When I joined my hospital’s UPC (unit practice council) team, we wanted to put together a grievance package. Working in the ICU (intensive care unit) is often times very challenging. Not only is there a lot going on with each patient, but there are also a lot of emotions. When it comes to the end of life, there is often more we wish we could do as medical personnel.

It was such a honor to work on this project and give families a little bit of their loved one. We decided that we wanted to include a poem and also a handprint of each patient who passed away. Not knowing if there would be any legal issues with using an already published poem, I offered to write one for the hospital to use.

We found a company that produced inkless handprint kits and our manager worked it into the budget to put everything together. We even ordered fancy folders to keep them safe. The kind diplomas usually come in.

After this project took off, we decided we also wanted to work on a spanish version of the poem since we have such a huge spanish speaking population. I asked my friend, and former high school Spanish teacher to assist me. The spanish version was then approved by the hospital translator and worked into production.

I wanted to share this poem here in case it helps someone else. I am so thankful that we have been able to create this beautiful memory to give to families so they have a little bit of their loved one with them.

Remembrance

When you think about time, you always wish there was more

And when you think about life, you never know what’s in store.

Time always keeps going, even when we think it shouldn’t.

Words always seem to fail us, when we wish they wouldn’t.

Time will never be enough, it wasn’t long enough with you

Know that when I needed someone, you always saw me through.

Although you no longer hear my voice, here is what I would say.

Life will be different now, but the sun will rise each day.

You will miss me while I’m gone, but I will see you again,

When you need to feel my love, a sign I will send.

It will take time, but your world will once again align,

And when you need a hand to hold, here’s a remembrance of mine.

~Jennifer R. W. Vargas, RN, BSN

Un Recuerdo Mío

Cuando se piensa en el tiempo, siempre deseamos que haya más.

Y cuando se piensa en la vida, nunca se sabe lo que nos espera.

El tiempo sigue, aun cuando así no lo deseamos

Las palabras siempre parecen fallarnos, cuando más las necesitamos.

Nunca hay tiempo suficiente, así como no lo fue suficiente contigo

Ten en mente que cuando yo necesitaba a alguien, siempre estabas tú conmigo. 

Aunque ya no puedas oír mi voz, esto es lo que te diría.

La vida será diferente de hoy en día, pero el sol saldrá cada día

Me extrañarás mientras yo no esté, pero yo de nuevo te veré

Cuando necesitas sentir mi amor, una señal mandaré.

Tomará tiempo, pero tu mundo volverá a alinearse

Y cuando necesitas una mano para sostenerte, aquí te dejo un recuerdo mío.

~ Jennifer R.W. Vargas, RN, BSN