Life's not the breaths you take

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I'm sorry posting has been so sporadic, working full time has me absolutely drained by the time I get home at night. Anyway, here we go! :)

Some wise person once said "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away", and I believe they were right. If I have learned anything at my job, it is that life is precious, and every moment should be enjoyed, because we never know if the one we are in will be our last. I am heading back to school this week, and again, taking a break from my job, although not from this blog. The moments in the last seven weeks that have taken my breath away:
  • A patient asking me to send the missionaries from my church to come visit her
  • As per tradition, getting all gowned up into PPE (personal protective equipment used for contagious patients) and taking pictures as coworkers (I'm the girl on the right)
  • Getting to spend 20 minutes in a patient's room just doing her nails and spending some quality time caring for her
  • Receiving the nickname "Dimples" from several patients and their families
  • Seeing a patient and her husband of 20+ years hold hands quietly every night watching TV or him massaging her feet to help alleviate some pain
  • Being told that I gave a patient the best shower she had ever had
  • Receiving encouragement from my patients about writing my missionary
  • Having several patients tell me I will make a fabulous nurse someday
  • Finally: Having the opportunity for 40+hrs a week for the past 7 weeks of easing pain, being a shoulder to cry on, attending to needs, soothing discomfort, providing relief, and yet again, learning lessons from my patients and coworkers :) 
I will keep posting throughout the semester, keep reading and share with your friends :) Any input, ideas for posts, questions, etc. please comment below!

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