Thankful Thursday | time for patient care!
This week, I am thankful:
that I only have one more orientation/class
Most of this week has been training and orientations, not patient care. And obviously, I did not get this job because I wanted to sit in classes. 😉
So, I am grateful that I am almost done with the getting-started part of things!
As you read this, I'll be at the hospital doing my first patient care shift, actually.
that I'm comfy making my way around the internet
My new job has SO many things to sign up for/sign into, and I gotta say, some of this is not terribly intuitive.
Like, things feel as though they are in rather random places, and then because it's healthcare stuff, there's a lot of security in place for logging in, all of which makes it a little complicated.
But thankfully I have been able to get everything working without needing to call the help desk, and I think I am now done with all of the initial setup. Whew!
that I have an actual hospital badge now!
Last semester, all I had was a student ID badge, which did not work to unlock anything at the hospital. So, I couldn't even go get ice water for patients because it's all behind locked doors.
Now I have a real badge, though, so I'm gonna be way more useful.
that I am tapering down my prednisone
You know how last week I mentioned that my poison ivy just would not quit? Well, I finally cracked and went to the doctor for some steroids.
But GEEZ the dose he put me on was 60 mg, higher than I've ever tried before, and I found myself nearly unable to sleep.
(as in, waking up at 3:30 am and not being able to go back to sleep at all. And not being able to nap either.)
I stopped itching, but I was a zombie.
Of course, you can't just quit prednisone cold turkey, but I am in the winding-down process now, and my sleeping has gotten a little better.
Now I know to ask for a lower dose if I ever need prednisone again in the future.
Also: when I have a patient on prednisone, I will have compassion based on my personal experience.
that my hospital job is so close
Without traffic, it's literally a ten-minute drive from my house.
And for shifts that start and end at 7 am and 7 pm, it's not like I ever hit traffic.
It's pretty hard to beat this setup unless you work from home!
that my house has a pretty new AC system
Shortly before I moved here, a tree fell on the air conditioner, which meant that the homeowner's insurance paid for a whole new AC system to be put in.
That worked out very nicely for my landlords and for me!
Like a lot of the country, we are facing a long string of hot days and I feel so thankful that I don't have to worry that my AC is going to fail during the heat wave.
that only my screen protector cracked
I dropped my phone in the parking garage at the hospital (whoops!) and my screen protector is cracked in a lot of places.
But my actual screen is just fine.
I have a new screen protector on the way, and this experience has reminded me of exactly why I am fastidious about having a screen protector on my phone at all times. I will drop my phone regularly, regardless of my efforts to be careful. 😉
that I never have my fingernails done
Rules for hospital employees are more lenient than for student nurses but still: no gel nails or acrylics or anything like that is allowed (because of increased infection risk). Only plain nail polish is acceptable.
But this is no big deal for me because I basically never have my fingernails even painted! Toenails, yes. Fingernails: nope.
This rule is easy-peasy for me to follow!
What are you thankful for this week?
P.S. A dear member of the commentariat here, JD, emailed me to let me know that her husband, who has had health struggles for some time now, passed away this last week. She's obviously very occupied, but she wanted me to let you all know why she's disappeared for now. I'll let her know I notified you all, so if you want to leave any messages for her here in the comments, I'm sure she will read them even if she doesn't have time to respond.
JD, I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength and comfort-
Oh, JD, I am sorry for your loss.
Kristen, I'm glad you aren't itching anymore. Itching + hotted days of the year so far does not equal happiness.
This week I am thankful:
*that I woke up early enough to have time to type my gratitude. This week has been busy. Today will be busy. But I look forward each week to this practice.
*that I met another facial paralysis person who is in it for the long haul. She was the receptionist at the place I took my children for a speech evaluation.
*that the people at this speech place are so kind. I had a lot of fun talking to strangers there.
*that I was able to walk last evening. Our church has a weekly devotion and walk time on a local trail each week in the spring/summer/fall, and yesterday was the first time that weather/kid health/other circumstances allowed me to go. I'm also thankful that it wasn't as miserable with heat as I expected.
*for funny kids. They crack me up.
Heartfelt condolences for the passing of your husband, JD! May many happy memories of him come to mind in the weeks and months ahead. The FG community is sending lots of love your way!
JD so sorry for your loss. May his memory be for a blessing.
JD, I am sorry for your loss.
I too am thankful for A/C. It makes hot weather bearable.
I am thankful I have been able to get out early for a walk the past three days. I am also thankful for a walk on a shaded trail on Monday with a friend.
I am thankful a friend brought lunch (takeout) on Tuesday. She was just back from a long driving trip and wanted the comfort of seeing an old friend.
