Wake up

Stolen from Facebook, is not my photo.

Early this last week I was feeling a bit old and bedraggled. I was still recuperating from starting a karate class a few weeks ago (at my age? I know, right!) and began going to the gym. This was on top of my 12 hour nursing shifts turning into 14+ hours and to say the least it was wearing on me. Then Friday was my youngest daughter's 21st birthday. I booked a hotel room in Portland and took her out for an evening of alcohol and drag queens (Mother of the Year, right??) and a good time was had by all. I started feeling a little better.

Unfortunately, that great day was sandwiched in between finding out Thursday night that an old friend in Texas had passed away and learning on Saturday that 2 of my residents suddenly turned for the worse and are nearing the end of their journeys as well. I am a long-term care nurse and after a couple of years they might as well be family. Today I called an ex of mine to let him know about the friend in Texas. I discovered he was injured at work. He is waiting for workmen's comp to get their crap together and do their job while dealing with being both broke and in extreme pain. He will have back surgery and a hip replacement in the next month it seems. 

Wow, makes a girl feel guilty about whining over a little overtime and a few self-inflicted aches and pains! 

It's a reminder to appreciate every moment we have, despite the little annoyances that are a part of everyone's life. Be grateful for what you have and give what you can to others. Even if it's only a smile or a shoulder to cry on. 

Love and peace to all.