I am a nurse practitioner- upon my graduation with my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree my best friend gave me 'courage' as a gift. I wore it nearly every day to work- until I met one patient in particular.
A young woman came to me with concerning symptoms that had been going on for several months. I ordered testing. When the results came back we found that she had a large, malignant tumor. The day that I had to share with her that diagnosis I gave her 'courage' because I felt like she probably needed it more than I did at the time.
Her prognosis is poor but I know that she will have the love and caring and courage that my best friend gave to me with her on her journey. I am now searching for a new word... or maybe just some new 'courage'.
-Laura