It's National Nurses Week

If it hadn't been for a friend posting on Facebook about National Nurses Week I would have never known.  Thank you to a friend that sent me a post to say Happy Nurses Week.  I must never forget that even though I am not out there working that I am still a nurse.   I miss those days of feeling like I had helped others even if they were stressful at times.  My life as a nurse is still being put to use as an advocate and caregiver to some special guys in my life.  They are my heroes.  I love them both and I am happy to say they are doing well. 

Thinking back over my career brought back some memories.  I have some sad memories and some very happy ones.  There are certain patients that I always remember when  I want to remind myself that compassion and the hard long days of being a nurse are well worth it.  Sometimes we connect with certain people that we never forget.  They never forget us either when we show them respect and empathy.  

On the other side of being a patient I have to say thanks to other nurses for taking good care of my loved ones and me.  One nurse that comes to mind is a nurse that took care of my husband a couple of years ago while undergoing chemotherapy.  She did not speak much English, but her compassion was expressed in her mannerisms and smile.  My husband and I had a hard time understanding her broken English, but it did not seem to matter.  Her smile and her hugs she gave us after a long day at the Cancer Center spoke louder than words.   She ended our visit with a surprise to me.  She had dropped something on the floor and as I came back up into an upright position to hand it to her, she hugged me and said, "God Bless You."  My husband and I still remember her and we hope she is doing well.  I also remember one of my husband's nurses that asked me what I did for a living.  I said I use to be a nurse and she corrected me.  She said. " You are a nurse always and don't forget it."  She was right and I am proud to say I am.

Sometimes life takes us in a different direction than what we may have expected, but we should always remember the good things we have lived for.  We should be proud if we have been able to help others and appreciate the thanks given to us.  So Happy Nurses Week to all my fellow nurses.  Our dedication to help others is worth many thanks.  

Life is beautiful !!!

Elizabeth:)

Celebrating Life

We have had the most beautiful weather for spring.  Everything looks great with the pink and lavender colors.  I have always loved spring as it is a renewal of life for the earth and it reminds me everyday of how blessed we are to be alive.   Easter was suppose to be rainy and mother nature proved the weatherman wrong as we had a warm and beautiful day.  We spent  a lot of time outside enjoying bicycling, walking, and working in our yard.  The flower beds are ready for flowers and we will be planting soon.  Flowers are those beautiful smiles from God.

Speaking of life, my dad turned 87 years young five days ago and we celebrated.  He is still getting around well and he is keeping us laughing with his quick wit. He said he is getting younger and he reversed his birth age to 78.  I do believe that your age is just a number and your outlook on life will determine the age others perceive you to be.  My dad appears a lot younger than he is and I am glad he is an optimistic person.   Happy Birthday Dad !!

Still missing Laney as I sat on the front porch and missed her company.  You never realize how much you miss a pet or person until they are gone.  My whole routine in life is different now.  The house is very quiet.

We have planned to do a lot this summer as my husband turns the big 60.  We definitely will celebrate that mile stone.  He had to jump a lot of hurdles to get to this year.  Everyday is a celebration for life, love and happiness.  He can proclaim to all that he is a twenty year cancer survivor.  Still hoping someday that we can erase the word cancer from our vocabulary.

Life is beautiful !!!
Elizabeth:)