09/25/2023
On Sunday, as we closed the unit, we held a benediction, closing of the lights ceremony, and played the lullaby hospital-wide. Then we gathered our belongings, punched out and left our beloved unit for the the very last time. 🕯
The benediction was spoken and written by Holly Ann Perko. 🕊 🙏🏼 We have included it below along with pictures of staff, past and present, who came during the many “lasts” all week long. 💔
🕯🙏🏼
Dear Lord,
It is an honor for me to be here praying in these solemn halls through tears and a broken heart, here I stand. It has been an honor to be a nurse alongside my wonderful coworkers caring for my neighbors, the mothers and babies here in Leominster.
We pray for this sad day, for an end we do not believe should be here. We pray for the safety of mothers and babies in our community, in our absence, may they be safe and cared for. We pray for the EMTs, ER staff, transport drivers, and family members that will feel our absence — give them wisdom and peace.
We thank you for all the lives that started here over this last century. I think of my husband who started his life here over 41 years ago. For my coworkers born here that later had their own babies here…. Lord, bless all of our babies, for those that took their first breaths within these walls. For all the lives that were saved through our experienced hands. For the little ones we rocked to sleep, for the mothers and fathers we instructed, encouraged and guided, for all the firsts that started here.… Now our last day…..
Lord, comfort the caregivers, my co-workers. Thank you for the opportunity we have had to serve this vulnerable community. May we take with us not only clinical skills, but strong voices to continue to stand up and stand out for what we believe in, to make changes we believe are in the best interest for our people. Give us healing hands and wisdom beyond our years as we go from here to do other jobs, bless us.
Thank you that we have had the opportunity to fight, to speak out, hold up signs, come together in gatherings and stand up for what we continue to believe in. Thank you for Amy and Tara who have inspired me and so many others with their tenacity and bravery.
May we not walk away defeated, but as warriors that will continue to advocate for our patients and communities the way nurses, surgical techs, midwives, and doctors should.
We pray for the management and our state legislators. Thank you for all those that showed up and fought for us. Lord, for those who chose to not see our necessity in this community, we pray for them as well. May we not wish ill on anyone, but we pray for them to have soft hearts to see truth over fortune and may they find ways to protect our vulnerable community members in the future.
And moving forward, for whoever will fill these walls, the patients that will be cared for in the future, we pray for them too, Lord. May healing, nurturing, and care continue to rein within these rooms and halls. We pray for our Central MA community, that you would bless us.
Now, a benediction — may we go forth into this world and follow the Lord’s calling on our lives walking in peace. We have been called for such a time as this.
In Christ’s name we pray, Amen
