Some people think that when one chose to be a nurse, the ultimate goal is to find work overseas, where opportunities for health professionals are great and the good life, as it is commonly perceived, reachable. But my dream is different. As a young girl, I already have visions of being a nurse who does community work. I have always wanted to care for the marginalized in society, a special kind of nurse.
When I joined Madre de Amor Hospice Foundation six years ago, I had no inkling that it would be the realization of my youthful dream. I call it cruising in the life of angels. My parents discouraged me at first, realizing the rigors of the job. They were afraid that exposure to terminally ill patients, in not so ideal settings, sometimes far flung, will make me vulnerable to diseases and even, accidents. But soon it was apparent, how I love my job. I enjoy caring for them in their own home, meeting their families and knowing them not as mere patients. Often, we end up friends.
But the returns are exceptional. Priceless. Knowing you made the last days of a dying person happy and comfortable is a good feeling already. However, the extra benefits are the personal gains, like improved self-confidence, sociability and creativity. It taught me to conquer my fears, embrace life, content in the knowledge that somehow, the reason for MY existence is being met.
And there is icing on the cake too. My other dream is to travel, go to places I see only in magazines and the internet. With my paycheck I know that travel is not possible, but God is good. Maybe my angels had something to do with it. Because now, I am able to go places, enjoy them with family and friends.
