According to Wikipedia, Florence Nightingale, (May 1820 – 13 August 1910), came to be known as “The Lady with the Lamp” and was a pioneering nurse, writer, and noted statistician.  And, arguably, Florence Nightingale is the most famous nurse in the world.

Casting her nausea aside, Irene and I drove to UCSF Medical Center today to visit two people who are currently admitted and who we deeply care about …. my Godmother, Ruth Perrine, and our faithful friend, Scott Halverson.

We make it no secret that we’re among the most committed “cheerleaders” of the UCSF nursing team …. especially at 11 Long, the Oncology Ward.  These amazing, committed professionals work 24/7, as a City on a Hill, quietly serving patients who are in critical need.  These nurses are running with the “vision baton”, passed on from Florence Nightingale to carry the tradition and profession of nursing to this generation.  They are a beacon of light and hope ….!!!!

As we were walking the serene, Sunday morning halls of 11 Long, all it took was for Irene to overhear nurse May’s voice and a flood of emotion and memories flowed.  Below is a photo of Irene with Byunga and May, capturing the moment.  Both Byunga and May are among the many incredible and caring nurses who faithfully attended Irene during her three month hospitalization.  And here they are again …. faithfully serving those currently in need of their knowledge and caring spirits.

We visited and prayed with our faithful and smiling friend, Scott Halverson, who is battling cancer.  Please pray for him.  To stay current with Scott’s medical updates, see http://halverson-family.com/.

Irene and I also visited my Godmother, Ruth Perrine.  Ruth is recovering from emergency back surgery which occurred last Friday.  She is very uncomfortable and significant amounts of pain medications are needed during this recovery period.  Please pray she will heal quickly!!!!

It was refreshing for Irene to be visiting and encouraging in-patients at UCSF rather than being one ….!!!!

We had to pause and savor the San Francisco skyline.  You can see the San Francisco financial district in the background as viewed from UCSF

Irene’s hair blowing in the SF breeze at UCSF …. with the Golden Gate Bridge towers barely in view.  After coming home and resting late this afternoon, Irene shopped at Safeway and then had to activate the rake in our front yard …. one of her favorite activities ….!!!!

UCSF Medical Center is an astonishing institution.  Many of us take it and their amazing nursing team for granted.  These committed professionals are always there, 24/7, behind the scenes, giving of their lives to save lives.

It’s easy to cheer for the UCSF Medical Center team ….!!!!!!

Thanks for checking in …. and for caring.

Dave