For my beloved mother, upon her retirement from nursing

On the go from dawn ’til dusk
She’s started IVs, filed reports
Dressed the wounds
And wiped the butts
 
Caring, loving, laughing, crying
Consoler, hand-holder
Comforter of the dying
 
Reliable, dedicated
Compassionate, sweet
Great at thinking on the fly
And quick on her feet
 
Healing, honest
Conscientious, discreet
Working long hours
A light to whomever she’d meet
 
An advocate, a friend
A mentor, a neighbor
Always learning
Kept the candle burning –
A real life-saver!
 
Rarely took a sick day
Always took one for the team
In her off-time, 
She’d work at home
Give to others
Pray, farm, and clean
 
Not always easy
Healing and caring as a vocation
She would say it was so worth the giving
But she deserves an extended vacation
 
She may not be at the hospital
But she still cares, heals, and gives
Everyone knows that is evident 
In the way my mother lives