That night I was feeling tired and generally worn out. It wasn’t something that I noticed much… after being a nurse for two years and working night shifts, it’s  pretty much the status quo.

I was chatting with my patient and throwing away trash after giving medication. As I double checked my check list and gathered my thoughts for what to do next, I manuvered my computer on wheels out of the way and reached for the door handle…

“I just love you, girl.”

My eyes snapped up from my computer screen to meet my patient’s. I could see in his eyes that he meant it… in the most kind, genuine, fatherly way. I looked down at the doorknob blinking away the tears that welled up without warning. Then I smiled back at him, “I really love you too.”

…

The other day I was feeling pretty tired. It dawned on me that I’ve been living on this ship for almost a month, and in an effort to do and see it all, I hadn’t taken much time to rest.

I collected my charts on the medication counter to start the shift. I was sorting and writing my little check boxes of things to do for the day. As I stood there, one of my patients came up and carefully wrapped her bandaged arms around me.

“Mon ami, I love you.”

My eyes snapped up from the chart to meet my patient’s. As she looked up at me, I could see that she meant it. I hadn’t ever heard her speak a whole sentence in English. I hugged her tight and touched her face, “I love you, too, mon ami. So much.”

…

Here in Africa or back home, my patients help me get through. When I am lost in the busyness and hustle to get things done, when I am feeling run down or out of sorts… their love rescues me. In moments like these, I wonder who is really taking care of who.