This story was told to me by a friend. A retired nurse.
The nurse was passing by room 202 in the pediatric oncology wing. It was late. The hospital was decorated for Chrimstmas. Tinsel on the walls. Construction-paper chain-link garland everywhere. Pictures drawn by sick kids. Stick-figure Santas, anatomically incorrect reindeer. The gentle thrum of compressors. Mechanical beeping.
Outside room 202, a crowd was gathered around the closed door. There were maybe a few dozen doctors, nurses, techs and medical staffers congregated outside the door in silence.
“What’s going on?” said the nurse.
“Ssshhh,” said one of the doctors, pointing to the door. “Listen.”
It was singing. The nurse heard the muffled sound of singing coming from room 202. It was a child’s voice. A little girl. The song was “Jesus Loves Me.”
The medical staffers were all smiling. Some were sniffing noses, dabbing eyes.
“What’s she singing for?” asked the nurse.
“She sings herself to sleep every night,” whispered a doctor. “We all come to listen.”
The kid knew all the verses to the classic hymn. There are multiple verses to “Jesus Loves Me.” Everyone usually just sings the first one. But there are others.
“Jesus loves me this I know,
“As he loved so long ago;
“Taking children on his knee,
“Saying ‘Let them come to me.’”
The medical staffers said the child sang almost every night.
“Jesus loves me—loves me still,
“Though I’m very weak and ill;
“From his shining throne on high,
“Comes to watch me where I lie.”
There was something so paralyzingly beautiful about this child’s song. Something hopeful, but also haunting.
One of the nurses in the group, listening, was a total wreck. The others were consoling the woman. Her face was pink and swollen. Her nostrils were clogged.
This nurse said the little girl had just received bad news today. “Her treatments aren’t working,” said the nurse. “The scans came back worse than before. They say she’s probably not going to make it.”
The kid was dying. Earlier that afternoon, the little girl’s mother actually sat the child down, with the doctor, and explained it all. The mother told her child—her baby girl—that the end was nigh.
Whereupon the little girl just nodded, smiled and said, “It’ll be okay, Mom.”
“Jesus loves me—He will stay,
“Close beside me all the way;
“If I love Him, when I die,
“He will take me home on high.”
It sounds like a scene straight out of a saccharin Hallmark movie, but the following actually happened. By the time the little girl got to the last refrain, one of the nurses started singing along. Then a few others joined in.
The door to room 202 swung open, and a gaggle of medical professionals, singing the lyrics to a children’s hymn that predates the Civil War, accompanied the little girl in ethereal melody. Someone was even singing harmony.
“Yes, Jesus loves me,
“Yes, Jesus loves me…”
There were no more tears in this room. Everyone was smiling. And when they finished, the girl smiled and said, “Let’s sing it one more time.” And so they did.
And in case you were wondering, that little girl is a 29-year-old woman today.
89 comments
mjenae06 - December 9, 2022 6:35 am
Oh, wow. I did not see that coming. I’m feeling a bit teary-eyed myself. What a beautiful story.
PMc - December 9, 2022 9:49 am
This is the most favorite and meaningful song I have ever heard. Thank you Sean I loved this story.
Peace and Love from Birmingham 🙏♥️
Kathleen Jun Magyar - December 9, 2022 8:23 am
If everyone of your columns like this were jewels, they would make the most splendid display.
Debbie g - December 9, 2022 8:47 am
Happy tears
Love you Sean and Jamie
And yes Jesus loves me
And all of us
Anne Arthur - December 9, 2022 9:38 am
GOD has his own ways to draw people toward his awesome love. Yes, Jesus loves us.
A beautiful story!
Gordon Walden - December 9, 2022 10:17 am
I thank the Lord for the stories you share!
Julie - December 9, 2022 10:38 am
He loves me and He most certainly loves you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Penny - December 9, 2022 10:46 am
Oh the faith of a child shall lead them to this truth, Jesus!
Leigh Amiot - December 9, 2022 11:16 am
For the Bible tells me so. 🎶
Cathie Fowler - December 9, 2022 11:29 am
Thank you! God bless us everyone!
