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me... for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.'” - Luke 18:16 2020 was an unusual year with the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, social unrest and political issues. It's been difficult to find bright spots in the midst of the chaos. I found a bright spot on a day when one of our medical assistants did a vision screening for a young patient, not yet five years old. Using a chart, the medical assistant pointed at pictures of familiar objects, one by one. In a soft voice, the little boy said what each object was. When the medical assistant pointed at a picture of the moon, the boy said, “night.” When she pointed at a picture of a heart, he said, “love.” This is a wonderful example to us all. The heart is more than a shape; it is love, compassion and caring. We all need a bit of childlike spirit in order to look for and find God's love in the big things and the small – even a little picture of a heart. Submitted by Davina Nolten, with assistance from Karen Frank Questions for Reflection In the midst of the challenges of work and life, how do you sustain your spirit, perhaps even in a “childlike” way? Where have you seen the good, beautiful, or “bright spots” during the past year? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20, 2022/by adminSpirits TouchingAugust 3, 2022/by adminI Thought You Might Need a HugAugust 17, 2022/by adminFamily, Friends, and FaithAugust 31, 2022/by adminJust HandsSeptember 6, 2022/by adminOur Central American PatientSeptember 14,

Sacred Stories | Prayer of Surrender at the End of Life “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 A young woman breathing with the help of a ventilator lay unconscious in the Intensive Care Unit. For many days, her mother and other family members participated in multiple conversations and interdisciplinary conferences. Doctors gave a very poor prognosis and recommended comfort measures. The patient's mother was a faith filled Christian who passionately insisted she could not give up on her daughter. The chaplain had built trust with the family. One day, the chaplain shared that a prayer of surrender with raised, open palms can have a profound visceral effect. He demonstrated the contrast between closed, clenched fists and open palms. The family was interested in participating in such a prayer around the bed of their loved one. The chaplain gave thanks for God's Spirit being present in the midst of all circumstances; offered surrender and prayer for God's highest good for the young woman; and acknowledged that an answer to their prayers could mean complete cure or passage into Heaven. In the midst of the shared silence with raised hands and open palms, the patient's mother was able to say, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” It was a bittersweet breakthrough that brought new peace to a mother's fierce, dedicated love, and offered freedom. The act of surrender with raised, open palms helped this mother loosen the tight grip she thought she needed to maintain in order to advocate for her daughter. This began a new conversation about what the young woman herself would want, and her mother was able to let go. Some time later, the mother returned to the ICU to thank the staff for the care her daughter received and the support that she had been given. Submitted by Dan Olivieri Questions for Reflection Take a moment to experience the contrast between tightly clenching your fists, and gently raising your open hands in receptivity. Try this as you think about a dilemma you are facing. What does “surrender” mean to you? How does one's physical posture help or hinder a person's practice of surrender? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1,

Sacred Stories | Care In the Time of COVID-19 “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” - Galatians 5:14 I first met Tabitha when she was five or six years old, a child full of energy and confidence. I was a new family practice doctor starting out in a small community, and she was one of my first patients. Years flew by, my practice changed, and Tabitha grew to be a confident woman. Over time I gradually gave up OB and hospital care and became more office focused. I would see Tabitha from time to time. Eventually, I saw her less often because her health insurance was not contracted with my practice. Then came 2020, the year we would all like to forget. The COVID-19 pandemic hit our practice hard. As pandemic related shutdowns set in, receipts dropped 70% and we could no longer cover our overhead. The other physicians and I in our small practice made the painful decision to close. After working for decades, it's somewhat awkward to have to look for a new job: it affects your confidence and self esteem. But I was most worried about the patients who suddenly had no physician. Fortunately, I was hired by a local clinic that is a part of CommonSpirit Health; they allowed me to keep my practice essentially unaltered. I sent postcards to my patients to let them know where to find me. In addition to the challenges of having a new job and learning a new electronic medical record, I've been struggling to understand this COVID-19 virus. Everything we think we know about it seems to change every few weeks. It's caused a complete disruption of the dynamics of family practice. We wash hands continuously; we isolate and socially distance; and we struggle to hear and understand our patients through the masks we all wear. Soon after I began my new employment, Tabitha came to see me with a complaint of anxiety. She was anguished, tearful and not at all the poised woman I had known. She sobbed as she spoke through her mask, but gradually I pieced together her situation. Her mother just recently died of cancer; her father – and several of her close friends – had also died in recent years. “And when I needed you, your office was closed,” Tabitha said. “I thought you had left me, too!” There are no lab tests, imaging studies or other diagnostic tools that could help. We were both masked with clean hands, and – as used to be a normal occurrence in my practice in pre-COVID times – I reached out and hugged her, using the last tool left in my physician's toolbox. I held on while she shook and sobbed, absorbing some of her pain. After a while, we progressed to referrals for counseling, medication and followup appointments. A career in family medicine is full of moments of hoping you did the right thing. This is one time I am confident that I did not only what was right but what was necessary, and I look forward to the time when we can see one another's full facial expressions, join hands, and hug without worry. Until then, I'll continue to promote safety; but once in a while, the care and compassion I have for my patients – and what is foundational to my humanity – will take control of the care and healing of my patients. Whether this is good or bad, I am not sure; I only know it is me. Submitted by A Family Physician Questions for Reflection How can we show care when there are no medical “tests/tools” left to help? In this unprecedented time, how can we “love our neighbors as ourselves” and creatively show compassion to our patients and colleagues? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28,

