Fever 104
Death knocking at the door
And she gave the gift of kindness.
Caressed my burning brow
Spoke with soft and soothing tones
Let me know I was not alone.
Alison Jean Hankinson
January 2011 and I was extremely ill and with fever, there was this wonderful nurse who throughout the Saturday night as doctors came and went, cared for me, she put wet flannels on my head, and came every 10 minutes to let me know I was not alone, it was the middle of the night and all my family were gone and her kindness will always stay with me. It was at that point in my life that I think I really understood that the kindness of a friend or stranger is always one of the most bountiful and unexpected gifts.
The photo is from St Ann’s Square in Manchester today, I was struck again by this word. It will always have more power than hatred. A tribute to the nurse that cared for me and the people of Manchester.
The challenge tonight as d’Verse was to write about a gift.
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This is truly beautiful. Thank you so very much for sharing, Alison.
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The kindness of strangers … can we wish for more?
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Kindness and compassion are gifts. Nice haibun.
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I meant nice poem. I just finished reading a set of haibun.
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This is so soothing. Nurses can be angels, indeed.
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The gift of kindness when one needs it the most.. beautiful write!
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Kindness, such a gift to give and receive from strangers, friends and anyone ~
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Your nurse went way above and beyond the call. But at that time you really needed it. That was a wonderful gift and a great testimony of grace
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this is true gift, given at the right moment to the blessed person….aah…to know you are not alone…& a beautiful gift of a poem….
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Thank goodness for the kindness of nurses and other strangers – a true gift. I like the way the line ‘And she gave the gift of kindness’ is at the heart of the poem, Alison.
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This reminded me of a currently popular song by Tim McGraw … “Always be Humble and Kind”. The lyrics are wonderful .. as are your words here. If we all practiced kindness what a different world this would be!
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My daughter is a nurse. I’ll forward this to her. She’ll love it that someone appreciates the work nurses do.
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A caring nurse can make sickness into a blessing. Even when the body is sick, kindness heals the soul.
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I am also so grateful to nurses and really anyone who makes compassion part of their everyday life. Great tribute!
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World Nurses
Love Kindness
Gift
oF LiGht
DoMaiN..:)
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Ah! The best gift of all, the companionship to a sickened soul! It is wonderful, makes me feel grateful for those who stick with us during our sickness!
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Indeed a precious gift!
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