Dawn Mazzola

Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal.
A worker barges in my room, As if it's no big deal.

What ever happened to courtesy? Just a little knock.
Do you think I'm just a vegetable, Laying here like a rock?

What ever happened to manners? I haven't got a clue.

BUT KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO.

I know I can not talk, Or even joke around.
But I'm well aware of everything, and also every sound.

If you have another worker help, change me during rounds.
Please don't talk about me, as if I'm not around.

Treat me with respect, the same I'd give to you.

KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO.

My bones are stiff and achy, I hear you say I'm contracted.
My belly hurts, I haven't pooped, I hope I'm not impacted.

I'm sorry I may drool, and at times I even stare.
It's not easy being old, aging isn't fair.

These are the cards God dealt me, There's nothing I can do.

JUST KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO.

I used to be a lively one, just like your pretty self.
I traveled, married, and worked long hours until I lost my health.

I press my light to see a face, Or just for company.
For someone just to look inside, and realize that I'm ME.

You walked past my light, what am I to do?

PLEASE REMEMBER I'M A PERSON TOO.

I'm sorry that I messed the bed, I feel like such a baby.
I'm so embarrassed, and ashamed, that I'm doing this at eighty.

I'm sorry I couldn't hold it, I didn't know what to do.

KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO.

I wish that I was able, to communicate some way.
So finally I'd get the chance, to say what I want to say.

I hear you talk with other patients, so please don't walk away.
If everyone showed a little compassion, I wouldn't feel this way.

My name is Helen, and I'm all alone.
Cancer took my husband, he had it in his bones.

We had one child, our precious son.
Until his life was taken by a gun.

So here I am, no family left, as loneliness weighs heavy on my chest.

I may be sad, I may be blue.

PLEASE REMEMBER I'M A PERSON TOO.

Next time my light is on, come and see if I'm OK.
I'm a retired nurse of thirty years, and would love to hear about your day.

Who are you to refer to us
As "Only" a CNA?

We're the ones who wash and dress
Our patients for the day.

We're the ones who take the time
To listen to them speak.

We listen about their lifetime
In a forty hour week.

We also give our hands to hold
When someone's feeling scared.

It's not easy being a patient;
You're never quite prepared.

We take the time to listen
By lending both our ears.

We listen to their worries
Or how they've spent their years.

Our arms were made to reach
And even wrap around.

To give our patients hugs
When they're feeling a little down.

We help our patients do the things
They used to do on their own.

Everybody needs some help,
Even when we're grown.

So who are you to refer to us
As "only" a CNA?

We do our best to meet their needs
Within our working day.

We chose to do this job;
The job did not choose us.

We sympathize and empathize;
Compassion is a must.

We try to keep them comfortable
And free of any fear.

We sit along beside them
When that time is near.

We hold their hand, stroke their hair,
Just making sure they know.

They're not alone, an aide is there.
It's okay for them to go.

To all the CNAs, keep your head held high,

We're not "only" CNAs.

WE'RE ANGELS IN DISGUISE!!