I am thankful that I am healthy. I switched PCPs last year and there was snafu as to when I should have an annual physical. I showed up on Tuesday and they said I'm not due for one until September though I was told when I called to schedule that I did not have one last year (I knew I went but they told me it was just a "meet the doctor" visit). Hopefully that is straightened out though the doctor is due to deliver a baby three days after my September appointment. This health care system was hacked many weeks ago and is still not functioning correctly, as in you can't use the patient portal for much.
I am thankful for summer produce. Cherries have been good, I bought a watermelon that I need to cut, and I have picked many small tomatoes.
Oh, my dear JD, I was afraid this was the reason we hadn't heard from you in a while. I have at least some idea of the difficulties you have had during your DH's long decline (since they were similar in many ways to my own experiences), and I'm so sorry that he is now physically gone. But I can report that, a year later, my memories of my struggles are mercifully fading and the good memories are shining through again. I wish the same for you, my friend. Peace be unto you both.
@A. Marie, You have said it best, so I simply add my condolences to JD and all her family and friends. I "struggled" with (very) long goodbyes to my parents and for a while after their deaths those less than pleasant times were what preoccupied me, but the good memories are always there, waiting for the clouds to clear.
JD... so very sorry for your loss!
K...thankful you are now gainfully employed!
As for me so thankful and blessed to be retired
I totally recommend getting a Loopy phone case!!! I got one about 3-4 years ago, and they are all I buy now! Check out their website, and they are always coming out with new colors and designs. I do occasionally drop my phone, and they really do keep my phone safe and I don't need a giant otter box anymore. PLUS the loop = makes carrying my phone so much easier!!! Use the code "foundya10" for a 10% discount. And no I don't work for Loopy, I'm just a repeat customer! I cannot sing praises on their cases enough!
Also I feel for you about insomnia. Last night was miserable, waking up, my nose bothering me, and just unable to get comfortable and go back to sleep. Air conditioner on, air conditioner off, up, down, watching stuff on my phone, falling asleep for MAYBE a half hour . . . and I had a lot to do today. I feel miserable. This has been going on with me since Covid. I swear Covid really messed me up long term 🙁
I'm so.sorry, JD. HUGS
Oh my I’m so sorry. Losing someone is the most difficult thing. Prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss, JD.
JD, in the days ahead may you find the strength to cope, peace in your heart and much comfort in the love and support of family and friends.
I'm so sorry for your loss, JD. I hope your memories bring you comfort and peace.
JD, I am very sorry for your loss. I am very glad you have such a loving family to support and help you at this time. I am praying for you.
JD, you and your loved ones are definitely going to be in my prayers this week. It's sad to know that the best outcome of a loving marriage is always a sad parting but I am confident that you two will be together again in the land that God has promised us.
I'm thankful this week for:
For a successful year of school for my little one. She's sad that school is over for the year and despite loving school has been asking to be homeschooled again in the fall. I wish that were possible but sadly this is not the case.
That despite no one getting back to me on installing minisplits in our house, I was still able to get in the window AC units in the bedrooms. That's more or less enough I find.
For getting to go away for vacation soon.
That this darn cold is almost finally over!
For a roof that no longer leaks and doesn't have rotten wood under it. I hope this is the last time I ever have to buy a roof, lemmetellya.
Oh, JD. I am so very sorry. I wish you gentle passage through this difficult time, and I will be praying for you and your family.
JD, we're all thinking of you at this most difficult time. Sending sincere condolences for your loss.
Deepest condolences,JD.
Losing a spouse of many years is so difficult.
May you find strength in God's love.
Ugh 60mg of prednisone!!! That is horrible! I have been on prednisone for almost 3 months now to manage an RA flare and it is THE WORST. I am down to 15 mg but it still impacts my sleep and makes me very jittery and short on patience which is not good considering that I have kids aged 3.5 and 6… so thanks for the prednisone sympathy. It’s an effective drug but has awful side effects.
@Lisa’s Yarns, When I have had to take prednisone for a long period, I blew up like a Macy's Day balloon and the weight did not magically fall off when I stopped the med. And the lack of patience is real!! I am not a laid back sort of person already but this medication turned me into a witch. I hope you get off it soon!
I have noticed the scale creeping up a bit even though I am not even eating more. But luckily I am tapering down now so this should be just a blip for me!
@Lindsey oh yes I have gained weight and it really sucks! I can’t wait to be off. My sleep sucks, I don’t like how I look and feel, and my patience is non-existent!!
Glad you are tapering, Kristen!
@Lisa’s Yarns, I remember when they put my MIL on prednisone (for lack of a better treatment - the root cause of her health issue did not require prednisone). She could polish off food like no tomorrow and gained no weight. No sleep or patience issues. Perhaps it was for the best as she was happy during that time period.
