Rich Richardson Comments from Mercy Memorial Service

After meeting many of you last night at the memorial service, and seeing the outpouring of love and unity in what today was called the “Mercy Family”, I remembered back to a conversation I had with Fran as he was being promoted from floor nurse into more administration roles. I think Fran felt that he was a good nurse, and did everything he could to be cheerful and helpful with patients. I remember him struggling with whether or not it was possible to institutionalize the qualities of excellent nursing in an organization. Were great nurses merely born, or could they be created? If it was possible, then what could he do organizationally to create a team of nurses that would exemplify what’s in your name – Mercy.

Just as a side note, I think that is a good name for a hospital. Who would want to go to a hospital named “Justice?”

Now, there are two types of mercy. First, there is a heavenly mercy which comes from a loving Elder Brother who offered his life for us that through His grace allows us to live again. This is typified by the painting on my left. But there is also a worldly mercy, which is exemplified by the two scenes painted on the wall behind me which show the kindness and love of those who gather around and care for the sick and afflicted. This earthly mercy, I would also call Charity.

This type of earthly charity or mercy is similar to that shown by the Good Samaritan. When your heart is in the right place and you see people in need, you do what you can to bind up their wounds and help them to a better place. In his care, Fran in his positive attitude, people development, patient care and advocacy, was like the Good Samaritan. He went well out of his way in personal sacrifice to make sure that all that is possible is done for the good of others. Fran didn’t have enemies. He didn’t care if the people he came into contact with were white/black, high/low, Dolphins or Bears. He was comfortable in working with everyone and went out of his way to show charity and mercy to others.

The outpouring of love that I saw last night from the Mercy Family seems to come from a group of people that are bound together in a fight. Like the marines fighting for life and death, they are bound together by a deep es spirit de corp. I believe that the unity and love that you feel as a Mercy Family comes from fighting the fight of life and death here each day – not your own life or death, but doing all that is worldly possible to help relieve suffering and restore life, while praying and hoping for heavenly assistance from above. When everyone is engaged in the same cause, it binds you together.

Have you ever wondered what doctors and nurses do when they die? I’ve often thought about this. Due to the premature birth of my baby son, we spent 6 long months in the NICU and had a lot of time to observe those people swarming around my little boy’s crib. Now when doctors die, maybe they dream of playing golf on gentle fairways with easy pin placement. But as for nurses, given the nature of their hearts and their day-to-day hands on struggle in the care of their patients, I suppose that they hang around hospitals – Angels in Scrubs doing what they can to inspire and direct those here to help in the battle here on earth.

I suspect that Fran will also be around to watch over us, keep us working hard. Claudia mentioned that there was no better patients advocate than Fran, and I suspect and hope above that he will continue to be a heavenly advocate for the patients under your care, to the ultimate CEO above.

In trying to develop the people he worked with, Fran tried to lead and teach by example. He gave people room to learn and make mistakes. He paid attention and cared about the little things. That was my experience as his little brother. And from the stories we have heard, I suspect that by his daily example, through consistent and countless little things that he had an impact on others. I think we honor him by following his examples of charity, care for others - for everybody. And that I hope will be his lasting legacy as you continue to continue in the fight as the Mercy Family.