Healing Wounds with Proper Care By Beth Trouy
I
work in a hospital. As a clinical
in acknowledging another’s
wound specialist, I see wounds
suffering. The soul receives
every day. I’ve had my hands
healing when we invest in one
inside the deepest of wounds
another – all the time. It’s a
and I’ve been amazed at how the
100% guarantee that when
body can heal itself over time. I
love for another is freely given,
consider myself a gardener of
healing will be achieved. We just
sorts, of skin and tissue. Like
may never “see” the healing,
soil, a wound needs a moist,
but it’s there. We sometimes
fertile environment, free of
need to let go of our agenda
weedy contaminants. If you
and just be present.
can figure out what the wound
Jesus said, “Go and do as I have
lacks, you can usually nurture it
done.” We are all commanded
back to health. One of my most
to go out and be healers for one
satisfying rewards is seeing a
another. We don’t have to be
patient for the last time with
experts; we just have to be willing.
newly restored skin and a closed
We also don’t need to be well or
wound. We’ve often been seeing
even whole ourselves. In fact,
each other for months, 2-3 days a week and to finally reach that
sometimes it’s more effective
final goal together, is gratifying.
(physically, mentally or
with the potential to be made well
song and give them a hug as they
be our first question too. You
more frustrating to be unable
I sometimes hum the graduation
leave. Sometimes there are tears
too. When they try to give me the credit, I remind them there were many involved in the process
and I was just one team member. It takes collaboration of the
patient, family, caregivers and
certainly some prayer too. Mostly though, it takes compliance on
the part of the patient. They need to believe they can heal.
Jesus asked, “Do you wish to be healed?” I’ve seen many
wounds fail to heal because
spiritually), this should always see, we can’t help those who
do not wish to be helped. It may seem strange that a person
would choose to stay wounded but we all know people who have wounds, visible and
invisible ones, they choose to
keep. I don’t ask why anymore. It’s too complicated of an
answer and I respect their
wishes, however baffling to
me. I pray they have a change
of heart and then I move on to
someone who desires my help.
of the non-compliance of the
In my 31 years as a wound
someone who is wounded
wounds that did not heal. It’s a
patient. When trying to help
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therapist, I remember most of the helpless feeling seeing someone
but lacking the desire. It’s even to help those who do follow
every recommendation and
still do not get well. Sometimes, regardless of our efforts, some wounds will never heal. I’m
speaking also of the unseen
ones: the psychological, spiritual and emotional wounds that,
in spite of our efforts, remain
raw and painful. I used to think the whole investment of time,
resources and labor was a waste
when we allow others to see
our own wounds we carry. This
communion of shared suffering can provide a space for shared
healing. What one cannot do for oneself, together, the power to
be made well is multiplied. What I have not expected in my years
of caring for others is the healing I have received in return. Some of the most afflicted patients have humbled me with their
serenity and acceptance of their circumstances. Their positivity was palpable and contagious.
but now I feel very differently.
The unexpected gift of helping
the walking with someone in
The ministry of healing can be as
You see, the journey together, their suffering is healing in itself even if the outcome we seek
is not achieved. There is value
others is that we too are helped.
rewarding for the minister as it is for the ministered. The hands of healing belong to all of us.
