Nursing was the profession you chose for me.

But to be a lawyer was all I wanted to be.

An obedient daughter, I followed your plea.

Although nursing was not my cup of tea.

Challenged, I had to prove my worth.

Looked down upon, I hid my hurt.

“I’m doing this for you,” was all I thought.

Hopefully, this was not for naught!

As I progressed in nursing school,

I thought this was rather cool.

Taking care of patients, what a noble goal!

I set my heart on it, I was on a roll.

Graduation came, you were proud of me.

Last opportunity, it turned out to be.

For a month later, we rushed you to emergency.

You closed your eyes, never again to see!

Shook me to my core but move on, I’ve got to do.

To support my brothers, I had to go

To America with a heart full of woe.

Every tear shed, reminded me of you.

Each patient I encountered since then,

My hands and my heart I opened.

Care I offered, the best way I can,

Even if it just meant holding their hands.

Nursing is a profession, I agree.

But more than that, it’s a calling, you see.

For one cannot just go through the role.

Heart, and soul, you’ve got to give it all!

Medical care may rapidly evolve.

With technology, concerns may be resolved.

But someone who can never be equaled,

Is a nurse who is committed and involved!

*This poem was written to honor my mother who was the one who dreamed to become a nurse.

She was the second daughter out of 11 siblings. Her father was a farmer and her mom was a market vendor. Stating that money was tight was an understatement for their family. At a young age, she and their eldest brother went to Borneo, Indonesia to earn money to augment the family’s income.

Long story short, she didn’t become a nurse. Honoring her memory is why I try to be the best nurse I can be day after day.