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________________________________________________ {Straight From the Heart} *Christmas Presence* 12/5/00 If you enjoy this free daily email service, I encourage you to I appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism, so feel free to Just joined us and want to see all the past stories we've run? We have another touching story by Laura Lagana which will appear in the upcoming Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul. Laura and Tom Lagana are still looking for submissions for this upcoming Chicken Soup book! But time is running out! Check the submission info at the end of the story for more details! Christmas Presence By Laura Lagana
Secluded in my room, I yearned for the mouth-watering aromas of mom's freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate and love. The absence of the usual giggling, slamming doors and ringing telephones made the dormitory seem cold and empty. The unappetizing smell of disinfectant replaced my visions of cookies and cocoa. Standing in front of the mirror, I conversed with my reflection. "You wanted to be a nurse didn't you? Well, you're almost a nurse. Now is your chance to find out what Christmas spirit really means." Determined to make the best of it, I turned in early. "I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me..." My faithful clock-radio announced reveille as I slowly dragged myself out of a toasty-warm bed. I trudged across the snow-filled street and grabbed a quick breakfast in the cafeteria before reporting for duty on the medical-surgical unit. As I prepared to take vital signs on my first patient, I was startled by a robust voice that came from behind. "Merry Christmas to you. Want anything from the cafeteria? I'm headed that way Missy." As I took the stethoscope out of my ears and turned around, from the dimly lit room I could see a gigantic, roly-poly elderly gentleman with long, curly hair, all decked out in a bright red, plaid shirt tucked haphazardly into baggy red trousers. The trousers appeared to be held up by only two, wide, fire-engine-red suspenders that had long since outlived their elasticity. This Santa Claus facsimile was standing in the doorway waiting patiently for an answer to his query. The only thing missing was the beard. As I looked toward the bright hallway lights from the darkened room, I thought for a moment that I was dreaming. "No thanks," I responded. "I just came on duty. I'll grab something at lunch." Before disappearing down the hall he added, "Name's George. Just let me know what I can do for you, Missy. I'll be right back." As I cared for my patients, George was right alongside. I watched him spread holiday cheer as he became a guest to the patients who had no visitors that day. When trays arrived he knew who needed assistance and who needed to be fed. He read letters and cards to those whose eyes could no longer see the letters on a printed page. George's powerful body and tender hands were always ready to help hold, turn, pull-up or lift a patient. He was a "gopher" who made countless trips to the supply room for the "needs of the moment." George also knew when to call for help. While reading a letter to Mr. Jenkins, George noticed that the patient suddenly started to "look funny" and instantly ran to the nurse's station to summon aid. Thanks to George's swift action, we managed to reverse the effects of an impending diabetic coma. Jovial George clearly enjoyed helping others while he spread cheer and told jokes -- the same jokes, over and over again, all day long, one patient at a time. We all enjoyed his presence that Christmas day. When I finally took my lunch break, I was surprised to find the cafeteria elaborately decorated for the season. I sat down next to one of the staff nurses from the unit. During lunch with Andrea, I had the chance to ask a burning question. "Who is this George fellow? And why is he here on Christmas Day?" "About ten years ago, George's wife became seriously ill. He spent almost every waking moment by her side. Those two lovebirds were so devoted to one another. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her." Andrea stopped for a few moments, sipping her coffee in silence, before continuing. "George started to visit other patients while his wife was sleeping or having treatments. He was here so much that he seemed to take naturally to helping out wherever he could." My natural curiosity made me ask, "Does he have any family?" A serious look came over Andrea's face as she continued. "They never had children, and as far as I know, there are no relatives. But you see, George watched his wife suffer for a very long time. He shared every second of her pain and anguish. On Christmas Eve night, after I prepared his wife for sleep, they prayed together. During the prayer, George promised his wife that if God would take away her misery that night, by taking her 'home,' he would spend the rest of his life as a Christmas volunteer." Andrea and I finished our lunch in silence. Laura Lagana Send Laura an email and let her know what you thought of her story! Christmas Presence. Reprinted by permission Laura Lagana. ©2000 Laura Lagana. ********** "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul" - Thought For The Day: "What is the use of praying if at that very moment of prayer we have so little confidence in God that we are busy planning our own kind of answer to our prayer." Verse for the Day: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
"Even babies like to grab for things just beyond their reach."
"Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while."
"There are only two options regarding commitment. Youre either IN or youre OUT. Theres no such thing as life in-between."
"I was cesarean born. You can't really tell, although whenever I leave a house, I go out through a window." _
"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video we gave them. They loved it, to say the least! Within thirty seconds my mom was crying and my dad did too. They said it was the best Christmas gift we could have given them!! You did such a beautiful job! They were so surprised and so touched---they really, really, really loved it. Thanks for helping to make it so special to us all. My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for the video too! Thanks again!" Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
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Touching Lives - One E-mail at a Time! Author Michael T. Powers - HeartTouchers @ aol.com
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