Bertha Kahenge

You’re beautiful.
With beauty that cannot compare to that of lilies.
Beauty that flows from a well deep in your soul.
On your heart is engraved a gift.
The greatest of them all.
A gift to care without complaint,
Listen without murmur,
And love without prejudice.
With your hands you receive,
And with your hands, you let go when the time comes.
With your hands, you wipe away tears.
With your hands, you help the ailing ones.
Your gentle touch speeds recovery and brings warmth and comfort.
You uplift spirits with your charming smile and brighten up even the darkest of days.
Your delicate tone is like music to the ear and healing to the soul.
You’re the heartbeat of healthcare, the roof to its house.
You’re the voice of those who cannot speak.

The shield that protects them from the harm of medicine.
You’re the eyes of those who cannot see.
Leading and guiding with a firm but gentle hand.
You’re the hands of those without hands.
Helping them with all that they cannot do.
You’re the ears of those who cannot hear.
Shielding them from things that could bring them harm.

Dear Nurse,
I see you.
With your heavy eyes and aching feet,
You’re still here, right by my side.
With weary arms and a sore back,
You’re still here, helping without complaining.
I see how you fight for me in front of your colleagues.
How you always put me first above everything else.
I see the sacrifices that you make for me. Going out of your way to ensure that I have all that I need.
I see your tears,
I see your pain, and I see your joy when I am good and well.

Dear Nurse
The words ‘thank you’ are often strange to you, But today, with my heart, I say thank you.
Thank you for being here today.
Thank you for accepting the call to this profession. Thank you for dedicating your life to caring for those in need.
Dear Nurse,
You’re the pillar of healthcare and without you, the system will utterly fall.

Dear Nurse,
You’re doing the best that you can do, and I am proud of you.
Today is your day of celebration and honour, for all that you have done and all that you do.
Dear Nurse,
Thank you, and happy International Nurses Day.