I See You

I see you... 

Sitting on the exam room table 

Bare back exposed through an undersized gown 

Hands twisting together in nervous anticipation 

The person I've come to know through ups and downs 

I see you... grey hair speckled through shades of black 

Skin pale and freckled... wrinkles slowly staking their claim 

You have been my patient for so many years now 

I've grown to welcome the sight of your name 

I see you with your list in your lap 

The latest of ailments to set in 

I know these pains are more than just aging 

How your heart still aches from loosing him 

I saw the brave act you put on for my nurse 

But I'm grateful you drop down your guard with me 

I ask how you are and see tears swell in your eyes 

Though your voice whispers "fine"... You know I can see 

 I hand you a Kleenex and sit quietly... Waiting

 Allowing this moment of release you so desperately need 

"Sometimes it's just so hard" you say softly 

Wounds so very deep; but they never bleed 

I take your hand and ask how I can make things better 

You stare at my hand on yours and say "you just did" 

A simple gesture they didn't cover in medical school 

That I learned from my mom when I was a kid 

I see you... 

Not just a patient but a person 

And though at times I admit I've forgotten 

I know compassion is the first medicine I must offer 

Before any other medical healing can begin 

I am grateful that you still confide in me 

You are a reminder of why I do what I do 

And if you continue to trust in me 

I promise... I will always see you

Because of You

It started as just another day for me 

Nothing special, significant, or grand 

One more visit to the doctors office 

For these lungs that can't meet their demand 

Greeted with a smile and a warm heart 

Tina's kindness was comforting and genuine 

As she performed the test on my lungs 

She reminded me it's time for a mammogram again 

I told her I really hate that painful squeezing 

And I didn't have the time anyway 

What if I made it easy for you 

And could get you in right away? 

I said I would give it some thought

Her persistence was gentle but persuading 

She walked me over to mammography 

Leaving absolutely no chance of me evading 

A suspicious area is what they said 

A biopsy would soon follow 

I found my way back to Tina 

Tears made it so hard to swallow 

Another visit to the oncologist 

We caught it just in time 

A lumpectomy and no need for chemo 

I was going to be just fine 

The excitement filled my heart with joy 

Someone special I needed to find 

She was the one who saved my life 

Who gave me this peace of mind 

No "What If's" for me to worry about 

All because of Tina's gentle shove 

Everyone was kind and caring 

I felt so well taken care of 

Thank you to all my partners in health 

I know these words will never do 

But my gratitude is deep and overflowing 

I will live because of you