Sacred Stories | Beyond Words “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6:8 I provide spiritual care to residents of our memory care unit. One afternoon, I found four residents sitting together at a small table in our coffee shop. One of them had been tearful recently, and we had been struggling to find meaningful ways to comfort her. The three other ladies were holding her hands or patting her arms while she cried. I pulled a chair up to join them, silently asking God to grant me some insight into what to say to provide comfort. A conversation was already in progress. “Are you sad because your chicken died?” one asked. Another inquired “Did your Dad go home?” The third woman patted her arm and looked intently into her eyes as she spoke. With tears flowing down her face, the woman nodded, and said, “Yes, yes.” One of the women gently said, “It will be ok, we'll wait with you until your cab comes.” The woman continued to nod and weep. Another started to chuckle and said, “Sometimes, I just don't know what to have for supper because no one is hungry, and I like a chicken myself.” Realizing what she'd said, she made a funny face, and the crying woman started to laugh. Soon, all four residents were laughing and nodding to each other and me. I was suddenly humbled by the goodness of a God who does not require us to have great wisdom or eloquent words when presence and caring will do. I learned a valuable lesson that day. I left the little group feeling that I was the one who had been confused and at a loss for words, only to discover that the words didn't matter one bit. What mattered was the love and kindness with which they were said. Submitted by Rebecca Hilton Questions for Reflection How can you be a blessing and reminder of God's presence without words? How do you show compassion through your actions? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12,

Sacred Stories | Messages Placed in My Path “He rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!' Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.” - Mark 4:39 On a Tuesday evening, I received a call that my dad would be airlifted from his town's small emergency department to a larger facility that could better treat his heart condition. There, doctors determined he was not a candidate for a stent and he was transported to a third facility for quadruple bypass surgery.  The surgery was scheduled for Friday, but due to the amount of blood thinner he had received, Dad needed to wait until his blood thickened to an acceptable pre-surgery level. He was sent home to wait; it took two weeks, which seemed like an eternity.  I was thousands of miles away, unable to be present during his surgery or recovery due to COVID-19 precautions. Feeling nervous and helpless, I threw myself into work and school. I reached out to colleagues, women religious and friends for prayers.  I told Dad about those who were holding him in their prayers and lighting candles for him. He was humbled by the kindness of strangers. His surgery would take place at a Catholic health care facility, and he told me there was “something different” about his pre-op experience there. He said that from now on, he wants to receive care only from a Catholic facility.  While we awaited Dad's surgery, I attended a Zoom meeting hosted by the Catholic Health Association, where I facilitated a breakout session. The first person to enter my virtual breakout room introduced herself as a mission leader for another Catholic health ministry, whose scope included the facility where Dad would have his surgery! She reassured me with the clear message that he was in the best place he could be, and that the facility was nationally recognized for cardiac surgery expertise.  Then, just two days before Dad's surgery, my first meeting of the day involved a review of two Sacred Stories scheduled to be published the following week. The first story, “God's Perfect Timing,” was written by a nurse who unexpectedly found herself in the right place, at the right time, to help a total stranger who had chest pain. As I reviewed the story, a blanket of warmth enveloped me and I received another clear, but this time inaudible, message: “Be not afraid.”  As I reflected on these experiences, I realized God had provided a message through the attendee in my virtual breakout room, and another through the Sacred Story I reviewed. These messages were placed in my path to provide the comfort I needed. Through them, I felt God's healing presence.  As a result of this experience, I have a new appreciation for CommonSpirit employees who accompany vulnerable individuals during difficult times, and a better understanding of how they can find a deep sense of meaning in those experiences.  I'm happy to report that my dad's surgery was successful, and I'm so grateful he had access to the collective healing ministry of the Catholic Church.  Submitted by a Member of the CommonSpirit Health Mission Team  Questions for Reflection When have “messages” of comfort and encouragement been placed in your path? In the storms of life, these sorts of messages can bring great peace. How has God been present to calm a storm in your life? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16,

