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My hospital room was a quiet refuge from the physical and emotional trauma I had suffered at the hands of a rival biker gang. I was alone in a hospital bed in Baton Rouge. My body lie in a cocoon of plaster. The body cast restrained my body in the hope of repairing my shattered bones. I was a victim in a violent gang war, and I was suffering from intense pain after being shot in my left arm and right leg with M-16 rifles.
My left arm was held securely inside a plaster cast. The body cast covered my chest; encased my right leg to my ankle and covered my left thigh. A wooden pole separated my legs. Periodically, I was flipped over on my stomach exposing a gaping cut-out in the plaster, necessary for bodily eliminations. Along with the physical pain, the agony of humiliation filled my soul with sorrow and shame.
As I lay in the bed, it occurred to me that I could not find an escape from the uncertainty of the future. My husband, Viggo, had dropped me off at a hospital in another state. He left me alone and totally dependent on the nursing staff to take care of me. I did not know a soul. That is until Reni, a young nursing student with a reassuring smile, opened the door and stepped inside my hospital room. Her unexpected visit was a welcome relief from the loneliness I was feeling.
Reni and I quickly became friends. We found lots to talk about in spite of our different lifestyles. She was pregnant with her first child, and much to my delight she would let me feel the baby’s movements. Selflessly, she spent her on and off duty time with me.
She took care of my personal care needs and frequently washed and styled my hair. Clean hair does wonders for the soul! We laughed as she shaved the only part of my leg that was not covered with plaster. Reni did all these things to make me feel better. Daily, I became dependent on the life-giving support that her comforting hands and benevolent heart brought to me.
Reni stayed with me through difficult physical therapy sessions, holding my hand and encouraging me to press on in spite of the pain. When it came time for the doctor to cut off my body cast, she was there. What a glorious feeling to be free from all that plaster. The months in the cast left my legs weak and feeble; chapped and hairy. She pampered me with the tedious task of shaving my legs and massaging on the cream that would help restore my skin. Spa treatment in a hospital bed – it felt wonderful!
All of this was in preparation for yet another surgery. The bones in my leg would be fused together using a bone fragment from my hip. Reni was there when I woke up; doing her best to make me comfortable and monitor my condition. The doctor did not mention that the surgery would leave my leg two inches shorter. We grieved together over my loss, and her caring spirit helped to diminish the pain.
Eventually, my father drove from New Jersey to transfer me to a hospital near home. He made a bed for me in the back of a rented station wagon. Reni was there in the hospital parking lot waiting with love and good-bye hugs. It was the last time I saw her.
Reni gave me the gift of compassion and kindness that I had not known from anyone else in my life. She inspired me to be strong during the following year of rehab and recovery. Over the years, I have had many more surgeries and hospital stays. There have been other caring nurses and therapists, but none of them ever came close to the care I received from her.
My gift to Reni was to show her the value in her compassionate acts as I grew physically stronger. Reni went on to complete her clinical training and has served others faithfully as a R.N. for many years. She carries with her a first aid kit of supplies to heal each patient’s wounds. Along with her clinical tools, she provides encouragement, kindness, and compassion towards others. Her selfless actions demonstrate her strong desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
Thirty-six years later, I still feel love and gratefulness towards Reni for her many acts of kindness. We only spent a couple months together, yet we formed a bond of friendship that continues to this day. I only hope that someday soon, we will meet again. This time, I will freely walk over to her in my own strength, with love and a grateful hug. Reni never saw me stand or walk. It will be a triumphant moment for both of us.
Today, I have a wonderful husband and two daughters who love me in spite of my disabilities and my past. My passion lies in sharing the message of God’s hope and healing for the broken hearted.
We all experience times of weakness in our lives. When someone extends their heart of compassion to us, the power in that act of benevolence restores our strength. It is a reminder of God’s love for us. Was Reni sent to me by God? Yes, I am totally convinced she was a precious gift.
We may never know the impact an act of kindness may have in another person’s life. The result may even last a lifetime.
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