This might be one of my most special posts and stories to share with you: For years, many of you have heard me tell the stories in my keynotes about the extraordinary nurses that cared for me on the burn unit - It was their kindness, presence, and their compassion.
One poignant memory, I have always had is a particular nurse that leaned over the bed rails and grabbed my hand in a moment that somehow stayed with me for 26 years. I ALWAYS wondered who this nurse was and I never forgot her. Every time I give my speech, I see her in my mind’s eye when I share that moment. Well, last week I had the privilege of speaking for the hospital that cared for me, Tampa General Hospital. It was a full circle, unbelievable event with all of their leaders.
After my keynote, this woman came up to me, held my hand and introduced herself to me saying she had cared for me. You can see in the second photo below that someone happened to capture this moment! After 26 years I was blown away in that moment I recognized her! Can you believe this? It was completely obvious that it was HER the one who leaned over the bed rails that day who I never forgot! She had a very distinct presence and energy and when she held my hand I recognized her! Can you believe that life has given me this gift to find her? I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I was given this gift! To see her, hug her, tell her how much she meant to me, and to know that she heard the story in the speech that day!
We rarely get the opportunity to find people who touched our lives in passing. Today I want to remind you that life can be so magical like this. I am in AWE.
This post is also a reminder that we cannot underestimate how our kindness and our presence with other people extends through time.
What you have done in your life - caring for others, even strangers - is so powerful. Every act of kindness counts!
The little moments are the big moments.
#keynotespeaker #healthcare #healthcarekeynotespeaker #Compassion #kindness #nurses #gratitude #heart #love #empathy