I do know that when my cat got a prednisone shot, she turned into a "I'm not afraid of ANYTHING" cat for a day. Family member's dog visiting - pshaw. Vacuum cleaner, bring it on. Quite uncharacteristic of her but it was entertaining to watch.
Condolences JD. Love reading your comments; hope you're healing and back with us soon:)
JD, I am so sorry for your loss.
JD, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From your comments it's clear that you and your DH had a very loving relationship, and I hope his memory is a blessing to you and you have support to help you through.
Today I'm thankful:
For A/C. Specifically that we have a smallish house, but the landlord put in a larger-than-average unit (the same size as one at a larger house we once lived in) so it has no trouble cooling the house, even with six people and a cat heating up the place. DH also put in attic fans, which helps tremendously in keeping hot air from building up.
For my bike. It's so nice to get exercise without irritating my foot.
That DH got up with Clark this morning. Admiral Fluffington demands a Churu treat first thing in the morning, and "first thing in the morning" in the summer means "Oh, look, there's a tiny bit of light out there at 5 am, GOOD MORNING HUMAN SERVANTS." DH is more of an early riser, plus he has the ability to nap during the day, a gift I do not possess, so he got up and saw to Lord Fluff's needs and I got a bit more sleep.
@Karen A., "Human servants..." I laughed out loud! So true!
Aw, JD, I'm so very sorry. Love and puppy licks from Long Island.
JD, So sorry for your loss. May you find peace at this time of loss.
Kristen, I have been on and off Dexamethesome for years. It is combined with chemo to boost it. Steroids are difficult. If sleep is impossible, which on Dex it is, I take Ativan to counter it on the first night. I at least get some sleep.
JD, I am so sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you in the coming weeks, and sending you lots of love. I only wish I could sit with you to help wade through VA paperwork or something useful, too.
JD, I am so very sorry. It is truly a terrible, heartbreaking thing to lose a beloved husband. You are in my prayers.
JD, I am so sorry. Sending you a virtual hug and saying a prayer for you and your family. May your DH rest in peace in the place where there is no sickness and no sorrow. And may you be comforted by all your loving memories of him.
Kristen, I'm also saying a prayer for you, that your first shift goes well. How lucky your patients are to have a caring PCT to call on!
Today I am thankful for:
--Having a "patient portal" where I can email messages to my primary care doctor. I seem to have done this a lot this summer, about various health concerns, and they get right back to me with instructions what to do, Rxes, and/or referrals, as appropriate.
--Finding a storage box in the back of my closet packed with summer clothes. Obviously, I haven't worn them in a while, so it's like getting brand new clothes all over again! I mix and match my tops and slacks or skirts so I now have a lot more choices in my wardrobe!
--Cooler weather this week. I actually was able to go out and do some yardwork and enjoy eating on the patio.
--That several recent blackouts have never affected my house during the last heat wave. I still have my AC going strong. Whew! Am I lucky, or what?
--That my dog is still around despite her old age and tumor. That she is not in pain, but mostly just sleeps and wanders around the house. I'm thankful for every precious day I still have with her.
JD, I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope all the good memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.
This week I'm thankful for flood insurance and the mitigation company that came right away as we once again had a flood at our office last week in South Florida. I wasn't there, but my dh was fortunately to deal with the mess.
JD, I’m sorry for your loss. Praying that you experience peace.
Prednisone is a beast. For breathing issues I get 40 mg 5 day bursts, and it’s intense. I do not envy your 60 mg.
Thankful:
-cool mornings and nights that have kept our house cool and allow for many blankets at night.
-coffee that is brewing next to me. Research is the first class (outside of training required by my state) for my grad school and while my grade is good, I think the research proposal is winning against me. It’s been fun. But hopefully not every class is this time intensive! Coffee will help. Coffee helps nearly everything.
-Christmas gifts from 2023. Christmas last year dripped with heaviness and sorrow, and a few people teamed up to give us gifts and the beauty of them seeing and caring for us still brings me to tears. And for reasons even I don’t understand, me and the kids held onto one of the gifts. And today we are using this gift. Hopefully the memories we create will be sweet and life giving.
JD, I'm so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. Please know that we're here for you, to listen or to help or to talk about something else entirely.
JD - I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
JD, I am very sorry about your husband.
This week I am thankful to have such great people to work with. I've said it before but it makes all the difference!
Thankful that a class got cancelled. I'm very busy right now so it's a relief.
Thankful to have a lot of vacation time 🙂
Thankful for great weather after a chilly week.
Last weekend there was an issue with my bike whilst I was cycling and I am VERY thankful that I didn't fall off!
This week I am thankful:
- that I can work from home most of the time. Getting around with a walking boot on one foot and a brace on the other is making life difficult.
- that our son has been "my feet" and helped DH move things down the stairs and pack the car for the move. I can pack the boxes but going down the stairs with them is a no-go.
