Thank You

Nurses.  There are quite a few of them in my life.  These two in the picture are two of my favorites (my mom and sister.)

Growing up, I would have told you that having a mom who is also a nurse wasn't that awesome (sorry mom!)  You see, there was no staying home from school unless there was vomit or a fever.  And when I did get to stay home, it was not fun and games.  Rest and fluids were the rule.  Of course this was the absolute best thing, but as a kid - no fun!  (Although, when throw up and fever were involved, I can honestly say I didn't feel like doing much else!)  Let me add, when penicillin was required, my sis and I always got the shot in the rear, rather than pills, because mom knew it worked faster.  Again, NOT FUN, but yes, the best choice.

So, knowing nurses my entire life has created in me a level of respect.  I have seen how hard my mom worked and now I see my sister's dedication to this career.  In fact, I would have loved to be a nurse if it weren't for my passing out reaction to hospitals.  I've had roommates who are nurses and good friends as well - all amazing people and ridiculously hard workers.  Recently though, my respect has been brought to a whole new level.

For a few months, my husband and I have been preparing for a surgery he put off for a few years.  It didn't seem like a huge deal - simple outpatient procedure, recovery time at home and physical therapy.  First lesson for Val - outpatient does not equal simple.  Second lesson - recovery time is not easy for anyone involved (not that it isn't way worse for him).  I used to think my job was exhausting (aka sitting in front of a computer) until I worked from home the day after his surgery to help him.  Man, do I take sitting down for granted.  Between helping him get comfortable, food and drink, medicine every 4 hours, ice, actually cooking (this is usually his domain) and just keeping up with the regular household chores, I couldn't sit for longer than a few minutes before being needed again.  He in no way asked for anything unreasonable, I just was not prepared.  I also wasn't prepared for the emotional toll it would take.  Seeing someone hurting and being helpless to make it better stinks!!!  I burst into tears at one point, because I couldn't help him move from a chair to the couch without causing excruciating pain.

How do you nurses do it?  You are so calm and cool under pressure and yet still gentle and caring.  Plus, you are really stinking smart!

So, if you are a nurse - I love you! Thank you for what you do.  And if you know a nurse, tell them thank you and give them a hug!  Thank God for them too!

Let's pray for the 2 nurses who contracted Ebola in Dallas as well.  No hysterics here, but these women are paying a very high price for doing their job.