STRONG FAITH

The hospice nurse and I went out to meet "Nora", eighty-eight years old. Nora has suffered with cardiac disease for many years. She had been doing quite well until a month ago where things quickly went downhill. She spent a few days in the hospital for treatment, but was discharged home today. Where she had been walking with a walker, she is now bedridden and needing help with all of her daily needs.

Nona was widowed forty years ago. Her husband had a sudden heart attack. As expected, it impacted the family greatly. Nona worked two jobs to care for her children. Her main focus was letting them know they were loved. Unfortunately, four years ago, two of her children died months apart; one from a heart attack and the other a stroke. She did a beautiful job raising them all as now her three remaining children are here by her side. Two of her children live out of state, but it is so important for them to be with their mother.

Nora amazed me as she had such a positive attitude about life and smiled so easily. Living the dark side of life, left her to appreciate the beautiful side. Nora was so successful in teaching her children the importance of love and family. In addition, her strong faith, I believe, helped her survive and live her life in the most amazing and loving way.

Nora is an inspiration to us all. She is such a prime example of how life is all about perspective. I know every morning, Nora must think, "This day will be full of love." Because for her, I know every day is a great day. Thank you Nora for being you.


STRONG FAITH　

She's had a lot of life challenges.
War and conflict in her Russian homeland.
Emigrating to America in her twenties.
Searching for safety in an unknown land.

She met and married the man of her dreams.
Then suddenly, a heart attack ended his life;
leaving her to raise their five children alone.
Her Christian faith helped carry her on.

She worked two jobs to support her family;
but always made time to unconditionally love them.
She knew how important affection was
as lived through times with no love around.

Four years ago, two of her sons died four months apart.
She grieved like you know any parent would.
Now in her eighties, her health has slowed her down.
She is weak, bedridden and sleeping a lot.

You walk in her room to meet with her.
The first thing you see is her uplifting, happy face.
She'll smile so beautifully and then tell you, "Hello".
Appreciating all that she has around.

Her strong faith continues to support her.
She knows where we all will be going.
She has no fears; no concerns at all, stating
"I am just renting here.
          My mansion is up in heaven."