- that A/C is keeping our house(s) cool during this stretch of hot weather.
- that our dog is finally starting to settle in at the new house and has started eating again. She refused to eat for 2 days; I suspect because of the stress of the move.
- that our new refrigerator for the kitchen should be delivered today. Also, thankful that our 30-year-old refrigerator in the garage is still working so we haven't been without one for a week.
JD, I'm very sorry to hear the news about your dear husband. May you have peace with God's plan and may memories of your husband sustain you throughout the days ahead. My condolences and prayers are sent to you.
Kristen, I'm so happy for you that you are employed doing something that will benefit your nursing journey. You worked so hard for this and you deserve this. Well wishes as you serve the patients.
I'm thankful for a daughter and husband who understand me and my feelings about a particular incident.
Kristen, I have found that combining bee sting and poison ivy means have to get a steroid to get rid of the poison ivy also. Sometimes I think I am now immune to Benedryl.
I am thankful.
1. I only have 4 more days of working at the job I am working. After 5 years it was time to move on and I gave notice at midterm. The term is over next Wednesday.
2. I am thankful for good friends. I am going on vacation next week with a friend. She needed a partner and I had quit my job.
3. Grateful for my gardening skills which will get me through the rest of the summer break, until I start my next job.
4. Thankful for the library and its unending collection of entertainment.
5. Thankful for a supportive family.
I feel your pain on the prednisone . I have had to take it for asthma. As a doctor told me, the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. The drop down days were always the hardest. Hang in there, it will get better.
Look at Kristen! All official with her badge! I'm very thankful that she wants to contribute her considerable talents and intellect and empathy to the medical profession, where all those things are sorely needed.
On the home front:
Thankful to be living where neighbors on Nextdoor ask “Anyone missing peacocks? Just drove past some that were walking down the road…”
Thankful for my next door neighbor of 20+ years who’s still just a southern boy at heart and gifts me squash and tomato plants he starts from seed and loves my dog. He calls her “Pretty Girl!” and every day she parks herself along our shared fence line waiting to see him.
Thankful for friends who are always up for little adventures (and great conversation) on short notice. Concerts, museums, food courts, food trucks, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, long walks.
Thankful for overnight temps in the 60s that mean we can go for walks at 5:30 or 6 in the morning and beat the heat that starts not later than 7. “But it’s a dry heat!” as we say in the southwest. Yeah, but 100 degrees of dry heat is still … Hot! And today we're getting at least a little rain (yay!) so it's unexpectedly humid to go with the hot (boo!).
I was so happy with my badge at work today! I got ice for patients! I was able to scan myself into the vital signs machine! Amazing!
Dear JD, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve been through this myself, with the passing of my husband. It’s not easy, but please know that you’re in my thoughts and praying for you during these days and the days ahead.
Praying for comfort and God’s peace.
JD, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. I pray that over time your happy memories will replace the grief you must feel at his loss. I also pray for comfort and that you are surrounded by family and friends who care for you.
Sending comfort to JD!
This week I am grateful:
-that I have two weeks of vacation coming up
-that I have family flying in to visit whom I love very much but haven't seen for years
-that I like many of my colleagues and have fun together
-that I have air conditioning
-that I passed my licensing exams for my medical subspecialty and therefore I get to spend the summer doing WHATEVER I WANT instead of studying all the time (other than, you know, work and having a toddler and household stuff...)
YAYYYYYY!!!! What a huge win to celebrate!!!
@Kristen, thanks!!!!
@Meira, Congratulations! Enjoy the "free" time!
Dear JD, Thinking of you at this time and sending condolences on the loss of your dear husband. Please take care of yourself and your family.
Did not know that about Prednisone meds, good to know. Unfortunately I may have to break down & go to doctor also, as my poison ivy seems to not quit & getting worse. I laughed about the your nail polish---I'm same way, though have not done toe nails polish lately.
Thankful for being able to get teen reasonable priced used vehicle.
Thankful that the Father's day storms did not cause much storm damage for us, but did for Portage/Kalamazoo area where last 2 tornadoes went through & was a tornado in Ostego. So much water also caused lots of flooding most places.
Thankful that we did not loose power (though it flickered quite a bit) as (28,000) many people all around us did.
Thankful for our house that has electricity for the air conditioner & fans to keep us cool during this heat wave. It's hotter in Michigan than it is in Florida.
Thankful for my family (in Florida) that helps & checks on us from across the country.
Thankful for the VA that is getting many (exspensive) tests done on my dad to determine what is happening with his health & do not charge him anything (as it should be).
Thankful for being able to share information on Kristen site with others.
@JD, so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. It is sad that your life partner will not be with you anymore, but he will also not be in any more pain or health struggles. Sending much love, hugs & prayers for you & your family.
