Charles Christie

 

During Hospital Week each year, the staff of our Chaplaincy Department go all over the hospital to bless the hands of caregivers. It is a simple ritual to validate the sacred work of caring for others. With anyone who feels comfortable participating, we chaplains take a little lotion, place it on the staff member’s hands, and, while clasping their hands, say, “[Name], I bless these hands of yours, which labor in the care and healing of others in the name of the one who brings healing to us all. Amen.” 

 

Here are some of the things I’ve heard in the course of a twenty-four–hour period as I blessed the hands of everyday caregivers, holding their hands and looking them in the eyes: