Nursing is a calling, a way of life. Nursing is a service profession that cannot be lived in isolation. Nurses rely on each other for the synergistic effect of teamwork in our efforts of care giving. It is appropriate that we honor our colleagues not only during their career, but also at the end of life’s journey.
A Nightingale Tribute
We honor our colleague Melodie A. Lohr, who is no longer with us, and her life as a nurse. Melodie passed away on September 21, 2016. She is not remembered by her 40 years as a nurse, but by the difference she made during those years by stepping into people’s lives, by special moments.
She Was There
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, she was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth, she was there.
In the mystery and loss of life, she was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, or family member, she was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, she was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, she was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, an encouraging word was needed, she was there
In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, she was there.
To witness humanity, —its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, she was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, she was there
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, she is there.
©2004 Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN
Honoring Melodie
Melodie A. Lohr, we honor you this day and present this white rose and light this candle to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being our nurse colleague.
About Nurse Practitioner Melodie
Melodie Lohr received a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from UCLA and spent some years as a sculptress. She began her nursing career at the University of Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor of Nursing degree. She served as head nurse in the Trauma/Shock Center and helped develop the program and train medical personal for the Life Flight Team. She went into Psychiatric Nursing and obtained a Master’s in Nursing degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She spent three years at the National Institute for Health in Bethesda, Maryland as educator for medical staff and ran the largest Mental Health Clinic in the country at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington DC.
She began her nursing career in San Diego, CA as Director of Behavioral Medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital. She developed outpatient and day treatment programs at the McDonald Center in behavioral medicine, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, and women’s health. Following her career in hospital administration and program development, Melodie obtained her Nurse Practitioner certificate at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She worked as a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner for several years in family medicine.
Melodie was multi-talented. Before her nursing career, she was part of a folk-singing group, Three Johns with a Melodie. She performed studio vocals for notable artists, Janis Joplin’s Big Brother and the Holding Company, Joan Baez and others. In past years she was co-author of a book in progress, Volcano Woman, about her experiences recovering from serious medical problems. Melodie had an unmatched zeal for life, boundless energy for family and friends, and an uncanny ability to spring back with a smile from life and rehabilitation challenges.
Before Sundown 
This is a lovely tribute, Christine. Beautifully worded. Hugs.
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Thank you so much, Teagan! This was a call from the California American Nurses Association to honor deceased nurses. It was developed by the Kansas State Nurses Association in 2003. The Nightingale Tribute for any deceased nurse can be read at memorial services. Of course I thought of a blog post to honor Melodie, a colleague & best friend! Hugs back, 💛 Christine
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Very nice tribute, Christine. I am sorry that you lost a dear friend.
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Thank you, Dan! I’ll always keep Melodie in my heart & mind. She’s an ER nurse friend character in my book in-progress, Sunset Inn. Have a peaceful weekend! 💛 Christine
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What a lovey tribute,Christine. I’ve known quite a few nurses in my life. Always special !!
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Thanks so much, Van! I was happy to know about the Nightingale Tribute so I could honor Melodie. Her nursing service was exceptional. 💛 Christine
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A beautiful tribute to Melodie, Christine. The Jaeger poem is fitting to describe those who answer the call for the benefit of others. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. ❤
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Diana, thank you for your kind thoughts. I was happy to find the poem included inThe Nightingale Tribute article. I sys it all. 💛 Christine
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Your words about Melodie are magnificent. I wish I had known her.
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Thank you so much, Ellen. Melodie/s life as a nurse was exceptional. She was a dedicated friend. You would have liked her! 💛 Christine
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Thanks for posting this – it makes me think that “they don’t make ’em like that, any more.”
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Thank you Maggie for your thoughtful comment. I agree, some of the older nurses go the extra mile. Perhaps commitment to life long learning keeps them going. Have a peaceful weekend. 💛 Christine
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Sometimes it is the smallest of details that shine the brightest lights, this quote certainly qualifies:
Fabulous tribute!
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Thanks so much! Not many people knew she was a young wild woman, singing in folk and rock bands, and living in a commune! She was smart and talented! So fun to be with. I miss her everyday! 💛 Christine
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Salute to Melodie and for her exceptional service. I believe not everyone can become a nurse. Of course you can pass the certification but it takes much more than that. My mother in law was also a nurse and she was always out to care and support her patients. Total dedication and selfless attitude. Also, I remember, in 2004, when my brother was ill and admitted I used to gossip around with nurses on medical topics and I would do rounds with them evaluating patients health report. Lovely ladies.
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Thank you so much, Sharukh! Happy that you know about nurses and experienced patient rounds first hand with them. Nurses are great teachers for patients and family members. Good nurses always include the family in their loved ones care. Have a peaceful weekend. 💛 Christine
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She sounds like a remarkable woman. I’m sure she will be missed and remembered well.
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Thank you, Cheryl. Yes she was a true friend, and I miss her every day! 🎶 Christine
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This is a beautiful commemorative post to a special woman.
Wouldn’t it be even nice if the general population thought to honor people prior to their passing. Life gets so busy, we seem to take people and their contributions in life for granted.
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Dr. J., thank you for your comment. I couldn’t agree more! I thought about writing posts to honor friends and family while they are here. 💛 Christine
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Simply beautiful
And touching
As Sheldon Always
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Thank you, Sheldon! Always appreciate your visits and comments. 💛 Christine
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Nurses are truly unsung heroes.
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Yes they are! 🌟🎉
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein and commented:
In honor of nurses
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Thank you, Robert! I so appreciate your reblog. It will remind followers to honor nurses that the know. 💛🎶💛 Christine
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Yes..as you reminded me! 🙂
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A beautiful tribute, Christine. You have done her proud with these wonderful words xx
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Thank you, Christy! Melodie was a wonderful friend! I think about her everyday! 🌺🌷🌸 Christine
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A lovely tribute it is. She is indeed a good person. We younger nurses should try to emulate her.
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Adeyoda, thank you so much for your visit and comment. It’s good that you younger nurses have more opportunity to advance education and gain experience in ways that were not available to us older nurses. I’m impressed with your website and information on natural health topics. You put a lot of work into creating detailed posts. I’d like to know more about you as a nurse in the section About. 💛 Christine
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Thanks so much ma for the lovely comment. The name is Adeyoola. You make me so proud of myself. I will work on my About. Thanks ma.
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Thanks, Adeyoola, for commenting back, and for the correct spelling of your name. I’ll check back to learn more about you in the About section. Happy to know you’ll work on it. 🎉 Christine
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Have worked on it already. Thanks.
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Great! Now I know you are a home health registered nurse in Nigeria. Will you write any blog posts about the health care in Nigeria from your perspective as a home health nurse? 🎼
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I will consider that, thanks for the suggestions.
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Pingback: Remembering a Nurse — Before Sundown – Nursing Bay
This was so beautiful.
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Thank you! Know you appreciated the post as you are a nurse. 💛 Christine
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Rest in peace to her…
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the great writing
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Thank you Sadhan!
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A lovely tribute to nurses! They are some of the most compassionate people. My mother was a nurse, and so many people came to her wake (on Memorial Day weekend, no less). I was amazed–she touched sooo many people’s lives. It’s been 13 yrs since she passed. Still miss her.
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Julie, thank you so much for your visit and comment. It’s nice to remember special people in our lives that touched our hearts. Nurses are compassionate and giving. I think about Melodie and thank her for our “bestie” friendship. We were coauthors of her WIP book. So, I knew her life inside and out. I miss her. I’m happy this post gave you good thoughts about your nurse Mom. Christine
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Thanks foor sharing
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