Freedom Friends Forum

It began two and a half years ago working as a mental health specialist at OSH. Many nursing students come thru campus for their mental health rotations of their nursing program. I have talked with many of them over the years, but this story is about two students who came to the unit I was stationed. As Deanna was brought up to her room from surgery recovery, the first student recognized me and happened to be her assigned nurse overnight.  She was very responsive to both of our needs throughout and it was comforting to have a familiar face entering the room.

The second student that visited OSH, those years ago, was having great difficulties in her life at the time. As we were talking, she felt drawn to share those things with me, some of which revolved around her faith. Working in a public institution, witnessing in this area is taboo, but I chose to step out on a limb that day and shared with her some of my faith. Those who know me, know that I carry a rock in my pocket with a word engraved on it. Each day I choose a word that reflects what I am drawn to contemplate on throughout the day. That day I had chosen a rock with the word faith on it. As we continued to talk I felt drawn to give her my rock, with the message that this rock could be the foundation upon which she could build her faith as she continued her journey. She thanked me and I did not see her again.....until tonight. Deanna's second night in the hospital.

As I entered the room where Deanna was sleeping, there she was. As soon as she saw me, she recognized me and told me that she still carried that rock with the word faith engraved upon it every day. She was the assigned nurse for Deanna’s care overnight. I introduced her to my wife, and calmly and without hesitation kissed my wife goodbye to come home and get some sleep knowing that God was in control.