"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
I made it through my first twelve hour work day without feeling like I might collapse. I actually felt pretty good as long as I kept moving and the only time I really, really wanted to put my head down and go to sleep was during my lunch break. Once I got home it was a different story. While My Darling watched television, I struggled to keep my eyes open. My legs were tired and achy, and even my hands hurt. I closed my eyes for a minute or two...
The day was busy with helping residents wash up and get out of bed for the day, transporting to and from the dining room or activities, giving assistance with meals, cleaning up messes, and answering call bells. In between there were plenty of opportunities for kind words, hugs, a few kisses, and lots of smiles. I even got a hug from Charlie. :0)
I am grateful now for two days off, to nurse a slight headache, and to soak in some sunshine. I've never run a marathon, never had any desire to, but I'm thinking this coming weekend, with three twelve hour days in a row, will be just that. Quite honestly, I'm a little intimidated, but my parents ran their own "marathons" before me. Dad lived his entire life with the effects of a childhood battle with polio. One leg may have been shorter and weaker than the other, but God gave him the ability to climb mountains on it. Mom may have been born with the scar of spina bifida, she may have been tethered to an oxygen tank for her final 13 years, but she faced the race before her bravely. I don't want to go anywhere without the strength of the Lord. With Him I can do all things, but without Him I can do nothing.
PS. Please pray for my cousin Pam and my Aunt Margie as together they face some age related problem regarding my aunt. Growing old isn't easy for any of us.
Glad you made it through your first day!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
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Yeah! You did it and what a inspiring post. Keep writing, I need your precious stories of courage and kindness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wanda. I'll do my best.
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I thought about Aunt argie a lot yesterday and prayed for her. I'm sad for her. She must be so confused about why she is where she is. I drove by the place yesterday since it's right down the street from where I work. It looks very nice from the outside and looks like they have some nice fenced in outside areas to sit, but she still must feel like she's in prison. Life is so hard sometimes. :\
ReplyDelete*Margie
DeleteYou are thinking of Aunt Margie, and I am thinking of Pam... but not at exclusion of Aunt Margie. Growing old is hard for all of us, those doing the growing and those watching.
DeleteI'm also thinking about Pam. I sent her a PM on facebook as soon as I was done talking to Uncle Chuck. (you were on the phone with her at that time, but I didn't know) I feel sad for both of them, but I don't know what recourse there is.
DeleteRelax.....put your feet up....hello?.....Martha?
ReplyDeleteZzzzzzzzzzz....
Cheers!
Linda :o)
I slept like a baby last night and took a nap today as well. It was a good day. Hannah and I even got to spend a little time together this morning. We went out to the bank and Target and I let her drive.
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