In The Patient’s room they fed on the warmth of the smile they received. Each person was uplifted by the good cheer, gentle words, and by the abundant and concerned thoughtfulness of this one senior Patient.

There were some in the hospital who yelled and whined. There were some who cried and others who literally abused the staff but not The Patient. No, when the staff entered the room of The Patient it was as if they knew they would find sanctuary! Cleaning staff, nurses, even doctors fed on the endless supply of benevolence dished out by The Patient, and The Patient, in turn, seemed to understand how very valuable this kind of service was to everyone, who were desperate for someone’s attention .

As I finished telling the story, a light seemed to go on within mother, and she exclaimed, “Goodness, the staff here all say they like coming into my room because I am so cheerful. I never thought about the impact of it before.” It was as if a heavy load had lifted from Mother’s shoulders and she looked more relaxed than she had in a long time.

Mother’s children have always known she blesses many lives with her loving disposition. How wonderful for mother to now understand her actions make a big difference. Now and then

I have heard a saying “grow where you are planted.”

It dawned on me that mother was growing in a new way. God impressed upon me

to tell Mother the story of The Patient and help her understand her true worth. — Beliefnet.com (Concluded)