@Regina, Have you been super careful about washing anywhere you might have touched the oil? As a poison ivy veteran, I don't see how it can get worse unless you haven't washed off the oil.
@Rose, I wash, but not always immediately after touching the plant. With last storm tree limb fell on flowers that had some poison ivy in (had not weeded lately). I am sensitive/allergic to strawberry plants & berries which causes same reaction as poison Ivy.
It doesn't help that I rub & occasionally scratch the bumps in my sleep. I have to put lotions/creams/apple cider vinegar few hours before bed so doesn't last all night.
JD, thank you for letting us know. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family in the midst of your grief.
Kristen - I, too, regularly drop my phone and am grateful for screen protectors. I can't imagine trying to own a smartphone without one! That sounds stressful. And as a hospital "fun fact" related to fingernails: I used to be a nail biter. I never really clipped my fingernails, just always bit them. Then between my junior and senior year of college I got a job at a hospital and quit nail biting cold turkey! I finally thought through the germs-to-mouth thing and was grossed out enough to stop.
This week I'm thankful:
* for relaxed days this week. We were camping last week, which has a lot of cleanup on the back end, but we've mostly been home until 5pm each day this week and I'm enjoying having a cleaner house!
* that our camping trip last week was so great. My husband's job has been pretty stressful the past few months and I'm glad that he was able to put it aside for a bit. My kids always have a blast camping and we actually had great weather. We got to go to our first theme park and it was a fantastic day! We made great memories. I'm thankful we had the resources to do it - we probably would not have a few years ago. One more thankful related to this: I'm thankful that I still enjoy theme parks! Ha! I used to love Cedar Point, but haven't been in 15 years. I didn't know how my late-30's self would enjoy it. We went to Michigan's Adventure ("Hi!" to readers Kris and Jean!) and I loved it!
* for cool weather this morning so I could get some gardening in.
* that it hasn't seemed too hot in the evening. Our church's kids camp is this week and it's been in the 90's. We have a mix of outdoor and indoor, but the outdoor parts have been much more tolerable than I expected.
@Ruth T, you missed the heat wave for your vacation, thankfully. Even though I live close by, I've never been to Michigan's Adventure. My younger self loved theme parks .... my older self, not so much.
Ohhh yeah, at the hospital you would not want your hands anywhere near your mouth!
So sorry for your loss, JD
JD
Really sorry for your loss. Keep your loved ones close and lean on them at this difficult time. The treasured memories will slow come back, give yourself some grace.
Yay for you Kristen!!
I am thankful for all the clover to make clover tea that helps me avoid sweating in the heat. And for Certain Dri that keeps underarms dry.
We have rain that helps garden. Too much rain for our clay soil, but it is what it is. Now we need rain at regular intervals so ground isn't hard. Getting that.
Strawberries mmmm. Got a few plants by house.
Doing volunteer work making liners for women around the world helps me.
Don't have AC but fans and opening windows helps here.
Full freezers of meat and garden produce.
JD - so sorry for your loss.
Thankful for:
Finally getting some deep cleaning done in MO home.
Survived 5 days with 3 granddaughters ages almost 4-14. So.Much.Laundry
Good eye exams with a compassionate optometrist.
Air conditioning in this wonderful heat dome weather.
That we are nearing the end of our build in AR.
My big thankful today is that my mammogram this morning was clear of anything suspicious. I’m so thankful to be 3 1/2 years past all the breast cancer surgeries, radiation, etc, and each clear mammogram I get brings such huge good news and relief!!
JD, I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you in prayer at this time.
I'm so sorry for your loss, JD. Thinking of you.
For things I'm thankful for:
-We have not been having a heat wave, here in northern California. The forecast is for 77 today, which I will happily take.
-DH had yesterday off, and we did a ton of yard work together & ran an errand. It was nice to have the extra time together. When we were done with our chores, we had a glass of wine by the pool, which was lovely.
-DS18 broke his finger, and the timing is terrible (leaving tomorrow for his graduation trip, which involves lots of mountain biking & golfing, both of which can't be done with his large splint)..but, grateful to have such a resilient kid, who is making the best of it.
-That DH, & our boys have such a great & close relationship with my family. Especially important as DH's family is out of the country & can't travel.
-I say this often, but I'm always grateful for leftovers. Not having to cook after a busy day working outside is such a treat.
JD, I a very sorry for the loss of your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences. May his memory be a blessing.
JD, my condolences on the loss of your husband.
@JD, wow, so hard. Nothing prepares us to lose someone, even knowing in advance that it is coming. Praying Isaiah 30:21 for you this morning, that you will hear/feel God directing your next steps.
Ooh, regarding the manicure rules for nurses--the home care nurse who came to our house (and had never seen an Eakin wound care device, so couldn't do anything for us) and who let the cat out, had LONG acrylic nails and I found myself wondering how on earth she kept her hands sanitary or even wore gloves....it gave me the heebie-jeebies and I was so glad DS decided to cancel the home care.
