Irene O’Brien, 55, Lansdowne
Nurse, Paoli Hospital; Main Line Health’s first recipient of the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania’s Patient’s Choice honor
» Books on her nightstand: The Bible. At any given time, I might be reading five books, but that’s the major one.
» CD on repeat: Steve Green’s For God and God Alone. It’s magnificent. He’s one of my favorite Christian artists.
» Restaurant of the hour: Fresco Pizza & Grill in Newtown Square. We just discovered it. My son’s volleyball team won gift certificates there, and now he’s away at college. So we said, “We’ll give you money for the gift certificates.” The food’s delicious.
» Personal hero: My husband, Gary. He’s a kind, faithful and wise person. I’m just glad he’s my husband.
» One thing she knows for sure: The Bible is God’s word to us, and the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.
» Very own vici: Raising four beautiful children alongside my love of 30 years.
» Zen destination: Quiet time in prayer in my bedroom.
» If she had an extra hour each day, she would: Exercise more. I’d take leisurely walks—well, “cardio” walks, I guess.
» Pet peeve: Wrinkled sheets.
» Life view: chance or fate? Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
» Most marked characteristic: My husband says, “Your devotion to others is always over the top. That’s the way you are with me, the kids and everyone you come in contact with. You’re like the Marines—you always go above and beyond.”
» Quality she admires most in others: Faithfulness.
» Mantra: “Lord willing.” Tomorrow’s not promised to anyone. So when I’m talking to my family, I say, “See ya next week! Lord willing.”