Sacred Stories | Our Christmas Gift "And [Jesus] replied, ‘What is impossible for human beings is possible with God." - Luke 18:27  A patient was struggling for her life. She was weak and barely aware of what was going on after several emergency surgeries. She said just one or two words at a time and could not keep her eyes open for more than a few minutes. The patient's daughter was by her side every day, praying for a miracle. Christmas was coming, and it seemed it might be her last. Would she be aware enough to celebrate with family? On a busy Saturday morning, the woman hardly woke up as a physical therapist stretched her limbs and doctors evaluated her progress. Her nurse chatted away as she completed her routine. She hoped to get a smile or twinkle from her patient, who listened but was mostly unresponsive. Then came our Christmas gift. Carolers arrived at the hospital to sing to patients and staff. Their voices filled our unit. As we stood outside the patient's room to watch the carolers, a movement caught my eye. Our patient lifted her hand, and her eyes were wide open and glistening as a smile stretched across her face. “Look!” I said. Life filled the cheeks of our sweet patient. Her nurse went to her and asked if she enjoyed the songs. The patient spoke of a childhood memory of carolers coming to her house. She asked if she could get up and sit in the chair. We were speechless and delighted. Our patient improved so dramatically in that single moment that it had to be God. During the next several days, she continued to gain strength. All who cared for her were amazed. Although she was still in the hospital, she was able to enjoy the company of her family on Christmas Day. I feel blessed to have witnessed her recovery. I pray every day to make a difference, and when God makes the difference, I am humbled. I am proud and am grateful to be a nurse, my vocation. Submitted by Leah Harrington Questions for Reflection How can you foster hope in creative ways with patients, families, or colleagues? When you have found yourself discouraged or losing hope, what are ways that someone has encouraged you How has God surprised you? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15,

Sacred Stories | Sacred Stories, Sacred Ground “So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding.” - Job 12: 12  The first speaker in our “Extraordinary Speakers in Ordinary Time” series was a guest speaker from Contemplative Outreach of Colorado. She spoke about the “Dynamics of Aging.” One of the things she addressed was the importance of passing wisdom on to the younger generation. Her words led to an “Aha!” moment. A little background: each year, a local seminary sends three seminarians in- training to us; they minister on our campus. It's a wonderful program. The residents come to love these seminarians, and vice versa. At our campus, we have five residents who are retired priests. During the presentation, one of the priests mentioned how sad he was that “No one seeks us out, or seems interested in the wisdom we might have to offer.” That's when I realized I could facilitate a meeting of our retired priests and young seminarians. The priests could share their stories, and the seminarians could ask questions. The meeting was pure magic. It nearly put me in grateful tears to hear the questions asked by the seminarians and the wisdom shared by the priests. The way the seminarians and priests shared vulnerably, honestly, and intimately created a sense that this was sacred ground. The experience was so beautiful that we immediately arranged a follow-up gathering. These two meetings are a highlight of my time at this location. I am truly thankful to work in a place where I was able to do God's work by bringing young and old together to connect and share in mutually beneficial ways. Submitted by Aram Haroutunian Questions for Reflection When was the last time you made it a priority to listen to the stories and wisdom of others? How might you find ways to create opportunities for “sharing wisdom?” Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10,

