I Had Forgotten...

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I am working as a CNA for the last time (I know I've said that before, but I'm heading back to school to begin my new job as an admissions counselor on campus, so now it's official) and I had forgotten: forgotten how satisfying it is to help a patient, to provide for their needs, to leave them happier than when they called you; however, I had also forgotten how utterly frustrating it can be to be unable to provide the care you would personally love to give, how aggravating it can be to run for 9 hours and feel like you haven't even made a dent in the cares you should, how emotional it can be to stand by the bedside of someone in pain and realize you could have cared for better had you only had the time.

Missing one of my friends named, but I'll post a picture once he and I take one together! :)
But most importantly I found that I had forgotten what treasured friendships I have at my job. I have a coworker who I love dearly who is like family to me, and she is always finding moments to wrap her arms around me and remind me that I am doing okay. Last night she was a huge strength to me through an extremely difficult night, and made sure to find little ways to make sure I knew I was loved. Another coworker who has been gone for about a year getting his LPN has returned, and it has made me excited to come to work again! Watching him learn and grow and turn into the man who I now depend on to care for my patients in ways I can't makes me so proud, and he is one of my closest friends. He even came in on his day off to spend my dinner break with me just to talk, did pro bono work to help us catch up, brought me a Sobe, and helped us with a patient who fell. Little did I know the day that I met him that he would be such a loyal and strong friend to me.  I have another who always seems to watch for my unspoken needs and is my protector, if only from myself. Sometimes I neglect myself as I care for others, and he is the first to remind me what Jade needs. He is very gentle and caring with our patients and with us, and I appreciate that so much.

There are sometimes very bad nights at work, but thankfully during those nights I am also reminded that my Heavenly Father has been so generous in sharing these wonderful friends with me as I work hard to do something I love and will soon let go.


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