Blessing of the Hands

I've worked at St. Mark's Hospital as a Physical Therapist for 6 1/2 years. Day in and day out I'm given the opportunity to literally and figuratively touch other's lives. For the past 10 years St. Mark's has organized an event called "Blessing of the Hands". It happens during Hospital Week or now termed Employee Appreciation Week. The employees are given an opportunity to have their hands blessed by a number of different people from various religions. St. Mark's hospital is Episcopalian but they have a wonderful pastoral care program where they train people from all sorts of religious faiths. I don't consider myself a religious person, but I do consider myself a spiritual person. In the hospital, where people are sick, and perhaps near death or dying, it's' comforting to know that these people are available to patients, friends, and family members. They are also there for employees as often it can be emotionally difficult to work in this environment.

I chose to become a physical therapist because I wanted to help people, but I really believe that over the last 6 1/2 years my patients have helped me and taught me more than I will ever teach them. I've become a better person, more caring, more patient. I've made lasting friendships with patients and their families over the years.

Last Wednesday May 11 I was able to participate in the Blessing of the Hands ceremony. It's only the second time I've done so over the past few years, and I'm not exactly sure why, because it's something I need to do yearly. It is such a powerful experience. My hands were washed with water and they were given a blessing by 6 different individuals of various faiths. Each prayer was unique and special to me. As I said, I'm not religious but spiritual and I felt the presence of another Power that day. I was overcome emotionally and feel truly blessed that I am given the opportunity to touch lives and be touched each day.

The last blessing was performed by Arapaho healer Dorian Two Horse Sanchez.