When one veteran meets another veteran, there is always an immediate connection. So Jess and I have been friends since we met a few years ago, and realized we had both served. Army and Air Force veterans - I'd like to tease her that the only time the Air Force members run is when the mess hall opens. But since I'm the "chubby" one, I can't really get away with that..... We had already become friends at work. But one day, we both just happened to be in the same place, at the same time, with the same IMMEDIATE need for prayer. And that day, we chose to lean on each other - a God moment, for sure! By whatever means possible - We were going to make it our personal MISSION to not only stay in close touch every single day, but to be storming heaven together, and for each other, praying ... View Post
The Gift of Life – From a Nurse’s Perspective
I don't know an ICU nurse anywhere who wouldn't agree that we have a rather depressing job. Rewarding? AbsoLUTEly! But being a participant OFTEN, in the delivery of bad news can get to you after a while. Being the person who the family looks to after the blow has been delivered, is difficult work. It just is. And when we can't "fix" the bad news, change the prognosis, or reassure them that the physician was wrong, we often become the "bad guy," and the recipient of their denial, frustration, and at times, even anger. Not always. But often. Most definitely, often! And that's no easy task! So, we cling to each other. We laugh about things most people wouldn't ever talk about, much less understand. And as a great big family of nurses with the broadest possible range of ... View Post
Picking More Daisies
When I finished my last "bucket list" activity for the year, I wondered what to look forward to next. With my oldest son's wedding fast approaching, and my youngest son leaving in 2 weeks to live in Chicago, "what next?" seems to be a common question that comes to mind when I have some peace, quiet, and time to think...... So..... What next? Well, I was thinking about that for a long time this morning. It's August 1st. Everything is happening so, so fast. Another bucket list ? Nah. Pick up another job? Hah. No way. Go back to school? NO THANKS! Start dating? (Rolling on the floor laughing my butt off) So I hit my knees, and brought it to the Lord in prayer. Twenty-one years of single parenting - 365 days a year, 7 days a week, ALL weekends, ALL holidays. (Please know, I ... View Post
Relax! It’s Probably Just a Nurse
A couple of years ago, I shopped for a new car. I knew EXACTLY what I wanted - A white Volkswagon Jetta, 4-door. with NO SUN ROOF! "I HATE sun roofs!" I told the car salesman. But the only one available to purchase the day I set out intending to come home with a new car, had a sun roof, and a few other "extras." I couldn't resist. For weeks I told everyone how much I was enjoying my new car, but how I would NEVER use my sun roof............. Until one particular 12-hour shift, that is. Twelve hours is a long time. It's a long time to be on your feet. It's a long time to be gone from your family. We watch the sun come up on our way into work, and watch it set as we drive home to our families. And OFTEN, A 12-hour nursing shift is a long time to go without eating, or ... View Post
Thank You Letter, From Rory
Here is Rory's thank you "note" he wrote. The funny part about all this, is that I told them they had to write a "note" thanking everyone. So many of you were excited and praying for the kids. They wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote, and then were excited to read them to me. I finally asked "How long ARE these notes?" because I had addressed 26 envelopes to people who had helped them out with prayers, etc. Rory said, "Mine is 7 pages" and Ian said, "Mine is 5." The envelopes were very small and they ended up having to hand deliver many of them. The rest took 3 stamps to mail! Anyhow, I'm so proud of them. And their faith grows leaps and bounds DAILY. Thanks for your prayers. Rory's thank you letter: Dear friends and family, As you know, I went on a mission trip to Bay St. Louis, ... View Post
Thank You Letter, From Ian
Hi Everyone, So many of you prayed for my kids while they were in Mississippi, and all of our prayers were answered. I asked the kids to write a thank you NOTE, and they both wrote very lengthy letters, because neither of them was able to express their experiences in any way shorter than this. I'm sooo proud of them, and so happy for them. Their faith inspires me EVERY DAY. They hand-wrote their notes, which I have tucked away for keepsakes. Here is the typed version: LETTER FROM IAN: Dear Friends and Family, I give you great thanks for all the prayers and money you donated to my brother and I to go to Mississippi. We went on this trip knowing only 5 or 6 people and as we arrive home, I can say that I am friends with everyone that went down there and even made a few best friends. It was ... View Post
“Well, Here I Am!”
I sat on a bench at Metro Park today enjoying watching people race by on their Ski-Doo's, in their yachts and sail boats..... I watched young couples walk their puppies, older couples still holding hands, and even watched a young man stand still on a skate board while his pit bull took HIM for a "walk." And across the water on the other side I could see Canada, which of course, always reminds me of Dad. But today was an extra clear day, and I could also see the Renaissance Center in Detroit sooo very clearly. You know what that reminded me of? Nothing...... Until today. Today it reminded me of my trip to see the recruiter who would promise me that I would love being stationed in Panama. It reminded me of never wanting to live in Michigan again, because I really. Hated. Snow. ... View Post
A Backache Worth Having
Just a few random thoughts after two difficult days at work........... My feet hurt. I got them tangled in all of my IV lines several times today, almost fell on my rear end in the process. Spilled a bunch of Ativan on the floor, walked through it, and now my shoes are all sticky. Had so much equipment in my room that just to titrate my drips, I couldn't help but silently remember and laugh about the old game of "twister." Helped two families cope with accepting the probability of the death of someone they have loved for more years than I have been alive. Diffused an argument between two sisters over a difficult decision. Text paged a doc so many times I got a little worried he might want to choke me. High-fived a resident and got him a box of chocolates for convincing someone that ... View Post