Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2018.

In a remarkable display of compassion, a nurse at Bronson Hospital has become a beacon of hope for patients, showcasing the extraordinary impact of care beyond medical boundaries. Nurse Brenda Buurstra, a seasoned professional with 14 years of experience, recently came into the spotlight for bringing solace to a Portage man on hospice care.

Robert Olson, admitted to Bronson Hospital in November 2017 due to breathing difficulties related to heart problems, found unexpected comfort in Buurstra’s soothing voice. Olson, unable to speak, experienced a transformative moment when Buurstra, with angelic grace, serenaded him with his favorite song, “You Light Up My Life.”

“I have sung to patients for 14 years, and this is just the first time I got caught,” Buurstra confessed.

Olson’s daughter, Roberta Lytle, recounted the emotional encounter, highlighting her father’s initial struggle to communicate. Amidst the challenges, Buurstra’s arrival brought an uplifting twist to their hospital experience. Lytle recalled the magical moment when her father, an avid fan of a song sung by Pat Boone’s daughter, found solace in Buurstra’s melodic rendition.

“He was beaming. His eyes lit up. His entire demeanor transformed, showcasing a broad and joyful smile. You could tell that song lit him up,” Lytle marveled.

The touching video captures Olson, inspired by Buurstra’s musical intervention, mustering the energy to join in the song. A week later, his improved condition allowed for a joyous discharge from the hospital.

Buurstra, not just a nurse but a compassionate soul, has been incorporating her musical talents into patient care for 17 years. Reflecting on her role, she emphasized that nursing goes beyond medical needs, focusing on touching lives and hearts during challenging hospital stays.

“Not just taking care of the illness in a patient; to touch them. To touch their life. To touch their heart,” Buursta explained.

Her dedication to going above and beyond is not unique at Bronson Hospital, where a team of positive individuals strives to make hospital stays a bit brighter every day.

Buurstra draws inspiration from her faith in God and her mother, embodying the ethos of being an “angel by your side.” This commitment to holistic care, extending beyond medical procedures, echoes the sentiments of many nurses at Bronson Hospital.

Lytle, though finding it challenging to revisit the video of Buurstra singing to her father, expressed eternal gratitude for the nurse’s role in creating a beautiful memory for her family.

In a world often filled with medical complexities, Buurstra’s story serves as a reminder that the power of compassion and human connection can be as healing as any medicine.

Sources: WWMT