Because you have risen in the
middle of the night,
You understand what it means to
be needed.
Because you have been stained with
the blood of others,
You understand the precious
meaning of life.
Because you have delivered the
newborn child,
You understand the need to go on.
Because you have held the dying
in your arms,
You understand the meaning of
human limitations.
And, because of these
understandings,
You know why you try so hard.

~ Janis Brunn