I really have no idea how anyone manages gloves with long nails!
During orientation they shared how banning nails, including gel nails, had a serious impact on hospital infections. It's definitely an important rule.
@Kristen, I still have bad memories of the nurse who removed stitches from 10 year old me with super long fingernails. This was over 50 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.
This week I’m thankful for thoughtfulness: My husband brought up a trip idea to celebrate both my and my son’s birthdays this year. It’s really focused on something my son would LOVE but I would enjoy. I could tell he put a lot of thought into this potential trip and that he wanted to run it by me because it would be fun for me, just not as exciting as it will be for my son.
I’m thankful for opportunity: My son is in a cooking class this week and is loving it. He was only able to attend this class because in first grade his teacher saw he was a smart kid and put him into a Fermi Math group. This group opened doors that he would only have access to if he was in the gifted program (he’s not, but he is in accelerated classes).
I’m thankful for reconnection: I was at a grad party last weekend and ran into a friend that I hadn’t seen in years. I was surprised to learn she was the aunt of the grad! We are friends with the stepfather of the grad – I’m always amazed at how small the world is!
I’m thankful for our home: for Father’s Day we hosted my parents and my husband’s father and his wife. As everyone was scattered around the house chatting and enjoying themselves my husband whispered to me “this is why” and I knew instantly our new house is perfect for us and how we want to live our life.
I’m thankful for the small things as always: puzzles on a rainy day, books, coffee, walking trails, dog snuggles, the ability to work from home.
Hi, all.
Kristen let me know that she broke the news for me - I had asked her to do so - and after all the kindness and care here from Kristen and the commenters, I had to respond.
First, you all are wonderful. Everyone here, starting with Kristen, continuing on to every single one of you is so kind. Bless you all.
Second, I know I'm not the only one this has happened to, and I send my most heart-felt sympathy to those who have already gone through this. I always felt sad to hear of such a loss, but now I know how it feels for real.
So let's start there: I'm so thankful for this community. What a blessing it's been.
I'm also so thankful that I got to be with my husband in his last days. He went to hospice house, where the staff was simply wonderful to all of us. I was sitting at his side as he peacefully drew his last breath.
I'm so thankful for family and friends who came to visit with him during the first couple of days he was there, when he was still able to be awake and respond to them. His happy smiles at the sight of them were wonderful to see. He quite literally had not looked that happy in almost five years.
I'm thankful that he was clear headed his last day in the ICU and able to say fully and clearly that he wanted to go to hospice. We weren't left with the agony of wondering if we did the right thing.
I'm thankful for my wonderful son-in-law who not only visited often with DH and brought the grandkids to see DH, but voluntarily took care of the house, cooking, laundry, transportation, emptying out DH's nursing home room and managing four young children so my daughter could take all the time she needed with her dad.
I'm thankful for my teen granddaughter who drove back and forth fifty miles each way to be with DH every day even though she is working daily.
I am always, always thankful for my daughters. They were the supports holding me up, in spite of their own grief. They helped me with decisions, sat with DH and me, offered me food, rides, breaks, showers, and a shoulder to cry on. Their love for "Daddy" shined through every interaction they had with him at the hospital and in hospice.
Most of all, I am thankful that DH is finally free of diabetes and its terrible complications that have plagued him for so long.
@JD, I’m so glad you’ve had a wonderful support group through family and friends. May you be assured of God’s presence and grace throughout all the coming days and seasons. Much love to you.
@JD,
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you love, peace, strength and comfort.
@JD, I always read but never comment. Thank you for introducing us to your husband. It was lovely to read your posts about him. I’m so thankful you have those memories to sustain you now and in the future.
@JD, family support makes a world of difference. My dad had plenty of help for the four plus years he cared for Mom until she passed at home.
@JD, It is so very hard. Sending thoughts of peace, strength, & comfort
Where do you get your screen protectors? I switched to T Mobile yesterday and the salesperson tried
To sell me one, even though mine is fine. After he said “They are only $40.” I told him what a wise person taught in a class: “Don’t ever use the word ‘only’ in front of money.”
I don’t see why a little piece of whatever should cost that much. I don’t go for it.
I just order mine from Amazon! I like the Zagg brand, and they are worth every penny I've spent on them.
@Kristen, I bought mine from Zagg when I got my new smartphone (when was Sprint years ago). They even replaced it free last time when needed repair & they didn't realize screen protector on phone (so smooth & clear).
JD, I’m adding my sympathies for your loss and sending caring thoughts your way.
I am thankful for the warm FG community and for those I know personally who stand with me when I am hurting.
JD, I am very sorry for your loss. I am sending much loving-kindness from my heart to you.
