Life at 80
It was a busy morning, about 8:30 , when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are? "He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is. "I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life. "True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is , has been, will be, and will not be.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas is coming and all through the house. . .
It's now December 14th and I haven't decorated or baked a single cookie. I think my meds should be increased so I don't experience a meltdown. Maybe this weekend I'll get something done and post a picture of my success. Oops, I lie.... I completed my cards and they are on their way. I hope everyone enjoys my "blog" and leaves a comment or two. If you save my site as a favorite them you'll be able to check me out throughout the year. Hopefully I'll have something worthy of enjoying.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Season's Greetings Everyone!
This is a Merry Christmas Blog Post. I thought I would try something different this year and post my Christmas letter here for all to see. This is a rather neat way of doing things because I can add pictures of me (yikes) and of my projects from school, work and free-lance jobs. Plus, the added bonus is that I can update this puppy all year long... so I'm not trying to recall an entire years worth of thoughts into one letter. So sit back and enjoy!
My year began with re-entry into the working world . With Mother safely ensconced in the Nursing Home I needed to start making some serious money to help pay off some climbing debts Joe and I had accumulated during my year off from work. I made a call to my former employer and let them know I was ready for work again. It wasn't long after that call that I was offered a completely different job within the company that would be a monetary step up as well as a management position. God works in wonderful ways. I accepted and have managed to enjoy this new position... even though it's already changed into another job. It started off as being a film library warehouse where we were to store jackets loaded with patient films. Instead of sending the jackets to and from the offices for patient exams... we would digitize film studies so the Radiologist would be able to pull the study up on the screen. The endeavor would save the company mucho dinero. However, the existing company, Iron Mountain (who currently store the jackets at their warehouses), came back with an offer my employer couldn't refuse and the entire project was turned over to them. Thus, I would be without a job. Not the case. As luck would have it, during that time we were also getting a print shop up and running in the rear of the warehouse. So my position just eased into a full-time job in the East Coast Print/Graphics Shop. During my one year family leave... my employer was bought out by RadNet, based out of California. The purchase has infused millions$$$$ into upgrading all our equipment, nationwide exposure, and a glowing future. The print shop is to provide for the East Coast area which is from Florida to New York. We are still in the beginning stages but feel we'll meet the challenge as we grow. Talk about having a job hand delivered to you. This is the perfect stepping stone to when I can finally move down the shore and set up business. I'll know from the ground up how I get things to press.
With work under way... next was setting up a visitation schedule for Mom that would allow me to see her, be a wife to Joe, work, and play. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I head straight to the home after work. We talk, watch t.v., take care of personal hygiene issues, feed her dinner, and prep her for bedtime. I may be able to get her into bed or her favorite chair. I leave her sleeping soundly. My Mom is such a love. I relish every moment with her. She has now been at the Stella Maris Nursing home for 18 months. She is maintaining. Sometimes she knows who I am... but its hard to tell what is really going on in her head. I just try to comfort her and give her lots of lovin'.
My year began with re-entry into the working world . With Mother safely ensconced in the Nursing Home I needed to start making some serious money to help pay off some climbing debts Joe and I had accumulated during my year off from work. I made a call to my former employer and let them know I was ready for work again. It wasn't long after that call that I was offered a completely different job within the company that would be a monetary step up as well as a management position. God works in wonderful ways. I accepted and have managed to enjoy this new position... even though it's already changed into another job. It started off as being a film library warehouse where we were to store jackets loaded with patient films. Instead of sending the jackets to and from the offices for patient exams... we would digitize film studies so the Radiologist would be able to pull the study up on the screen. The endeavor would save the company mucho dinero. However, the existing company, Iron Mountain (who currently store the jackets at their warehouses), came back with an offer my employer couldn't refuse and the entire project was turned over to them. Thus, I would be without a job. Not the case. As luck would have it, during that time we were also getting a print shop up and running in the rear of the warehouse. So my position just eased into a full-time job in the East Coast Print/Graphics Shop. During my one year family leave... my employer was bought out by RadNet, based out of California. The purchase has infused millions$$$$ into upgrading all our equipment, nationwide exposure, and a glowing future. The print shop is to provide for the East Coast area which is from Florida to New York. We are still in the beginning stages but feel we'll meet the challenge as we grow. Talk about having a job hand delivered to you. This is the perfect stepping stone to when I can finally move down the shore and set up business. I'll know from the ground up how I get things to press.
With work under way... next was setting up a visitation schedule for Mom that would allow me to see her, be a wife to Joe, work, and play. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I head straight to the home after work. We talk, watch t.v., take care of personal hygiene issues, feed her dinner, and prep her for bedtime. I may be able to get her into bed or her favorite chair. I leave her sleeping soundly. My Mom is such a love. I relish every moment with her. She has now been at the Stella Maris Nursing home for 18 months. She is maintaining. Sometimes she knows who I am... but its hard to tell what is really going on in her head. I just try to comfort her and give her lots of lovin'.
Joe often goes to visit Mom with me and is a God-send. He's wonderful with her and she relishes having a man make a fuss over her. He also does her laundry. Behind the scenes... he's always doing for her. Hell, he puts up with my crap doesn't he? I still can't believe the way God's plan has provided me with such a warm, loving mate. Thank you, Jesus!
