(A tribute to a Christian Science nurse)
Jan Kassahn Keeler
She was there for me.
In a dark moment, perhaps one of my darkest,
she was there for me.
She, at a crazy hour, left her home
to stand by my side.
Practical? Yes, she had solutions.
Wisdom? Enough to share quietly when I was
ready to hear.
Like Aaron, she was there to uphold
my mental stand
when I was no longer prepared
to do it alone.
Like John the Baptist, she was there.
Expectant, full of praise, and ready
to usher in the healing activity of the Christ.
She was motherhood with its most gentle,
tender touch.
She was fatherhood in strength and confidence.
She was joy.
She took my home under her care
and embraced my child
with such love as though she were her own.
She fed us meals.
She fed me truths of God – persistently.
Though trying not to be, I was scared.
She was unimpressed.
She was undaunted by the antics of mortal mind
that had put me in such a mess.
She had seen divine Love overcome
much more than this.
I was not at my best.
Yet, no personal opinions or judgment slung
recklessly from her lips.
Straight from our Leader’s revelation of care,
she was there.
Together, we witnessed God’s healing presence.
It could have been a he, but this time it was a she.
This Christian Science nurse.
A concept I had supported for others’ care.
But this time,
this time – oh, thank you, Father –
she was there for me.
Published in The Christian Science Journal May 1994
