Destiny be warned. Your grip may be strong, your judgment severe, but we resist you. We have the strength.
Who are we? The broken children. The little warriors.
Were we alone you may defeat us. You’ve fought this battle and won since the dawn of time. You are powerful, and, yes, we are small.
It may seem sometimes that you are too strong. That the die is cast. That the ending has been written.
Not true. We resist.
But not alone. Were it not for the Warrior Nurse, the Guardian, you may defeat us.
When we are drained the warrior renews our strength. She empties her well to fill ours, and we raise our banners anew.
When we are afraid—terrified—so frightened we may lay down our fight, she pours in us her bravery, absorbing our fear and restoring our snarl.
When in the midst of the battle’s darkest hours our skins get tough and the walls around our hearts grow taller, she steels herself to give us laughter. She swallows our pain and gives us joy.
When Kayla down the hall falls after her mighty battle, even the warrior is shaken.
Warrior, we need you still. The fight continues.
Fudōshin!
She does not fall. She returns to her post. Guardian in the night.
Destiny be warned. The warrior will not stand down.
So we, the broken children, the little warriors, will defeat you.
Echo of Hope 
[…] * Copied from the blog of Ari* […]
[…] writing Guardian in the Night, I’ve been asked a number of times to explain the concept of Fudoshin. I learned the concept […]
So beautiful, truly touching. Even though we have never met, as a nurse (L&D) and a mom I wanted to tell you that I was moved by this. I pray for your beautiful son as well as for you and your family. Stay strong. Sincerely, Jen (friend of Jeanne Cronin..supporter of Ari the dangerous!)
Thanks, everyone, for the thoughts and comments. It’s nice to see that everyone has had as positive experiences with their nurses as we have.
Our best to everyone…
Beautiful writing as always Mike. It felt so personal. So many of us have had amazing nurses take care of us and our children. The world is a better place thanks to nurses!
During my difficult (almost lost my son at 22 weeks) pregnancy the nurses at the Brigham were amazing in getting me through it all for the 8 weeks I was in the hospital. I still keep in touch with them and sent them this poem. I thank them every year for giving me the gift of my son. And I thank you for putting my thoughts into such beautiful prose:
“When we are drained the warrior renews our strength. She empties her well to fill ours, and we raise our banners anew.
When we are afraid—terrified—so frightened we may lay down our fight, she pours in us her bravery, absorbing our fear and restoring our snarl.
Fudōshin!
Love to your family. We continue to pray for Ari. Even my 4 year old prays for “Baby Ari’s heart” .
beautiful….
I used to be a nurse at CH. They are all wonderful!!! Love the way you write Mike! Thinking of you all.
This is so wonderfully written from the heart where the words were felt. Amazing and beautiful. Love that it wa about the relationship between the children and their nurses. Keep writing such breathtaking poetry. (:
Thank you to all of the nurses who take care of our children…and of us, their parents. They are our kids guardian angels.
Thank you to all the nurses-they are our kids guardian angels.
Fudōshin! Nurses at Children’s the best of the best, just like Ari. Keep fighting Lion.