As most of you know I am a nurse that works in the operating room. Back before Christmas we had a patient that had to come to the operating room many times, some times back to back days. He was not a happy man. Due to confidentiality issues I can't go into details, however I do wish to share today. One of the girls I work with realized that today is this man's birthday and he is STILL in the hospital. So she gathers myself and another girl up and talks us into taking the patient a card and stuffed animal and sing him happy birthday. She really didn't have to talk us into it, we were willing just fearful of the reception we would receive. Like I said he was a very unhappy, sick man before Christmas. Not receptive to much interaction.
So feeling a bit uneasy I joined them and off we went. We walked into the room which was dark. As we introduced our self (reminded him who we were) he turned on the light. I was amazed at the difference in him, he looked really good. Here's the best part:
As we gave him his card and gift he began to cry. He reached for the little stuffed animal and petted it as if it were real. Fighting tears I joined the others in singing happy birthday. As we left the room I thanked my friend profusely for allowing me to join her.
Such a small gesture that was so well received. This patient not only needed the human touch he wanted and appreciated it.
It's the small things, the unexpected kindness of others that touches so deeply. Today I was on the giving end and was touched just as deeply as I believe that patient was.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Oh My--Ramblings
Back before Christmas I had plans--lots of plans-- to accomplish much. Tomorrow it's back to the school/work routine. I want to say nothing was accomplished. That can't possibly be true. However, since I didn't make a list to check off, it's real easy to fall into the NOTHING got done pity party. So, beginning tonight I will start a to do list.
As you know my husband did make it home for the Holidays and yes it was great! Today I took him to pick up his rental car. He is on his way to Arizona for 3 months of training. This is a great thing, I think.
Kevin and I have been talking about changing our eating habits, from fast food and junk to healthy veggies. So, I did accomplish cleaning out the fridge and the pantry. Kevin and I have been talking about food for years. This is the first time he is voluntarily on board with me. Unfortunately, when it comes to food he and I have NO will power. So, every thing was pitched in the trash. Now if I can just keep the car from automatically pulling into those fast food places we'll be good to go. Tonight we had pizza and brownies. Tomorrow, we start. The fridge is full of fresh fruits and veggies. I plan to juice and he plans to blend. We will still cook, just not often. Seeing as how much I just love to cook this shouldn't be a problem. Your prayers would be appreciated. I know that this isn't a serious thing, nothing like my husband being gone or others husbands being gone. On the surface it's just a food issue; underneath it is a self control issue and only the Holy Spirit can intervene and win this battle.
Lastly, we spent Michael's last week end here looking at houses. I want to buy a house SO bad. We keep hearing that it is a buyers market, so we put our buying self's out there and took a look. What they didn't tell us is the buyer for this market has to be a millionaire. Sure the original prices are dropping but they gonna have to drop bunches more before I'll bite.
The hard part is going to be to pull myself back to reality and remember what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Like keeping a clean house, blending healthy veggies and getting to work on time.
I guess the next step is getting to bed at a decent hour so I can get up.
Have a great week you guys.
As you know my husband did make it home for the Holidays and yes it was great! Today I took him to pick up his rental car. He is on his way to Arizona for 3 months of training. This is a great thing, I think.
Kevin and I have been talking about changing our eating habits, from fast food and junk to healthy veggies. So, I did accomplish cleaning out the fridge and the pantry. Kevin and I have been talking about food for years. This is the first time he is voluntarily on board with me. Unfortunately, when it comes to food he and I have NO will power. So, every thing was pitched in the trash. Now if I can just keep the car from automatically pulling into those fast food places we'll be good to go. Tonight we had pizza and brownies. Tomorrow, we start. The fridge is full of fresh fruits and veggies. I plan to juice and he plans to blend. We will still cook, just not often. Seeing as how much I just love to cook this shouldn't be a problem. Your prayers would be appreciated. I know that this isn't a serious thing, nothing like my husband being gone or others husbands being gone. On the surface it's just a food issue; underneath it is a self control issue and only the Holy Spirit can intervene and win this battle.
Lastly, we spent Michael's last week end here looking at houses. I want to buy a house SO bad. We keep hearing that it is a buyers market, so we put our buying self's out there and took a look. What they didn't tell us is the buyer for this market has to be a millionaire. Sure the original prices are dropping but they gonna have to drop bunches more before I'll bite.
The hard part is going to be to pull myself back to reality and remember what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Like keeping a clean house, blending healthy veggies and getting to work on time.
I guess the next step is getting to bed at a decent hour so I can get up.
Have a great week you guys.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bicycles
Before Michael left for Okinawa back in July, he helped me clean out the garage. I wouldn't let him haul it all off because I could make some good money off it in a garage sale. Well, yesterday, we hauled all that good money making junk to the thrift store. It was quite hard for me. I had no problem getting it out of my garage, but losing all that potential $ was killing me. ;)
One of the things to go was the first table and chair set that Michael and I bought as a married couple. It lived and traveled with us for 20 years. Kevin was bummed to see it go. I had to chuckle about my guys and their need to hang on to some things. The mind wandered back to the bicycles.
