I am not a big fan of America’s Got Talent, but Sandra, my wife, wanted me to watch the finale of this year’s competition. I acquiesced and took my seat to watch. I subscribe to the motto: “Happy wife – happy life.” Some of the acts I enjoyed. Others, I tolerated.

But the last act of the evening had a profound impact on me.

The Northwell Health Nurse Choir from New York came on for the final number of the show. This ensemble has 18 frontline nurses who first gathered virtually in 2020 to support Nurses Heroes, a nonprofit initiative organized to help solve the global nursing shortage by raising awareness of the problem and funding for nursing scholarships.

These singing nurses did not know each other before joining their voices. They came from different hospitals, different nursing specialties, and different areas of New York. The music lifted their spirits and helped them forge a special bond, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To earn their spot in the finals of AGT, the choir performed Andy Grammer's song “Don’t Give Up On Me.” This anthem of hope and commitment seemed especially appropriate for people who dedicate themselves to giving bedside care to the sick and dying. “I will fight, I will fight for you / I always do until my heart is black and blue …” they sang. Then on to the chorus:

“‘Cause I’m not givin’ up / I’m not givin’ up, givin’ up, no, not yet / Even when I’m down on my last breath / Even when they say there’s nothin’ left / So don’t give up on … me.”

Listening to snippets of that song from the semi-finals grabbed my attention. Then the choir took its place and delivered a stirring performance of Rachel Platten's “Stand By You.”

“Hands, put your empty hands in mine / And scars, show me all the scars you hide / And hey, if your wings are broken / Please take mine ‘til yours can open too / ‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you. … Even if we’re breaking down / We can find a way to break through / Even if we can’t find Heaven / I’ll walk through Hell with you / Love, you’re not alone / ‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you.”

By this time, I was experiencing the kaleidoscopes in my eyes that the song mentioned. You see, my oldest daughter is a nurse – and so is my oldest granddaughter. Sara nurses at Vidant Heart Center in Greenville and her daughter Courtney serves as an RN in the Emergency Department right here at UNC Lenoir.

I have observed the pressure, long hours, and fatigue that come with nursing during the pandemic. Both these women have picked up extra shifts to cope with shortages produced by wall-to-wall patients, sickness among the nursing staff, and those experiencing burn-out.

I have heard reports from friends who either received care from Sara and Courtney or were family members of those who received their care. They speak of the compassionate care received at the hands of our family’s contribution to nursing.

But I also know Sara and Courtney are not the only nurses and health care professionals who have been bearing the burden. They are not the only ones whose families have missed them, whose children have not gotten good-night kisses, and whose spouses have worried about their health.

As these 18 New York nurses sang, I could only hear them. The kaleidoscopes in my eyes made vision impossible. As they sang, I imagined their voices joining with thousands of other health care providers to express their commitment, compassion, and – yes – defiance in the face of illness and death.

When their number ended, I hoped against hope the AGT voters would understand what their songs and comradery meant. Like thousands of other health care professionals, their spirit and determination translate into health restored and lives extended.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.