The American Nursing Association has declared 2020 the “Year of the Nurse” and asked nurses from across the country to share their stories. The following was written by Brenda Grube, RN, who serves as the Director of Healthcare for Autumn Leaves of Franklin in Franklin, Wisconsin:

I received a gift of an angel statue years ago from the family of a resident on my memory care unit that included this saying, “The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.”   The wife’s words in the card I received confirmed all that I had dedicated myself to, as she knew I was doubting myself and what I was doing during a particularly rough time at work.  It was a terrific reminder that despite all the day to day troubles, my memory care residents depend on me to bring them light and love and that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.  I will never lose focus of that and I’m thankful for that reminder.