Sometimes My Patients Inspire Me

By Sister Pam Nosbusch, OSF

I recently ministered to two patients who inspire me. One patient, whom I will call Rose, spoke freely about her love for The Lord. Rose also made homemade cards and wrote reflections about each member of her Hospice Team who cared for her. Her reflections were about the qualities of each team member she loved the most. In her own way Rose uplifted us and quickly became a favorite of our team for her appreciation of our care and her deep religious roots. As Rose got closer to going home to God she continued to speak of her love for God and how she was ready to be with God.

Another patient who inspires me I’ll call Fred. Fred is still alive. He is in his 50’s and is HIV positive. The first day I met Fred he told me about his husband’s death seven months before. It was obvious how much Fred still loves his husband. Fred is ready to go home to God so he can be with both his husband and with God. Fred and I have had conversations about love, prayer, and Heaven.

As a hospice chaplain I minister to the dying and their families. Rose and Fred turned the tables on ministry and ministered to me. Rose and Fred remind me of why I became a chaplain in the first place and why hospice ministry is fulfilling.