Here is my recent publication.  I hope you enjoy it.

Coeur d'Alene oncology nurse finds harmony during challenging times  http://spokane.latterdaysentinel.com/

By Gloria J. Warnick, Staff Writer

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December 15, 2011 — In the season that celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we talk and wonder of the angels that sang praises on that night so long ago. Were we one of them? Perhaps - and if so, what did we do or commit to do in this life that allowed us this privilege?

Debbie James was probably there.

Not only does does the Coeur d'Alene resident sing like an angel as a second soprano with the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale and Select Ensemble, she works at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane in the Medical Surgical Unit that specializes in end-of-life oncology. In other words, cancer is what she works with and she does this work with great love for her patients


Coeur d'Alene resident Debbie James works as an oncology nurse at the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. James' interests include singing with the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale and Select Ensemble, kickboxing and maintaining a rock garden. Contributed Photo.

"I've been an oncology nurse for 25 years and I've had the privilege of working with some really great people," James said. "I feel like this is really a gift and a calling that I have."

In the days and hours before the death of a body and the rebirth of a soul, how wonderful it would be to hear the words that we may have forgotten over the long period of time we call life. In other words, the perspective of death as the end of this worldly probation and ascendance into a peaceful realm. To hear this from an angel could provide great peace and joy to the suffering soul - and that is the gift that Debbie James works to give to her patients.

She talks about death as if were a preparation for a trip.

"We've all had an opportunity to travel," she said. "We know that, if we traveled from one city to another, there are specific things that we have to do and there are specific rules that apply."

And so it is with the trip that a person makes into and out of this life.

"I don't know if it's a scriptural thing but I like to remind people that we made this trip once, at our birth," Debbie added. "I don't know if we got to choose our time of birth but we waited to be born. What were we waiting for? I don't know, maybe for our last eye lash to go on, or maybe some final instruction about going through the birth process. I feel that people who are waiting for their rebirth are going through the same process. Unless their death is brought on by an accident or some kind of sudden cause then we are all waiting. What are we waiting for? I don't know...maybe some final departure information, maybe which gate to go to meet their loved ones as soon as they cross through the veil, or maybe we are getting instructions on how to leave out bodies. I like to think about this. I like to think these analogies are true."

Debbie teaches family members what to expect when their loved ones' physical bodies fail. Other important issues, such as helping family members say things they may never have gotten around to or creating final paperwork is important to Debbie.

"Yes, I am responsible for knowing vital signs and reading lab reports and looking ahead to what is coming next, as many of my brilliant companion nurses do, but I have a passion for the psyche/social aspect of a patient," she said. "I feel that my gift is that I want a patient to be comfortable about what is going to happen next. I want them to be at ease and I want the patient to know that I am here for them and I will take care of them to the best of my ability. These are the important things to me. I started with this gift of caring for the person and I feel that the medical knowledge was added so that I could have this opportunity."

As wonderful as the opportunities are, working in the Oncology department can be very stressful. Debbie finds that she has the constant challenge of finding an outlet. The North West Sacred Chorale provides one of those for her.

James describes the experience as collaborating with "a fine group of people" in a setting that features "challenging music and interaction with fabulous musicians."

Debbie has several outlets beyond music. She has been seen kickboxing at the Kroc Center and, at times, stops by the road to gather up a particularly unique rock. In fact, on a trip to her home you might find her out digging and planting rocks in her yard, a most wonderful outlet for this eart bound angel.

At this time of the year, as we sing and write and think about the birth of our Savior, we can rejoice in knowing that he has a plan, not only for our birth but for our rebirth.