The Last Time

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Dec. 13th, 1/2 hr:


I got to the facility today feeling really sad this would be my last time. I have started attaching to these residents, just as I have with my patients at home. I believe that being able to love and attach to your patients is crucial to being the best CNA you can be, but it means more painful goodbyes. The saying is true that says "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
The trouble with working in geriatrics is that every time you say goodbye, whether it be at the end of your shift or for an extended period of time, you need to be ready to accept the fact that some of those patients might not be there when you come again. Leaving my patients to attend school is always hard, but the beauty of the gospel is that it isn't a permanent goodbye. Whenever we lose someone dear to us, we can remember that it is through our Savior Jesus Christ that we can see them again. Isaiah 25:8 states that "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces". Our Savior suffered and died so that we could be together forever if we live faithful to our covenants and do as the Lord tells us to. What a tender mercy from our older Brother. I testify to this, and know it is true, and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
For my last day we went around and did exercises in the hallway, having the patients lean up against the railings and work their leg and arm muscles. it was fun, it made me wonder what teaching an exercise class would be like. We only got a few willing to participate, but it is so good for them, its hard to see them refuse something that will help them. We had done two buildings and were leaving for the third, but I had to leave, but it was so fun to even be able to go for a half hour.
I have so enjoyed my time volunteering at this assisted living center, it has been one of the highlights of my semester, and been something that I have looked forward to doing and sharing with friends. I have so appreciated being able to gain the perspective of a visitor instead of a caretaker, and I believe this experience will help me to be able to even better care for my patients at home.

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