Nurses have one of the toughest jobs, balancing a wide range of responsibilities—from administering medications and taking directions from doctors to answering call bells and sometimes even serving meals. But beyond these duties, great nurses often take on the role of therapist, offering words of encouragement, hope, and a listening ear to their patients.
Brandalyn Mae Porter is one of those nurses who makes a profound impact on her residents. Working in a retirement home in Texas, she has a unique ability to make her residents feel at ease, known for her simple and straightforward approach.
One day at work, Brandalyn helped a new resident wash up and asked if she wanted her nails painted. The resident replied that she wanted clear nail polish, saying, “My hands are ugly, I don’t want to draw attention to them.”
Brandalyn, inspired by the moment, responded with these beautiful words: “Your hands tell the story of your life. They tell the story of love, of care and adventure. These hands have touched and held things that most people can only wish to one day.”
Moved by her words, the resident chose to paint her nails pink instead of clear. The hands, once seen as “ugly,” were now a symbol of the rich life experiences they had gone through.
This story reminds us that what we often perceive as imperfections or insecurities, others see as beauty—stories of love, care, and the adventures of life. Brandalyn’s simple yet profound words not only helped the resident embrace her hands but also served as a reminder of the beauty found in every life lived.
Nurses like Brandalyn and all healthcare professionals deserve recognition for the important roles they play in our healthcare system. It’s because of people like her that the world feels like a much better place.