Witness at the Gates of Heaven
Witnessing God’s Mercy as a Hospice Nurse
by
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A Seed Is Planted
I was about five years old when my doctor determined that I should have my tonsils removed. Quite a common surgery when I was young. I remember so clearly the long halls of the hospital and the kindness of the nurse who cared for me. I don’t know why she took such an interest in me. I don’t remember being afraid, but I must have been full of questions, because this angel in white proceeded to take me on a grand tour of the hospital. She explained the purpose of each area, showing me the equipment in different departments and even introduced me to other young patients, telling me how hospital staff would be helping them. Then she took me to the operating room, and explained how the doctor would remove my tonsils. She told me they would be putting me to sleep first so I would not feel a thing. I was happy that I would get to sleep; I loved sleeping! I remember her dressing me and walking along side me as they wheeled me into the operating room. Then they put me to sleep, and during surgery, I dreamed that the doctor used one of those long, skinny, plasticware teaspoons from the fifties, slipping it down my throat, and scooped out my tonsils. When I woke up, I really thought that was how he had removed them! It didn’t hurt as bad as I’d thought it would. I loved the ice chips and ice cream. But more than all that, I had fallen head over heels in love with nursing! I wanted that white uniform with the perky white cap, white stockings, and white shoes that hardly made any sound at all! I drew a large picture of myself as a nurse when I was a bit older. Hating my red hair due to the teasing, I drew myself as a brunette. Momma said sometimes your hair changes color as you grow up, and I was hopeful I would grow out of my red hair. But I never did grow out of it or my desire to become a nurse!
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4–5)
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About the Book
This is the story of my calling in hospice nursing, and my witness of the mercy and grace of God, in the hearts of those so close to dying. We have all lost a loved one, and sometimes we wonder if they are indeed with Christ. It was such a blessing, to see how the Lord drew so many to Him, in many different ways, because of His great love for us. I pray that this book may be a comfort for those who are grieving, and an encouragement for all who read it. After all, one day we will all find ourselves at the gates of heaven.
About the Author
Denise accepted Christ as her Savior at eighteen years old, filling her grateful heart with joy. She longed to become a nurse since childhood, and finally reached that goal in her forties. Now retired, she treasures time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also enjoys writing encouraging devotions for Christian women, and praying for those in need at their church.