Dimple's Discoveries

        Four years ago I went on my first emergency call with police to a domestic violence scene. One call was all it took, and I knew I was made for advocacy. At 18 years old I had already seen my first case of domestic violence at my job in a geriatric center where I literally jumped between the victim and her abuser (do not try this at home!), and knew deep in my soul that I could do this for the rest of my life. I have seen some of the darkest horrors human beings can inflict on each other. I have cried with victims as they've shared their stories from hell and fought PTSD as a result. I've held clients as they shake after a night terror or assessed injuries to determine medical care. For years I've mediated conflicts, counseled endlessly, and encouraged and empowered women to rise from the ashes. Looking back makes me wish that the 24 year old woman I am could write a letter to the 18 year old girl I was, so here are the five lessons I've learned as an advocate...

http://www.rainymood.com/ (Open this website in another tab while you read this story) I have always loved rain: the raging thunder, the foreshadowing heavenly smell, the cool drizzle on my face, the refreshing wind. The rainstorm that started on July 15th started out no different for me. It had been a hot and muggy day, but dark clouds hinted at rainfall, and I was content as I changed my outfit to go to a dinner meeting with my coworkers. I decided to change into long sleeves, long pants and knee-high boots as the rain started to fall. Our windows were open, and I could hear my neighbors run through the rain singing, laughing and dancing in puddles.This was nothing unusual, and while waiting for my ride I went out and stood on the porch and watched the spectacle, smiling faintly as I enjoyed the quiet moment. It was the week before finals, I had been working full time and going to school full time, so a peaceful second to relax was rare and appreciated. As the rain fell harder, I ...

The Certified Nurse Assistant Our Prayer As I enter into my place of calling I ask for strength as I help those in needing Hide my tears for the sick and aging and let my smile be the hope they're seeking. Guide my hands as they do for them The things they cannot do, and we take for granted Allow my eyes to see those things that make my stay with them a blessing Provide the words I need to speak To let them know I love them so. As I do my work throughout the day It is for my residents that I stay, and for my residents that I pray

These last few weeks have been pretty wild for my family and myself with 5 visits in one week of my loved ones into the E.R., it started at 10:30 pm on Sunday, I was getting ready for bed, just finished brushing my teeth when from the bathroom my roommate sticks her head out the door and says "Do you have a problem with vomit?" Now, were that to have been said to anyone else, it would seem a strange question, but I'm a CNA, craziness runs in the profession :) My reply was "No", to which she asked me to come sit with her, that she didn't want to be alone, so I came in and sat on the edge of the tub and rubbed her back and encouraged her as she threw up. I have absolutely sense of smell anymore, (little blessings haha) which is perfect for situations like this! We had a little miracle while we were enduring this long night. My poor little roomie had diarrhea and nausea and couldn't get a bit of rest before one or the other was coming, and we hit about 2a...

Today I was remembering one of my dearest patients I have ever had, and for anyone who knows me, I LOVE to tell stories about my work, but this patient is one of my very favorite memories, because she helped build my testimony and taught me a lot about life. This patient was one of the very first I ever cared for as a brand new CNA and Med Tech. She had Alzheimer's disease, and she was one of the sweetest women I will ever be privileged to know. I can only remember one time in all the thousands of hours of care that I did for her that I ever heard her get mad, and it wasn't even directed at anyone. She was ALWAYS kind in her conversation with the aides, and for anyone who works in health care you can relate when I say that someone in pain or being cared for isn't always going to be the kindest. She would always say how nice I was or how I was an angel. She had the most beautiful smile. She reminds me of the Rascal Flatts' song "Ellsworth" when it says ...