August 2021
Elizabeth
Olsen
,
RN
5A Neuro
Ascension Providence Hospital-Novi
Novi
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

Beth was my hug when I couldn’t. She was the cup of hot tea for mom when I couldn’t.
Words cannot express how I feel about Beth Olsen. During the pandemic, Beth was my angel at Providence in Novi. My mother was admitted after being ill. My mom is 89-years-old. I could not come to the hospital to be with her. It turns out they found a belly bleed that ended up being cancerous. Beth was my hug when I couldn’t. She was the cup of hot tea for mom when I couldn’t. She handed mom a Kleenex in her sadness when I couldn’t. A voice of encouragement, a fragrant spirit and light to my mother.

Beth is special because when she was younger, she had a devastating accident. She broke her neck that left her paralyzed. The doctors said she would be in a wheelchair and would not walk again. Beth defied all odds. She showed a determined faith. Beth walks with a severe limp, wears a brace on her leg and has a disabled left hand. She never complains even though it’s harder and slower for her to get around; it takes a lot of energy and will and being a nurse was her soul mission in life.

Three days after my mom went into Novi, my dad was taken there by EMS. After working double shifts, she still made time after hours to be a familiar face to both of my parents. I love her dearly and will never forget her selfless love and passion for being a nurse.

A poem for Beth:

Thank you for caring the way you love and serve. Giving comfort and peace to your patients. Loyalty and compassion is your jewel to be treasured. A value so priceless can’t ever be measured. You worked daily to keep the vulnerable protected. Due diligence to keep them from being infected. Small acts of kindness in the midst of confinement. It was kind and selfless. A most important assignment. In all the uncertainty you gave comfort in trial, a hug, a tissue, a big friendly smile. You sacrificed a lot to become a nurse and serve. All my gratitude and love. 1000 awards you deserve.