Kristen, I'm glad to hear you got relief from the itching. A persistent itch can drive a person round the bend!
This week I am thankful for:
1. Air conditioning and that our apartment only gets the morning sun so it's a bit less of an effort to keep our place cool.
2. That I can work from home two days a week so I can avoid commuting in this heat on those days.
3. Summer begins today and that means autumn is next, my favorite season!
4. The gift of a young spider plant that a colleague gave me this week. I love plants in an office.
5. That while I still will need surgery in the near future, I have been able to do a bit more walking in the last few weeks. It's been nice to get out more.
JD, sending warm thoughts to you and your family as you mourn.
JD, please add my deepest condolences to those already expressed by the Commentariat. I know the next few weeks and months will be challenging, but I hope memories of happier times will help you navigate your "new normal".
Kristen, I totally get the challenges of dealing with hospital online security. The hospital system where I work was hacked a number of years ago, so they now have 2 step authentication, etc., to get into the system. On the one hand, it can be a hassle - on the other, it's a blessing that employee and patient records are now so hard to get into. After having three (3) work computer-related snafus last week, I am most grateful for kind and helpful IT people.
I am grateful that my family and I are going on vacation next week, using credit card points for our flights and hotel stay.
I am grateful for AC, automatic ice makers in freezers, and seltzer water.
I am grateful for the delicious (and free!) Indian Rice Bowl I just had for lunch here at work.
Have a great day, everyone!
JD,
I'm so sorry to read about your loss. Sending you a big virtual hug and a virtual lasagna. <3
JD, being there, having family present, your son-in-love's assist is all a sacred privilege. Thankful for your husband's lucidity and readiness to change places for his last days. Praying that God's Arms buoy you up in the coming days.
Kristen, 60mg is a big dose of prednisone. Some Doctor's automatically think we have some resistance to that type of thing. My side effect from steroids is the sleeplessness and increase in appetite. I'm ready to eat the "insulation out of the walls," as a former nurse mentor used to say. When I had gall bladder surgery the surgeon wanted to send me home with a heavy duty pain med. While something WAS warranted, I asked them to dial it down a notch because my system was/is not used to heavy pain medication. Thankfully, he obliged. As it was, I was a long time coming out of the anesthesia anyways because of getting more than necessary. Clues, people, clues!
Thankful for the slow adaptation to change in work schedule from night shift to evenings. Some days are really good and I have time and enjoy interaction with residents (who are awake). Other days I have task needs and (monumental) amounts of charting that keep me from that joy. In that vain, thankful for establishing rapport with most (there are always some who try my patience) of the aides, and they are aware of my high expectations of care.
Thankful my "garden" (most of my plants are in mineral tubs) looks good and healthy. I harvested the lavender yesterday since it was ready. I got about three pounds, give or take. It needs to be sorted for size of heads and length of stems. You'll never believe I took tips from watching hair cutting reels on fb to cut it, lifting and cut several stems at once to not leave "stems" on the plant as it leans out toward the sun.
Thankful to have pit three pounds of cherries. They stained my hands and even lemon juice has not removed the telltale signs. Many nurses I work with wear nail polish or even acrylic nails. I'm too frugal to do that, plus my fingernails get weak when I do. AND I have never gotten past the "ick" that they do harbor germs. I sometimes do my toenails for a pop of color with sandals.
It is pollinator week and I am esp. thankful for the little things: bees, flies, wasps, hummingbirds, moths and butterflies that help in providing us with a variety colorful fruits and vegetables.
@Chrissy, If anyone asks about the stains, channel Lady Macbeth! "Out, damned spot: out, I say. Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?"
JD I am so very sorry for your husband's passing and wish you strength for the days to come.
JD - I am so sorry for your loss. May all your memories bring you comfort in the coming days. <3
JD, I am so very sorry to hear of your husband's passing. May God give you comfort and peace.
I am thankful for a wonderful camping trip last weekend. We camped with friends, and my daughter surprised us by showing up for Father's Day! My other daughter has an older camp trailer that caused a few headaches. I am so thankful she made it home safe (this was her first voyage with towing a trailer!) and that we know how to fix what was causing issues.
WOW! 60 mg is a high dose! I've never even had a dose that high for asthmatic bronchitis! I turn into the Wicked Witch of the West on the last day of a taper, or the first day without, and it's not pretty. Give yourself some grace if you feel out of sorts.
And try to take your dose as early as possible to reduce sleep issues. Finally, try to minimize carbs on Prednisone. Prednisone messes with blood sugar and makes the mood swings worse if you are feeding yourself carbs.
Hugs for JD. Sorry for you loss. <3
60 mg is TERRIBLE. I hope to never take that much again!
I'm down to 20mg today, and I'll be on that for a few days before I go down to 10 for a few days and then I'll be all done.
