Who would have imagined that a young girl born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, to James and Jannie Bates, would one day write a book of poetry? My journey into poetry began during a challenging time caring for my father, who was battling colon cancer. It was then that I discovered my calling to serve others. Over the years, I worked in various nursing homes before transitioning to hospital settings, specializing in units such as ENT, medical-surgical, burn, CVICU/stepdown, and oncology. Throughout this journey, I witnessed resilience, loss, and courage. Poetry became my refuge, offering comfort, strength, and a reminder that healing extends beyond hospital walls. This collection of storytelling poems is my heartfelt way of sharing healing and hope with others through my poetry.