Have no doubt, kindness is alive and well in our world. In addition to suffering from ALS, I recently spent over five weeks in the intensive care unit at UPMC Presbyterian hospital, where I was treated for pneumonia and respiratory failure. The doctors, technicians and other staff were fantastic and literally saved my life; however, the unsung heroes and sheroes of my saga were the ICU nurses. In my darkest hours, they brought light. In my despair, they brought hope. In my fear, they brought calm.
Irish poet and mystic John O’Donohue says: “You may not be able to do much about the great problems of the world or to change the situation you are in. But if you can awaken the eternal beauty and light of your soul, you will bring light wherever you go. The gift of life is given to us for ourselves, and also to bring peace, courage and compassion to others.”
The ICU nurses brought me the light of peace, the light of courage and the light of compassion. May they continue to bring their light to everyone they serve and encounter!
Keith G. Kondrich
Swisshelm Park
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