I was very moved by "The Sacraments of Sister Thecla" (Reflections, May) and appreciate Madeleine Mysko's sentiments.

I, too, was first trained in nursing in the late 1960s and remember well the gravity given to the care and comfort of the hospitalized patient. I had so much anxiety about giving the therapeutic bed bath and back rub! For years I prided myself on my ability to perform an amazing backrub. Evening care was always such a nice time-when we could connect intimately with the patient and convey our warmest regards.

In my head I know we have more important things to do as professional nurses, but in my heart I'm truly not so sure.

Suzanne Lee, MS, RN, CNS-BC

Anoka, MN