1964 is the year … my graduation from Jeanne Mance School of Nursing here in Burlington, VT. Over fifty years have passed and now, as I reflect back while preparing my remarks for a keynote speech at Norwich University’s School of Nursing, I have become acutely aware of how vast the influence of nursing has been on my life. While bedside nursing has not been a part of my life for many years, the caring that extends far beyond the reach of the bedside has. The excitement to become a nurse has, over many years, grown into a deep passion… a desire to serve others, to be supportive and in all ways to be caring. That is where it is reflected. And now, over the past thirty-two years, is seen in my passionate connection to end-of-life care… advocacy… education… and being in the trenches. For the past thirteen years, the deepest meaning has come in the sacred quiet of sitting vigil with persons who are dying. So meaningful. So much mystery. ‘A golden opportunity to be of service to others. And while doing so, the dying have become my teachers. I am learning so much about living a full life and about the importance of relationships… and about my spiritual self by bearing witness to those who are dying. Can life be any more meaningful? I dare say not. I am so fortunate for these gifts of presence and quiet solitude… and forever grateful.
THE POETRY OF PRESENCE
