Thoughtful words
This was written by one of Stephanie's infusion nurses, Mary Ellen Ryan.
The very first day I met Stephanie, she was back to Georgetown for chemotherapy - the second round. I didn't know anything about her really. Just the basics - name, date of birth, diagnosis, treatment. As I was sitting there, about to put in her IV, I heard her say to her sister, sitting across from her( i think Anne), "If you could be any character on The Office who would you be?" I nearly missed her entire arm I was laughing so hard, and I remember calling my fiance, then boyfriend, a few minutes after and saying "I have the coolest patient today." It turned quickly from coolest patient, to close friend. I would get so excited for Stephanie treatment days, b/c it meant we would cover the gossip in our lives, and in the world. It was like a friend was coming to visit, instead of me taking care of her. Many times, in fact, I think she took care of me.
Over time, as Stephanie was getting sicker, we discussed the daily gossip less, and talked about side effects of what was going on. Despite all that, Stephanie would manage to smile, and say something funny about the fact that she was wearing a fanny pack for treatments - quite the fashion faux pas in our books - or worse yet - elastic pants! I prayed so hard for a miracle, hoping that Stephanie was going to beat it, despite what she was going through, and Stephanie made you believe it.
It never stops amazing me, how the world works. I believe Stephanie was placed in my life for a reason, and I feel that God meant for me to be her nurse. I am truly a better person, and certainly a better nurse because I have known her.
The very first day I met Stephanie, she was back to Georgetown for chemotherapy - the second round. I didn't know anything about her really. Just the basics - name, date of birth, diagnosis, treatment. As I was sitting there, about to put in her IV, I heard her say to her sister, sitting across from her( i think Anne), "If you could be any character on The Office who would you be?" I nearly missed her entire arm I was laughing so hard, and I remember calling my fiance, then boyfriend, a few minutes after and saying "I have the coolest patient today." It turned quickly from coolest patient, to close friend. I would get so excited for Stephanie treatment days, b/c it meant we would cover the gossip in our lives, and in the world. It was like a friend was coming to visit, instead of me taking care of her. Many times, in fact, I think she took care of me.
Over time, as Stephanie was getting sicker, we discussed the daily gossip less, and talked about side effects of what was going on. Despite all that, Stephanie would manage to smile, and say something funny about the fact that she was wearing a fanny pack for treatments - quite the fashion faux pas in our books - or worse yet - elastic pants! I prayed so hard for a miracle, hoping that Stephanie was going to beat it, despite what she was going through, and Stephanie made you believe it.
It never stops amazing me, how the world works. I believe Stephanie was placed in my life for a reason, and I feel that God meant for me to be her nurse. I am truly a better person, and certainly a better nurse because I have known her.
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Permalink Reply by Dan and Laurie Ward on
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Dear Ms. Ryan... This is a wonderful and touching story. How quickly you "got" the essence of Stephanie. Yes, you are lucky... She put her magic into you, too!
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