Pieces of me.

As I mentioned a couple of months ago, I started a new job as a home-healthcare/hospice aid and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I can't even begin to explain how many life changing moments I have had..  or describe the incredible people I have met. So that's why I've decided to compile a brief summary of each patient and how they have affected my life. Unfortunately we aren't supposed to expose their information, so I will need to change names and maybe keep it as a personal journal for now. Throughout my career I will carry this book with me until it's pages are filled, and maybe one day even publish it. (guess you could call me a dreamer) Anyway, I was thrilled about the idea so I started writing away this morning! I've decided to share an example with you guys in hopes that this silly little idea of mine will impact you as much as it has me. Note: Patient's name has been changed.

{ROSE}

I knocked on the front door and no one answered. I called the office and they instructed me try again, so I tried one more time and still no answer. As I began walking to my car, I heard the door open. It was the patient's daughter and she walked me back to her mother's room, then quickly left for work. The house was dimly lit and poorly taken care of. Dishes were piled in the sink, garbage was everywhere, and there in the bedroom lay Rose... a sweet elderly woman weighing just 90 lbs, curled up on the bed. At first I was scared, I felt uncomfortable and wanted to run away, but I stayed. I said a prayer to calm myself down and began washing her face. As I began working with the suffering patient, my heart was full of love for her. I took my time and gently cared for her until my shift was over. Throughout the next few weeks I was scheduled to see this particular patient, and felt more compassion each time I visited her. She rarely woke up, and would sometimes cry in her sleep, but I would whisper to her that she'd soon be pain free. She gradually got weaker and weaker, to the point where she couldn't eat anymore. It was a Thursday, and I was scheduled to see Rose. I knew it was the last time I was going to see her, so I cared for her as best I could, kissed her forehead and said goodbye to my little angel. I learned a lot from this woman. One, that I am extremely blessed with a home, family, and love that surrounds me. And two, that there is life after death... that she no longer has to suffer in her tiny, pain-filled body. Just coming in contact with Rose made me want to become a better person, and for that I'll be able to thank her one day.

In addition to meeting people like Rose, this job has solidified my decision to become a home-health care nurse. Having researched other directions I could go, I just love my old people too much.
Especially these two.