The weekends I try and leave open for Joe and I to enjoy ourselves. We frequent auctions, and go antiquing regularly. I am always on the lookout for nautical artifacts of any kind. My sister-in-law asked if I was going to open a shop one day. Daaaaaaaa no! I just like these things. I collect old sand pails, sifters, sea worthy glassware, shells, boat hardware, strange things. Some day my house will have every square corner filled with unusual items. I like to refer to it as eye candy. We also like going to art shows and buying one of a kind paintings....can you guess what theme???? Yes, nautical and some exceptions include oils of animals (chickens and cows). If Joe and I should ever settle down someplace other than on our shore property.... I'd be able to take the sea with me. Haaaa, I'd buy one of those CD's that has the ocean waves crashing on the shore, sea birds doing their thing, and the sounds of bell buoys just outside the harbor. I know I'm sick... but it fills me with such peace, and love over something that feels as natural as breathing. I guess growing up at a boat yard started it all. Not to mention an occasional dumpster dive for treasures. Boat yards are a treasure trove for a young child. It's funny how we make a full circle with our lives.
We also make that full circle when it comes to God and faith and where they fit into our lives. I would not be here except for the fact that God has saved my sorry soul and has taken me under his wing. I'm so glad he carried me when I couldn't walk. I hope that 2007 found you becoming more in touch with God, and if not.... What "choo" waiting for?
As far as my design work goes... I entered a t-shirt contest at work for the Race-for-the-Cure and won! I received $200.00 and immediately went out and purchased myself an iPod Nanno. Is this not a great world we live in? Thank you! I have the winning design below for you to view. I'm such a ham bone. I have been out of school 3 years now with the hopes of going back to finish up my studies... 3 classes to go. I received this letter in the mail that says they will no longer have Continuing Studies at MICA. Yikes, I waited too long. These are not earth shattering courses that I'm missing out on. However, one was all about how to arrange my portfolio which I really needed help on. Meanwhile, until I'm ready to hang out my shingle, I will continue to learn as much as I can about print work, add to my portfolio, and actually use my talents for an occasional contest or two. As my friend, Roberta, had once told me, "You have to pay your dues before getting the good jobs." So I will continue to trudge along, paying my dues remembering all the way that slow and easy can win the race!
In my quest to get a "life", I'm unable to be there for so many people. I've beaten myself up at times facing that reality. Mentally, my emotions are churning constantly. I go through the motions with a schedule that most would cringe at. Making peace with the fact that Mom and Joe come first has made it bearable (along with some drugs). So until my Moms passing or some unforeseen tragedy occurs I'll be true to my "cross". Prayer remains to be my way of giving back to those in need. So without any hesitation... I want you to know that I do pray for your remission, your prosperity, your disposition and your soul. May God continue to bless each of us in 2008. Merry Christmas one and all!
With love,
Bun
Visit me here, and I'll try to update this puppy with new pics, stories and respond to comments!
The weekends I try and leave open for Joe and I to enjoy ourselves. We frequent auctions, and go antiquing regularly. I am always on the lookout for nautical artifacts of any kind. My sister-in-law asked if I was going to open a shop one day. Daaaaaaaa no! I just like these things. I collect old sand pails, sifters, sea worthy glassware, shells, boat hardware, strange things. Some day my house will have every square corner filled with unusual items. I like to refer to it as eye candy. We also like going to art shows and buying one of a kind paintings....can you guess what theme???? Yes, nautical and some exceptions include oils of animals (chickens and cows). If Joe and I should ever settle down someplace other than on our shore property.... I'd be able to take the sea with me. Haaaa, I'd buy one of those CD's that has the ocean waves crashing on the shore, sea birds doing their thing, and the sounds of bell buoys just outside the harbor. I know I'm sick... but it fills me with such peace, and love over something that feels as natural as breathing. I guess growing up at a boat yard started it all. Not to mention an occasional dumpster dive for treasures. Boat yards are a treasure trove for a young child. It's funny how we make a full circle with our lives.
We also make that full circle when it comes to God and faith and where they fit into our lives. I would not be here except for the fact that God has saved my sorry soul and has taken me under his wing. I'm so glad he carried me when I couldn't walk. I hope that 2007 found you becoming more in touch with God, and if not.... What "choo" waiting for?
As far as my design work goes... I entered a t-shirt contest at work for the Race-for-the-Cure and won! I received $200.00 and immediately went out and purchased myself an iPod Nanno. Is this not a great world we live in? Thank you! I have the winning design below for you to view. I'm such a ham bone. I have been out of school 3 years now with the hopes of going back to finish up my studies... 3 classes to go. I received this letter in the mail that says they will no longer have Continuing Studies at MICA. Yikes, I waited too long. These are not earth shattering courses that I'm missing out on. However, one was all about how to arrange my portfolio which I really needed help on. Meanwhile, until I'm ready to hang out my shingle, I will continue to learn as much as I can about print work, add to my portfolio, and actually use my talents for an occasional contest or two. As my friend, Roberta, had once told me, "You have to pay your dues before getting the good jobs." So I will continue to trudge along, paying my dues remembering all the way that slow and easy can win the race!
In my quest to get a "life", I'm unable to be there for so many people. I've beaten myself up at times facing that reality. Mentally, my emotions are churning constantly. I go through the motions with a schedule that most would cringe at. Making peace with the fact that Mom and Joe come first has made it bearable (along with some drugs). So until my Moms passing or some unforeseen tragedy occurs I'll be true to my "cross". Prayer remains to be my way of giving back to those in need. So without any hesitation... I want you to know that I do pray for your remission, your prosperity, your disposition and your soul. May God continue to bless each of us in 2008. Merry Christmas one and all!
With love,
Bun
Visit me here, and I'll try to update this puppy with new pics, stories and respond to comments!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
+.jpg)
