My Angel of Mercy

Many years ago when my son was born, I experienced a difficult labor and delivery. After my baby was born, my blood pressure dropped so low the nurses were barely able to get a reading. I had to be hospitalized for several days longer than originally expected.

That first night I was in severe pain. I asked a nurse to give me something, but my doctor had not given the order because of my drop in blood pressure. As the night slowly advanced, the pain grew much worse and I was unable to sleep or get comfortable. As the pain swept over my entire body, I buzzed the nurse’s station several times, hoping that someone would contact my doctor. No one came to my room.

Finally, at around three in the morning, a nun wearing a white habit trimmed in blue appeared at my doorway. As she stood in the hall, with the dim hospital lights shining around her and outlining her long white habit, I remember she had the sweetest countenance.

“What’s wrong, child?” she asked.

“Sister, I am in tremendous pain. Can you help me?” I raised my head from the pillows.

“Have you asked your nurse?”

“Yes,” I replied, “but my doctor forgot to order pain medicine and she says I’ll have to wait until morning. Now the nurses aren’t answering my buzzer.” My head fell back down on the pillows.

“Just a moment,” she said. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Please don’t leave me,” I cried out. “You are the first person that I have seen in several hours!”

“Don’t worry,” she reassured in a soft voice. “I’ll be back in just a moment. I promise.”

I wondered if she would return, but then I felt a strange peace in my heart that made me believe that she would honor her word. About five minutes passed and she returned, carrying a medication tray. Rolling up the sleeve of my nightgown, she gave me an injection.

“Oh thank you so much!” I exclaimed, as she placed a bandage over the injected area on my arm.

She smiled, pulled the covers up high around my chin, and placed her cool and comforting hand on my forehead.

“You have a beautiful baby boy,” she said.

“Yes,” I smiled.

“May you both be blessed,” she added.

I immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Continued on page 2: The nurse asked: 'Do you think that you might have been dreaming?' »