Sacred Stories | Restoring the Soul “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 I first met this patient when I was the primary care physician for his aging mother; then, I became his family physician. He had a complex medical history many of which impacted his daily living. Still, he worked in mining until complications from his many health concerns, stole his stamina. With less than five years until retirement, he continued to work hard to maintain his independence, even as his health concerns mounted. One afternoon as I worked with my clinic patients, my medical assistant knocked on my door, which only happens in an emergency. She said the patient was down on the sidewalk. It was clear that this man was very ill; we called for an ambulance. Later that evening, the emergency room physician called to inform me that he was critically ill. The next day, he was stable but still very ill. He apologized for not coming to the clinic sooner; he had been feeling bad for a week or two, but had hoped his illness would pass. In fact, he had come to the clinic only to pick up a prescription. Later that evening, his condition grew worse, and by early morning a scan revealed severe problems. Our talented general surgeon met me at the door to his room with a grim prognosis. The patient was a high risk for surgery, but was likely not to survive without it. We discussed the risks and benefits with him; “I want to live,” he said. Our chief of anesthesia arrived, the operating room team was ready; the patient prepared to go to surgery. His nurse consulted with her manager, asking what else she could do. Her manager suggested a prayer. The nurse promptly returned to his bedside and asked if she could pray with him. He teared up, said yes, and professed his faith in Christ: something he had put off his entire life, but he realized he might not have another chance. Later that morning, the surgeon called with startling news. Aside from prior pathology and scarring, the patient was fine. That evening, I returned to the ICU to check on him; he remained sedated. One of his daughters and his sister were at his bedside. As I answered their questions, and shared that his prognosis was still guarded, I mentioned his pre-op prayer with his nurse. His sister cried, saying that God had brought him to my clinic sidewalk to save him, whether or not he could be healed physically. During the next week, he improved slowly, expressing gratitude toward his nurse and all of our staff. He seemed at peace. At the end of the week, his condition worsened, and this time he did not survive. I thought of 1 Thessalonians 4:13: “So you will not grieve like others do who have no hope.” Sometimes our work has little to do with repairing and restoring the physical bodies of patients and everything to do with helping them restore their souls. Submitted by Shelley Bundy Stanko, MD Questions for Reflection How do you show empathy and kindness to your patients and colleagues? When was the last time you were blessed for doing good? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1,

Sacred Stories | Encourage One Another "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11  It was Saturday morning, and I was assigned to work in the physical therapy department. As patients were being assigned to therapists, I learned that one elderly male patient had refused physical therapy all week. I asked to have that patient assigned to me because I feel we, as caregivers and therapists, are responsible for encouraging patients to remain active. I wanted to embrace the challenge of motivating him to participate in the care his physician had ordered for him. When I stepped into the patient's room later that morning, he said, “What do you want?”  I introduced myself, advised him it was in his best interests to remain as active as he could, and encouraged him to participate in physical therapy. I explained that my goal was for him to walk out into the hallway with me and do an exercise or two to help strengthen his legs. He quickly responded that he was not interested in physical therapy and that I should “Go away!” I saw a rosary on his bedside table and commented on its beauty. “Do you even know what that is?” he asked. I told him that I was Catholic. He said, “Just because you are Catholic doesn't mean you know what a rosary is or how to use it.” I assured him I know how to use a rosary, and I often say the prayer to our Blessed Mother. I asked if he was familiar with the new Five Luminous Mysteries added by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The look on his face told me he was not, so I described each briefly: the baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan, the self-manifestation of Jesus at the wedding of Cana, the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven, the transfiguration of Jesus, and the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. After I finished my explanation of these luminous mysteries, there was a long pause as the patient looked up at me. “Are you a priest?” he asked. I smiled and said, “No, I'm not a priest, I'm a physical therapist. Are you ready to walk?” After a short pause, he said, “Yeah, I'll walk with you!” And off we went into the hallway. Submitted by Alla Brossart. Questions for Reflection How did this story demonstrate a whole-person approach to supporting a patient in body, mind, and spirit? In what ways do you build rapport – with patients, families, or colleagues – in order to encourage, motivate, or inspire? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14,