We have in our garage a little orange bike that Michael refuses to get rid of. Believe me I tried. Then Michael told me why he wanted to keep Kevin's little orange bike.
First, I have to take a brief trip back to the trike. When Kevin was 2 yrs. old he was riding his trike when Michael called every one in for supper. Kevin got off his trike, left it where it was, and came inside. He was told to bring his trike home or it would be pitched in the trash. That was fine with him and when it went in the dumpster he never missed a beat. I, however, had a fit; behind his back. After he went to bed we fished out the trike and hid it away for a while. Kevin never missed it.
Then, in kindergarten Kevin rode his bike with training wheels. I could hear him riding out in the street; he would either be singing or whistling at the top of his lungs. He was the happiest kid on the block. One day my wonderful, drill instructor husband decided that Kevin needed to ride without the training wheels. This day was horrible. I won't go into details; I'll just say there were many tears that day and years later apologies. Kevin never touched that bike again.
Finally, when Kevin was 10 years old we moved to Pensacola, Florida. Michael and I reversed roles; he stayed home to school Kevin and I went to full time work. I don't remember when the orange bike was bought, but this is the time in which it earned it's permanent home in our garage. Michael would run during the day and have Kevin ride this bike beside him. So, when I wouldn't let up on getting rid of the thing Michael shared with me that that bike represented a good thing in a very bad time of our lives.
So, if you're in my garage 40 years from now and see a little orange bike, that's why.
One of the things to go was the first table and chair set that Michael and I bought as a married couple. It lived and traveled with us for 20 years. Kevin was bummed to see it go. I had to chuckle about my guys and their need to hang on to some things. The mind wandered back to the bicycles.
We have in our garage a little orange bike that Michael refuses to get rid of. Believe me I tried. Then Michael told me why he wanted to keep Kevin's little orange bike.
First, I have to take a brief trip back to the trike. When Kevin was 2 yrs. old he was riding his trike when Michael called every one in for supper. Kevin got off his trike, left it where it was, and came inside. He was told to bring his trike home or it would be pitched in the trash. That was fine with him and when it went in the dumpster he never missed a beat. I, however, had a fit; behind his back. After he went to bed we fished out the trike and hid it away for a while. Kevin never missed it.
Then, in kindergarten Kevin rode his bike with training wheels. I could hear him riding out in the street; he would either be singing or whistling at the top of his lungs. He was the happiest kid on the block. One day my wonderful, drill instructor husband decided that Kevin needed to ride without the training wheels. This day was horrible. I won't go into details; I'll just say there were many tears that day and years later apologies. Kevin never touched that bike again.
Finally, when Kevin was 10 years old we moved to Pensacola, Florida. Michael and I reversed roles; he stayed home to school Kevin and I went to full time work. I don't remember when the orange bike was bought, but this is the time in which it earned it's permanent home in our garage. Michael would run during the day and have Kevin ride this bike beside him. So, when I wouldn't let up on getting rid of the thing Michael shared with me that that bike represented a good thing in a very bad time of our lives.
So, if you're in my garage 40 years from now and see a little orange bike, that's why.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Nativity
Our first Nativity. The kids could play with this one.
South Western Nativity
Willow Tree Nativity. My Christmas gift this year. Notice how I set it up.
Deep concentration
Yep, much better! The focus of the figurines is now The Christ Child; our reason for having this celebration.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Need Ear Plugs
I know, with out a doubt, that in spite of my Grandfather's lack of hearing, my Grandmother did not cook Christmas Dinner listening to The X-Men at window shattering volumes on surround sound. Just gotta love having my man home.
So far the sausage balls look good and the red velvet cake does too. Course the cake is still in the separate 3 layers with out the icing yet. Icing and stacking is usually when the cake wins and I lose. Unlike my Grandmother though I will serve it anyway. Lopsided or not, it's hard to pass up cream cheese icing.
If you'd like go to U-tube and type in Kylie plays Silent Night. That is my niece playing piano in the mall. From there you can find my extended family singing to me We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Great people. Wish I was with them. Sorry I don't know how to link you over. It is worth the trip if you have time.
Merry Christmas again! If you see me in the next day or two don't be offended if I mostly say, HUH?!
So far the sausage balls look good and the red velvet cake does too. Course the cake is still in the separate 3 layers with out the icing yet. Icing and stacking is usually when the cake wins and I lose. Unlike my Grandmother though I will serve it anyway. Lopsided or not, it's hard to pass up cream cheese icing.
If you'd like go to U-tube and type in Kylie plays Silent Night. That is my niece playing piano in the mall. From there you can find my extended family singing to me We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Great people. Wish I was with them. Sorry I don't know how to link you over. It is worth the trip if you have time.
Merry Christmas again! If you see me in the next day or two don't be offended if I mostly say, HUH?!
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