You Never Know Where You Will Find a Nurse

Alabama Nurse, Dec 2003-Feb 2004 by Hunt, Bonnie

Take Time to Care

My Uncle Al smoked cigars, and as kids, my sisters and I would ask him to save all the boxes once they were empty. As the holidays approached, we would gather all of those boxes, line them with scraps of velvet, and glue glitter and plastic jewels all over the lids. My mom would then take us to deliver these wonderful little handmade "jewelry boxes" to the residents of the nursing home near our neighborhood in Chicago.

I was only eight the first time I decorated the boxes and delivered them to the nursing home, and I was so scared. But my fear was soon replaced by the gratification of bringing happiness to the wise and lonely elderly.

I know the visits to the nursing home led to my volunteering as a candy striper in my early teens and then a job at that same nursing home as a nurse's aide. I eventually went to nursing school and pursued a career as an oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Nursing was a wonderful job and has given me the gift of perspective. Now, when I am experiencing a difficult day on the set, I think of the many inspiring patients I was fortunate enough to care for during their most difficult and vulnerable times.

Today, all senior citizens remain a constant in my life.

You don't need to volunteer in a hospital for weeks at a time. Instead, you can help an elderly person by offering to assist them in getting a grocery item off a high shelf, or, if you're in the meat department, ask them for advice on cooking a ham. I find it makes their day to know that their wisdom and experience is needed by someone, anyone. We need to appreciate the elderly now while we're still so fortunate to learn from them and enjoy each and every individual, unique life story.

It's a story they all want to tell. Take a moment to listen; it may change your life.

Life With Bannie airs at 9:30 p.m. ET Fridays as part of ABC's TGIF lineup.

Reprinted with permission from Lisa Washington of USA Weekend.

by Bonnie Hunt from Life With Bonnie