Debbie Cloud - December 9, 2022 11:31 am
That’s a great one, Sean!
RW - December 9, 2022 11:33 am
Such a beautiful reminder that Jesus loves us – thanks for sharing this story!
Missus Mux - December 9, 2022 11:33 am
This has to be one of the most precious stories of all. Even the comments are gems. What a Christmas miracle.
Vanessa - December 9, 2022 11:39 am
So beautifully written!! Thank you!
Ann - December 9, 2022 11:42 am
Through tears…what a beautiful story and reminder that we are so loved.
Oliver Rhett Talbert - December 9, 2022 12:04 pm
There’s doctors and nurses – but only 1 Great Physician.
Carroll Uithoven - December 9, 2022 12:07 pm
Great story, Sean. So happy the child survived.
Ella Herlihy - December 9, 2022 12:13 pm
Having volunteered for 24 different weeks of Blue Slies Ministries camp for kids with cancer and thirties families, I know this story well. I know this version and the one we all thought was coming too, the one that doesn’t have the same happy ending. Cancer doesn’t discriminate by age – or race, gender, economic status. But I know survivors. Many of them. They light up this world with their smiles, their laughs, their contributions, the main one is hope. When a child fights cancer and wins, we are all blessed. If you want to see hope and joy in action, come volunteer with us. http://Www.whereakiesareblue.org
Ron Mahn - December 9, 2022 12:19 pm
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
On those whose hope is in His unfailing Love,
To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His Holy Name.
May Your unfailing Love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in You.”
Psalm 33:18-22
Debbie g - December 9, 2022 12:22 pm
And they say there’s no such thing as miracles.
Te - December 9, 2022 12:35 pm
Faith can move mountains. What’s little ole cancer! Hasn’t got a chance! And so we all have faith for our nation.
Ruth - December 9, 2022 12:42 pm
Love hearing the words of this childhood favorite again that I used to sing to myself. And yes there only one great Physician, Jesus our Lord and Savior🙏.
Blessings to you, Jamie and those special dogs. Would love to meet you all one day.
Gwen - December 9, 2022 12:42 pm
Oh wow!!!🙏🙏🙏
Erin - December 9, 2022 12:45 pm
I am ugly crying at 7:44 in the morning and loving this story so much. YOU have the gift, Sean, and thank you for sharing it with all of us.
sjhl7 - December 9, 2022 12:47 pm
Tears, tears and more tears! Such a beautiful story. I wish the whole world could see this! Amen and Amen!
Dee Cullen - December 9, 2022 12:49 pm
❤️Sean, Love that!
Pam Williams - December 9, 2022 12:54 pm
Well, you got me again. Tears from such a beautiful story of God’s grace shown in the faith of a little child. Bless you, Sean. And bless that 29 year old survivor!
Lyn Brown - December 9, 2022 12:55 pm
Good, good cry. Cathartic cry. Thanks, Sean.
mikec4193 - December 9, 2022 12:57 pm
Sean…you need to get onto all the evening news stations nationwide…your stuff is way better news than what those guys and gals preach to us every night…
Life is good and Yes Jesus loves you..
SLP - December 9, 2022 12:58 pm
Oh what a testimony of Faith ❤️❤️❤️ Thank be to You Sean🤗
Diana - December 9, 2022 1:04 pm
Thank you for this heartwarming story. ❤️
Matt Ovaska - December 9, 2022 1:04 pm
My 10 year old nephew was in last stages of leukemia at Variety Children’s hospital. In the elevator, I asked God what He was going to do with him. “I’m going to take him home”, He answered. In the room several family members wanted to pray for healing and asked me to join them. They prayed and told him that God was going to make him all better. I stood quietly. The family members went to the cafeteria leaving me to sit quietly in the room. I asked God if I had heard Him correctly in the elevator. He said, “Ask him”. I asked him if I could ask him a question. “Sure uncle Matt” he replied. I asked him “What is God was saying to you?’.
“He’s going to take me home”. was the reply. A week later he went home (heaven).
Tim and Trumpy - December 9, 2022 3:27 pm
Thanks for sharing Matt … sorry for your loss
Susie - December 9, 2022 3:54 pm
So, a week later he WAS better, considering all.perhaps, a blessing. Matt, so sorry.