Sacred Stories | The Door is Open "In the universe there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between there are doors.” - William Blake He was awake, alert, chanting prayers with us, and offering commentary until his very last breath. He was an elderly, Buddhist man. As a father of multiple children and a husband of over four decades, he was loved by many who were gathered and praying at his bedside. In my ministry as a hospital chaplain, families often ask me to be with them as their loved one passes away. This, however, was a passing unlike any other in the 11 years I have engaged in this work. I entered the man's room, which was brimming with family members, and I was ushered to his side. His family chanted softly, and the room was warm with familial love. It was a privilege to be drawn into their circle, to be made a part of them. I was gently encouraged to join in the chant. Before long, I realized that he was softly speaking. As we continued to chant, which seemed to me so comforting, I heard him say, “The door is not open.” As we kept chanting, the man told us several more times, “The door is not open.” Finally, he looked up at us, his eyes wide open with an expression on his face that was somewhere between utter delight and perfect peace. He said slowly, “Oh! The door is open!” His breathing stopped. His eyes gently closed. There was a peace-filled silence.     Amen. Submitted by Jennifer Tapley Questions for Reflection What sacred moments have you witnessed in your work? How have these experiences encouraged, changed, or given you a sense of deeper purpose? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6,

Sacred Stories | Compassion in Action "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” - Colossians 3:12 I spent some time with our memory care residents as they sat on the patio and shared past experiences and memories. At a table of several men, the conversation suddenly slowed. One of the men, a resident who was new to the community, had lost his train of thought. “I'm sorry, I can't seem to get the right answer, I'm dealing with memory loss,” he explained to the other men. They began to encourage him, saying, “You know it's all right,” “We don't mind at all,” and “Take your time.” I was so moved to hear these residents comforting the newcomer. The simple act of acknowledging human frailty extends a sense of belonging to those who could otherwise feel left out. This was a living example of our value of compassion, being in solidarity with the joys and sorrows of others. I treasure the experience. Submitted by Holly Caudill Questions for Reflection Think of a time when someone treated you with compassion. How did that make you feel and how might you do the same for someone else? What are ways that you experience a sense of connection and belonging? How can you be better at helping those around you feel included? Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12, 2022/by adminMargaret Was Not AloneApril 26, 2022/by adminThe “Push” for My CareerMay 3, 2022/by adminA Grandmother's KissMay 10, 2022/by adminUncle JimMay 24, 2022/by adminWhat Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?June 6, 2022/by adminI Have Seen the Face of GodJune 7, 2022/by adminIncarceratedJune 22, 2022/by adminIce Cream: Good for the SoulJuly 6, 2022/by adminA Cup of Cold WaterJuly 20, 2022/by adminSpirits TouchingAugust 3, 2022/by adminI Thought You Might Need a HugAugust 17, 2022/by adminFamily, Friends, and FaithAugust 31, 2022/by adminJust HandsSeptember 6, 2022/by adminOur Central American PatientSeptember 14, 2022/by adminLoad more

Sacred Stories | God's Presence in Grief "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4 One Sunday afternoon I got a call from a colleague. She told me that her young son was receiving CPR. He had been born with an imperfect physical heart, but his emotional heart was perfect beyond his years. He impacted the lives of many staff members and was a treasured friend to their children. During his five days in the intensive care unit, we all prayed for him – hoping for healing. But the miracle we were asking for did not arrive, and he died. Working together in our small hospital and community, our staff has celebrated and mourned many life events together. Even so, this child's death was very difficult. We were all challenged and called to care for each other in addition to caring for our patients. An outpouring of care and support came from expected and unexpected places. Our clinical team, clinicians and technicians from other hospitals in our division, and others stepped in so our department's work would be covered. Surprising things brought connection and comfort. The colleague's son lived on this earth 11 years, 11 months, and 11 days. His shoe size also corresponded with this same number, and his favorite football player also wore that number on his jersey. We think that's unique and a sign from God. As we continue to navigate this journey, we learn more about how grief molds and changes you, and how you don't “get over” a loss such as this. There is a new way of being, and we all learn and re-learn how and what that is. Love continues to be a balm for our pain. Submitted by Camille Settelmeyer Questions for Reflection When has a tragic or difficult loss brought you together as a community? In the midst of grief or loss, how can you show compassion and kindness without minimizing a person's pain?  Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8, 2021/by adminJesus Lit Up Our WorldDecember 14, 2021/by adminLike a Grain of WheatJanuary 5, 2022/by adminSanta Finally Comes to Our HouseJanuary 13, 2022/by adminWhenever it Snows, the Memory of Him Comes to MeJanuary 18, 2022/by adminMany Gifts, Same SpiritFebruary 1, 2022/by adminMy Poignant StoryFebruary 15, 2022/by adminLife and DeathMarch 1, 2022/by adminCan You Hear Me in the Noise?March 7, 2022/by adminBagpipesMarch 15, 2022/by adminTo Truly SeeMarch 29, 2022/by adminMassaging SoulsApril 12,

