“Can
two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” – Amos 3:3 (NLT)
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There was a new, long
bridge and I couldn’t find the train tracks anymore where a long train would
pass by. It would run at the slowest pace with its miles of cars
linked together. I used to wait…And wait…Until I only had a few minutes spared
to be in that rehabilitation center on time.
My confidence to relieve the evening nurse a little early, actually, the
day nurse, who volunteered to stay until I got there, was slowly fading.
Swallowing a sip of water, I decided to make a phone call and had advised her
that I felt I was lost and made the wrong turn to this unfamiliar road that led
to a huge, commercial building on one side. Yet, I couldn’t see the prison. She
started guiding me. Reassured me it wasn’t my fault because the direction from
the bridge had a confusing sign that many at the beginning also made that wrong
turn. She was excited that I had been chosen to float there. And in that short
reliving of memories, I found the old, long road that brought me back many
shifts I had gone through. All by myself then. But now, they have some help with
an extra LVN to be able to accomplish more tasks like passing meds and checking
blood sugar levels of many inmates who had health issues.
I was usually a calm person but I had to admit, I was
startled when a female deputy was watching me from a dimly lit guard house on
my left corner as I was trying to figure out what to do on a nearby phone for
someone to let me in. She seemed to be enjoying the whole show. Of watching a
confused nurse who didn’t know where to go and how to be let in. She motioned
for me to a particular gate. I cracked a smile and thanked her and told her I
used to work in that facility for many years. Except…everything seemed new to
me.
Our main prison was back to its old problem. Of having
staffing shortage. With both RN’s and LVN’s. Everyone seemed to be getting burned out from either working
extra or doing more work than what they were expected to. Sometimes, the choice
was forgotten. One just had to do a particular task. Whether they liked it or
not. Health care of incarcerated inmates was always the priority. No matter
what.
The LVN who was working with me that night was previously
working with us at the main detention. I hadn’t seen her in years. But I
remembered her well... Dedicated to her work and always helped out the whole crew
if there was a need. But that was how our crew was. Always helping each other.
Sharing stories and with the comfort of gathered meals brought from home at
quiet times, we all had great working relationships that worry was out the
door on those busy nights.
We hugged each other. And throughout the night, she
patiently showed me around and where to get the things I needed if any medical
emergency arose. By dawn, she invited me to go to the north side. Where they
housed the inmates with minor violations. I remembered it was a tough ride in
the provided car. It had to go up a dark hill, where many jack rabbits often
crossed the road unexpectedly. Rumors were flying that rattle snakes abound. Proven when an inmate was bitten on his foot. Back then, inmates were allowed to roam. No one
would dare to escape. For they knew, there was no place to go to as it was
surrounded by miles and miles of barren, parched areas.
What a change it was for me! To see two deputies than just
one guarding now all the inmates who were locked in. She gave the medications
to a particular inmate and back to the parked, service car we went.
“Look! Nurse Rcubes!” she uttered.
“Isn’t it beautiful to see those stars shining and be able
to to see the beautiful sunrise. You know, I enjoy that every morning…”
I was gazing at her the whole time she was holding on to the
steering wheel and occasionally looked up to marvel at the heavenly bodies she
described.
I saw her patience, her sincerity in welcoming an old
working relationship be brought alive. Her passion to serve the inmates and be
harmonious with the other custody staff. Her ability to see the beauty despite
the barren area surrounding the old rehab center. I knew…
Her light was more beautiful than those stars. Shining ever
brightly and untiringly doing its purpose.
How I prayed…to always be in near
proximity to the Light and be able to reflect Its radiance. For all to see.
Such a simple beauty. To see even a tiny light bring peace and joy in dark,
remote areas.
Anyone can accomplish that…by walking with God. In harmony.
And in intimacy shared day by day. To know Him, to please Him. For Him to
become one’s heart’s desire…
“Thank you,” I told the LVN.
“Thank you for being patient and teaching me things here
that are new to me. I know…I’ll probably be sent back. But I will always be
willing to float here.”
“Because of you…”
“Let us
go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For
our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us
clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)