Melissa Brown - December 9, 2022 1:05 pm
Gods little miracle !!!!
bubbastubbs - December 9, 2022 1:09 pm
Chill bumps, just chill bumps—that’s all I can say!
Harry Dinken - December 9, 2022 1:09 pm
Beautiful story.
cahterry - December 9, 2022 1:16 pm
God Bless,God is awsome
Lyla Springfield - December 9, 2022 1:24 pm
I’m covered in goosebumps and my eyes are leaking! ❤️❤️❤️
Hall Powell - December 9, 2022 1:24 pm
A wonderful story, Sean. Jesus does love us. Merry Christmas.
elliemac3 - December 9, 2022 1:32 pm
So beautiful! Thank you for your wonderful posts. May you be abundantly blessed!
Ana maria Rodriguez - December 9, 2022 1:47 pm
Beautiful story,may God continue to guide us on the right path. Blessings to all.
mccutchen52 - December 9, 2022 1:48 pm
Thanks Sean, as usual, you start my day off right
Suellen - December 9, 2022 1:52 pm
You keep making me cry…in a good way!
Regina Vanderneut - December 9, 2022 1:57 pm
Mr Sean, your faith is encouraging and I love the presentation you lay out for your readers. You are direct and yet you point to the RIGHT path to our LORD lovingly
Trent - December 9, 2022 2:03 pm
You have a tremendous gift. Thank you for sharing it each day. This goes down as an all time classic. Hope springs eternal!
Diana - December 9, 2022 2:04 pm
Thank you, Sean. I know He loves me because He had you write this column on a day when I needed to hear it most. Bless you!
Linda Lewis - December 9, 2022 2:09 pm
Oh, my word! You have outdone yourself with this piece. I’m going to keep it forever. It has touched my heart. My mother used to sing this to us children, then to the grandchildren. I didn’t know there were more verses. Merry Christmas!
Pubert Earle Bozemann - December 9, 2022 2:12 pm
Strong Sean, strong. Merry Christmas.
Your friend,
Pubert
Pubert Earle Bozemann - December 9, 2022 2:18 pm
Strong Sean, stong! Merry Christmas!
Your friend,
Pubert
Kathy - December 9, 2022 2:20 pm
Thank you for your gift with words!Merry Christmas!
Trilby - December 9, 2022 2:24 pm
Needed this one today Sean! Thank you❤️
Sam and Ann - December 9, 2022 2:29 pm
Am the people gathered around this computer cried and sang song.
A beautiful story to share.
Stacey Bates Edwards - December 9, 2022 2:54 pm
Beautiful story, beautiful ending! This proves that God is always in control!
Julia Swaney - December 9, 2022 3:07 pm
Thanks Sean, I won’t need to put any eyedrops in this morning!♥️
Suellen - December 9, 2022 3:18 pm
Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.
Peggy M. Windham - December 9, 2022 3:48 pm
Well, Sean, you made me cry this morning! What a beautiful story of Gods grace and mercy! Merry Christmas!🎄🎁
Ann Friend - December 9, 2022 4:06 pm
WOW! What a beautiful story. I’m sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks. Thank You!
David - December 9, 2022 4:16 pm
I’m not crying, you’re crying – again! You definitely know how to relay a story Sean. God bless you!!
Chasity Davis Ritter - December 9, 2022 4:24 pm
Aaaaand cue the water works. Christmas is always a time for miracles
HavasuFlash - December 9, 2022 4:59 pm
Sean….just when I think you can’t get any better…….you do
Wanda - December 9, 2022 5:15 pm
Ok Sean, this one got to me. I usually read your blogs to my husband. This one I won’t because I would never get through it. Don’t you love when you get to see or hear about a miracle? God is good.❤️
Sara Allen - December 9, 2022 5:40 pm
I needed this today. Thank you.
