Blessed are those who take the time
To listen to difficult speech,
For you help me to know that
if I persevere, I can be understood.

Blessed are you who never bid me to hurry up
or take may tasks from me
For my failures will be outweighed
By the times I surprise you and myself

Blessed are you who ask for my help
For my greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you who understand that it is
difficult for me to put thoughts into words.

Blessed are you who with a smile encourage
me to try once more.

Blessed are you who never remind me that today
I ask the same questions twice

Blessed are you who respect me and love me
just as I am.

Nurses are to their patients,
as Angels are to God’s work.

They intervene in times of danger,
to provide protection.

They guide when darkness clouds the way,
to assure safety.

They comfort when life’s difficulties
become to great…
to instill peace.

Nurses like Angels minister
unto the one in need.

May we learn to acknowledge their presence.

- – - – From “Angel of Mercy Collection” by E.V. Stankowski RN

E.V. Stankowski is a RN of 22 years with an expertise in alcohol and drug dependency detox/rehab treatment. She has written two other collections; “Angel of Mercy Collection,” which are poems reflecting tributes to nurses and, the “Petals of Gold Collection,” which encompasses a variety of literary works.

Smile each day for those you love.
Let them know by the brightness of your face
that you are happy they are in your life.
Even if there are times you argue and disagree.

Touch each day those you love.
Hold them close, even if briefly
The human touch is one of the most comforting things in our world,
and one of the most reassuring.

Speak softly each day to those you love.
Those whispers of intimacy that tell them
that what you say is important
But meant for their ears and their ears only.

Muse quietly each day of those you love.
Allow yourself to find those things
that you truly admire and respect in that person.
Forgetting, at least for the moment, any of the negative.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable to those you love.
It is a most frightening experience to be without shields,
But it can also be the most wonderful flight in the world
To find another holds your spirit carefully within their heart.

Believe that you deserve those you love.
Your love is the most precious gift
that you can bestow on another human.
You deserve to be loved in return.
without constraints. without reserve.

Be honest with those you love.
Let them know how important they are in your life.
Take care that they never have to guess at what you think and feel.
There may come a time when they walk away.
and then would you regret not telling them?
in all possible ways?