The Heart of the Matter

Oral tradition brings stories into clinical settings.
The changing of traditions vying with the changing of technology ~
yet within the tasks of nursing,
surrounding each interaction with an individual in care,
underneath the science of research and medicine is a kind voice, a supportive hand, education about self care ~
belief in, not only the science of nursing, but the art and spirit of nursing.
It is always practicing the art and the spirit of nursing that heals and encourages health.
Oral tradition tells us to share our experience with students and young nurses to tell where nursing has come from, where it is now and pass the next step on to them ~
stories start with our own experiences from when we were students and young nurses hearing stories of experience from the senior nurses of the day.

 “Our stories matter...Your stories matter...For you never know 

how much of a difference they make and to whom.”

~ Caroline Joy Adams

To Mend or Not to Mend

Belinda sat down in her favourite chair and picked up her mending.
Every evening she threaded the needle the way her mother, and grandmother before her, had taught her.
Letting go of the busyness of the day, she took in her hands the gently worn clothes that needed re-purposing, believing in the sturdyness of the fabric and the deft skill of her hands.
Individual pieces of clothing that many would throw on the scrap heap but that were still useful, and more importantly, precious to her.
Emerald greens, royal blues, deep rusty oranges, patterns of red and green ~ colours and fabrics that each had their own meaning and worth to her.
Faithfully she stitched together memories of special times, special friends and the culture of her family.

“Forgiveness is the needle that knows how to mend.”

~  Jewel

Sweet or Sharp

Speaking ones beliefs ~
certain ephemeral ideas from the heart
against walls of negation or disbelief
shaped like cotton candy confections or
harsh hammers pummeling relentlessly
begin to weaken the fabric of belief
unless in one’s quiet core the belief is unwavering.

“Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.”

~ André  Gide