Forest Suber - December 9, 2022 5:55 pm
Now that i have dried my eyes and blown my nose…. thanks for the twist at the end! I do have to share a quick funny. We were at Lake Martin at Chuck’s Pizza, they do karaoke on Saturday night, with a litany of country/rock songs having been sung (mostly by inebriated “big un’s” ) , our 10 year old daughter wanted to sing, sure thing, go for it. When her turn came, she hopped on stage and belted out “Jesus loves me”. Conversations stopped, men wept, drink orders cancelled, some called their moms….and she received a joyous ovation! ……children have since been banned from karaoke….but we still love to tell the story..
Susan - December 9, 2022 6:03 pm
Answered prayers!
Steven Rafferty - December 9, 2022 6:11 pm
Wow Sean My heart was jaded this morning but quickly softened after reading this! Day by day the news cycle is so dark and painful but your writing brings much needed light to our dark world day by day!!! Thankyou
pattymack43 - December 9, 2022 6:14 pm
❤️❤️❤️ Yes! Jesus does love me!!!
Becky Souders - December 9, 2022 6:24 pm
Beautiful. Thanks.
Kathy Peterson - December 9, 2022 6:50 pm
Not feeling very good today, kinda sick. That story lifted me up!
liannajoy - December 9, 2022 7:09 pm
Love that story! I honestly got the chills it was so awesome!
Linda Moon - December 9, 2022 7:29 pm
I’m a total wreck just having read about the little girl’s bad news. I will be hearing some news today. And then I got to your last sentence. I’ve survived cancers and will find out more about the 4th one soon. I’m so very glad the little girls has survived and will keep on surviving to 30-and beyond!
Patricia Gibson - December 9, 2022 7:33 pm
Sean, there are not enough words of thanks for you sharing these stories! Love to you and your family ❤️❤️
Tawanah Fagan Bagwell - December 9, 2022 9:32 pm
Oh, Sean, I am a mess now! Tears are streaming! We had a baby in the NICU at Children’s Hospital. She wasn’t supposed to make it either but she is 2 now. She can walk which they didn’t think she would and she can eat. God is so good. Thank you for this story. I just shouldn’t have read it before I got home.
Kit - December 9, 2022 10:27 pm
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
And
Behold, I make all things new!
Stacey Wallace - December 9, 2022 11:01 pm
What a wonderful story! Thank you, Sean. Love to you, Jamie, and Marigold.
MAM - December 9, 2022 11:16 pm
I bawled all the way through it, and then had to bust into a smile at the last line! Of course, Jesus loves her, just as he does everyone else. What a beautiful story! Your wonderful, awesome, much appreciated gift to us every day is your story-telling skill. Thank you, Sean!
Barbara - December 9, 2022 11:47 pm
Thank you, Sean.
Wanda Baker - December 10, 2022 12:58 am
Beautiful!
Karen Snyder - December 10, 2022 5:14 am
🙏🏻❤️ God is good all the time.
CH - December 10, 2022 6:50 am
What a lovely story and wonderful ending…thank you for sharing..
Judith Harris - December 10, 2022 9:43 pm
Beautiful story. Miracles happen very day!
E Earlene. Jones - December 11, 2022 2:46 am
Thank you so much this, I loved it.
Earlene
George Robert Leach - December 11, 2022 11:09 am
There is power in prayer and song.
Jeannette - December 12, 2022 3:35 am
Another beautiful story Sean and especially the happy ending. Thank you!
Donna - December 12, 2022 10:11 pm
Jesus, man. NSFW! Have a little sympathy here and title your emails with, “Do not open at work, or amongst folks who shouldn’t see you blubbering like a baby!”
Bo - December 13, 2022 1:07 pm
Yes, Jesus loves us. He gave his life for all of us. Do we love him, Jesus enough to give our life to him? A precious story of Jesus’ love for us and miracles he performs Tears and blessings for us.
Shirley Lambert
Wesley & Shirley Lambert - December 13, 2022 1:53 pm
Yes, Jesus loves us. He gave his life for all of us. Do we love him, Jesus enough to give our life to him? A precious story of Jesus’ love for us and miracles he performs Tears and blessings for us.
Shirley Lambert
Roma Gayle Kabes - December 14, 2022 2:25 am
God is good all the time.
Judy Cain - December 31, 2022 2:08 am
Oh my goodness – i have chills. Lovely. Thank you.