I'll make sure to focus on protein!
JD, please know that you have our sympathy and support.
Kristen, yay for starting your job! You will be wonderful and the nursing staff will be singing your praises. I suspect you will have lots of people who are eager to be references for you, after watching your work skills. 🙂 I also am not a person who wears nail polish (except to cover my ugly toenails) so I understand how that makes following the job requirements easier. Also, yes, I don't know why hospital-based charting and other online systems are so cumbersome, but they are, and it's a time suck when all you want to do is provide good patient care.
Anyway. Thankful that my daughter passed her on-road driver's test today! We've delayed it due to various factors, and now, whew, it's over. Got that off our to-do list. Since she is legally an adult, I wasn't allowed to be in the car for her testing, which was fine with me! We met up with the road test person at a bowling alley parking lot, and I bowled a game (poorly, but it was fun) while I waited for her.
Thankful for safe road conditions and a good trip to Illinois to visit my in-laws.
Like much of the country, thankful for air conditioning!
Also, thankful for my bed. While the bed my in-laws provide is adequate, I really enjoyed coming home to my comfy mattress.
Thankful my cats did well in our absence and that they welcomed us home!
I am not grateful for anything. I am bitter and angry this week. When do we get Whiny Wednesday when we can all have a joint moan?
.
.
.
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Just me? FINE. Everyone be all Up With People.
Oh man, it sounds like you have been on prednisone this week! 😉
@Rose, Whine away. We'll listen. Our family went to see a movie today for the first time in almost a decade. Inside Out 2. No need to bottle-up those emotions. 😉
Thanks, guys. IDK, it just sucks this week. I've never until this year found it hard to find a job.
Meanwhile, I see friends of mine who've been housewives their entire lives, being whisked off for exotic trips by their husbands or posting "It's Margarita O'Clock" from the beach and I wonder why I'm in this position. I've worked constantly since I was 18. I paid my own way through college (which was extremely expensive and I went without food or medical care for years), I paid off my school loans without whining that the government should pay them, I paid off my KIDS' school loans since their s------- father cut them loose, and why? So I can be scrambling for work, with long Covid and CFS/FM, at age 59? And being humiliated because NO ONE EVER CALLS ME BACK?
WHY DID I EVEN BOTHER? I should have just shut up, been a good girl who never utters a contrary word, and sat on my butt for 25 years instead of constantly hustling. Certainly I'd have a better outcome.
I'VE JUST HAD IT. I can't even blame prednisone for it. I'm so frustrated.
And I keep thinking "I want Steph and Mom" (BFF) and I can't have them. The people who really cared about me, gone. So I'm just sitting here crying on my own while my dog licks my face.
I appealed to my ex for help several times regarding my son, who is having problems. So did my daughter. His only answer was a text to my son: "So what's going on with you, [daughter's name] and mom?" Note either that I no longer merit the title "Mom" or he's lost enough IQ points not to initial cap "Mom." Note that I don't deserve the courtesy of a reply. God knows what my son replied, probably "Everything's great, Dad who Dumped Me when I Needed him Most!" My daughter refused to answer and I told him to go you know what himself and we could figure it out without him.
There, I hope that's what you wanted to know.
@Rose, "I told him to go you know what himself and we could figure it out without him." was a perfect response. May both kids (I know it would not even be on your radar) tell their sperm donor to take a hike (me being PC but I know you get the drift) the day he needs any help.
It's okay to be pissed off. Much better than bottling it up inside or a reference to something else likely not appropriate for this blog.
JD, My deepest condolences. Grace and peace to you.
@JD sorry to hear about your husband. You have many fellow "commentariats" on this blog if you are so inclined to vent, grieve, or otherwise express whatever feelings you may have.
@Kristen - the only other sector worse than health care for security is the financial sector - ask me how I know. I'm getting close to a Danny Glover moment as of late.
I am so sorry for your loss JD! I hope that you have a support system around you and know that this sweet group is here for you too.
I’m sorry for your loss too, JD. It’s hard losing a love one. Praying for you.
I’m thankful …
1) God loves me unconditionally and his mercies are new every morning.
2) For my hardworking, beaten down and tired husband. He does so much for us.
3) For 3 wonderful daughters who love me and are an energetic bunch.
4) For continued rain and cooler summers where I’m at.
Sending JD my condolences. So glad she “checked in” to let you know her circumstances - we have missed her.
JD, we are so sorry for your loss. I've been reading in the comments about the struggles for the past few years.
JD, Very sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Wishing you calm and peace in this very difficult time.
JD, so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. May you know God's comfort and care in new ways in the days ahead.
So very sorry for your loss, JD. Please take care of yourself.
Sending love and prayers to JD and her family.
Sending you comfort and well wishes during your time of grief, JD.