valentine’s day

you know that feeling when you have a story that deserves to be heard? to be cherished. like you are holding onto the most precious key that could unlock hope in someone else’s heart? the type of story that some believe only exists in movies. i have been holding onto this story for just over a week; the thought of translating it to readable words overwhelms me….

Valentine’s Day. a day that makes me roll my eyes. always has. but not anymore. it now has a new meaning and that is because i had the privilege of watching the truest love story unfold. it didn’t involve roses, or chocolates or teddy bears. that day will now be ALS day on my calendar.  

remember the ice bucket challenge? i remember being impressed by the phenomenon of it. by the widespread attention to the “viral” act. but seeing the faces of those suffering with ALS didn’t knock me to my knees. it does now. i know those faces now. i have seen the wrath of that disease. i have held the hand of that disease. it is pain. it is devastating.

i am a hospice nurse. i am not the “hero,” or “angel,” or any of those other really incredibly nice things you say to me. i am a nurse who sees that title as a way of life; i happen to be exactly where i am not by chance. i knew that the moment i met this man. the moment i entered this world that most don’t know exists. the one where sickness, hospital equipment, medication, and loss of independence takes over a home. where seclusion and exhaustion and fear overwhelm. where a loved one sacrifices ALL, moves across the world, leaves a career, gives up material wealth, or abandons freedom to care for the sick. 

i have witnessed a brother take on the burden of another’s lifeless body to allow the very lively soul and mind trapped inside to continue to have a way out. the daughter going through chemo taking care of her dying mother. the full time college student caring for her ailing father. the daughter in law lovingly care for her mother in law. 

and then there are, deep breath…

the mommas unsure if their child will live long enough for that epic “first day of school” photo. or the daddies crumbling because the weight of their sick child on top of the pressures of this world are just too much. the parent that would give anything for their toddler to throw a tantrum. or take any steps much less their first steps. for the opportunity to “baby proof” the house meaning their child was mobile. or to have the sweet old lady pinch their child’s adorable cheek in the grocery store. 

they are the heroes. the angels. 

that is true love.