A Nurse’s Story: A Memorable Pilgrim

We often hear the words “count your blessings.” For me, my blessing has been my career in nursing. I consider it a gift to be able to give of myself to assist others, especially in their most difficult moments. People frequently ask me about how I have applied my nursing skills, and what have I experienced, in my volunteer service with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers. I have many precious memories, and I would like to share one such experience in particular.

On one of my very first pilgrimages with Lourdes Volunteers, I had the privilege of caring for a lovely lady who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). I couldn’t even imagine receiving such a devastating and life-changing diagnosis. This lady was a gifted artist, whose art work had been published in national and worldwide art magazines.

As the week began, she was withdrawn and appeared quite sad. When the day arrived for our appointment to enter the Piscines (the baths), she became very frightened and was afraid to enter the baths. I remember her saying “just let me put my toe in the water.” I quietly whispered in her ear “you did not travel over three thousand miles to place your toe in the water.” And so, she entered the Piscines and came out a changed person.  She was not healed of her devastating physical disease, but she did receive another healing, a spiritual healing, the special grace of acceptance. Her demeanor changed from sadness and fear to that of joy. I will never forget her and the beautiful hand painted cross she made for me. Our Lady has a gift for everyone.

Lourdes Volunteers has provided me with numerous opportunities to live out my Catholic faith while practicing my nursing vocation and to live the Beatitudes that I learned so very long ago.