Sacred Stories | God's Perfect Timing "God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” - 1 John 4:16 My husband and I go dancing every Friday night. Typically, we're out until 11:00 p.m.; however, this particular evening, there was a special event, and we danced until 1:00 a.m. On the way home, I craved ice cream, so we stopped at a fast-food place but found that their ice cream machine was broken. I gave up my dream of ice cream, and we headed home. As we drove up our street, we saw three police cars and two tow trucks. There must have been an accident, and we were glad we had missed it. As we continued up the street, we saw a woman walking unsteadily. My husband rolled down his window and asked if she was ok. She replied, “No.” I got out of the car and ran to her side. She collapsed to her knees. I called 911 while asking the woman to talk with me. She told me her name and that she had a device to monitor her heart, but it had been ripped off. Suddenly, she fell back onto the grass, completely unconscious. I checked her pulse; she wasn't breathing. As I sternal rubbed her, she took a breath and said she felt nauseous, so I rolled her into a recovery position. I did all this three more times, then the ambulance arrived. When I came to work on Monday, the woman was at our hospital. I went to her room and explained who I was. The patient began to cry and thanked me for helping her. I told her how God had aligned our paths perfectly: my husband and I were out later than usual, there was no ice cream; we had avoided a bad car accident. It was all in God's perfect timing so we could find each other at the right moment. I talked with the patient daily while she was in the hospital. We shared our favorite bible verses and talked about our families. After she was discharged, she sent me a card. “I just wanted to say thank you so very much for being there in the right moment and for caring about what happened to me,” she wrote. “Not many people would have stopped and kept me alive. Thank you so much. I cannot say it enough, but God was watching over me. My children thank you, and I do too. Thank you for caring.” Submitted by Leigh Bagshaw Questions for Reflection When have you experienced being “at the right place at the right time”? As health care professionals, we often don't know the “outcomes” of our efforts in the lives of patients. Think of a time you know you made a difference and savor that memory. Share this Story Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare by Mail Listen to more Sacred Stories The Gift of CitizenshipJuly 1, 2020/by adminOur Famous PatientJuly 1, 2020/by adminFulfilling a Last RequestAugust 1, 2020/by adminThe Power of Being PresentAugust 1, 2020/by adminA Celebrated FarewellSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Perfect TimingSeptember 1, 2020/by adminGod's Presence in GriefSeptember 28, 2020/by adminCompassion in ActionSeptember 28, 2020/by adminEncourage One AnotherOctober 26, 2020/by adminThe Door is OpenOctober 26, 2020/by adminRestoring the SoulNovember 16, 2020/by adminSacred Stories, Sacred GroundNovember 16, 2020/by adminOur Christmas GiftNovember 30, 2020/by adminMessages Placed in My PathJanuary 8, 2021/by adminBeyond WordsFebruary 1, 2021/by adminCare In the Time of COVID-19March 1, 2021/by adminPrayer of Surrender at the End of LifeMarch 8, 2021/by adminWisdom from a ChildApril 5, 2021/by adminGod Has This in ControlMay 3, 2021/by adminReceiving Guests With Compassion and KindnessMay 21, 2021/by adminCommonSpirit Health's Ever-present ValuesAugust 23, 2021/by adminThe Gift of Time in the Giving GardenSeptember 3, 2021/by adminFair, with Occasional CloudsSeptember 28, 2021/by adminAlways a ReasonOctober 12, 2021/by adminIt Only Takes a SecondOctober 26, 2021/by adminA Thank You NoteNovember 9, 2021/by adminWith the Arms of ChristNovember 30, 2021/by adminLadybug's Christmas TreeDecember 6, 2021/by adminA New FriendDecember 8,