In honor of mothers

It's that time of year again. One I never fully understood until I joined the sorority of women over a decade ago.

The things you learn...

1. That those nine months seemingly last forever, but you never realize, the end may be a sprint.

2. After the sprint, you hit the marathon. Only a couple of other times in my life was I ever as physically exhausted as I was by taking care of a newborn. It's almost like a semi-permanent state of jet lag.

3. You'll never forget that first smile, or that first laugh.

4. You'll become the sentinel, the guardian, the protector, because that little cherub really is your heart walking around (or just plain escaped) outside of your body.

5. Everything and little things are milestones you'll want to record. Don't sweat it if you run out of film or space on your device so you have proof. A good story (told over and over) will be a family memory for generations.

6. Be kind and curious. So many folks don't appreciate those things anymore.

7. You'll miss your mother so much when she's no longer with you. I know I do. My mom never got to know Bubba or any of her other grandchildren. Losing her as a teenager meant she missed so much.

If you've never known your mom or the love of a mother figure, you may be sad today, too. But remember, if you are or planning on being a mother, you'll write your own story. Be the mother you want to be. The past is in the past for a reason. The present is a gift for you.

Enjoy your day and weekend! Happy Mothers' Day!

Happy Mother's Day

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.
Irish Proverb

So Bubba and Dahey took me to brunch today, they bought me roses, and when we got home (since our brunch location doesn't do liquor) I got my mimosas.

I almost completed my vow to not do any laundry (or other housework) today, but I spilled one mimosa on my favorite tablecloth, so I washed it.

Hope you enjoy your day (and your mom) wherever you are! Not everyone is able to do so. I still miss my mom, who has been gone for many years now.

More to come...

Serendipity

It can't exactly be summed up in one word. When I read this article, I thought of my own experiences on subway trains all over the place.

Consequently, I find the same thing happening as I do my job. Sometimes, when I was on the floor, I'd have those moments with those super-needy patients where I felt as if every ounce of caring was sucked out of me. I was spent.

Before I knew it, someone would come and change everything, in that very moment. One particular moment I remember was working on Mother's Day. My coworkers swore our weekend always encompassed the holidays, like Mother's Day. I finally got everything done for my patients and headed for the nurses' station to chart (since we don't do bedside, nosirree!). One of our chaplains came to the desk and gave all the mothers a rose. It was sweet. He has moved to a different area, so I smile when I see him and think of that day.

That same article made me think of one of those super needy patients. Partly because he lived in New York City for a while. I think of some of our folks, like him, even more this time of year, because he died not long before Christmas. His sister, an old nurse, liked to bring donuts.

We may not be in a subway car, but in our little unit at the Hotel, we find fortunate happenstance in places we never expected. I hope you do, too, wherever you are tonight.

Happy Mother's Day

Here in the US we are celebrating mothers. Enjoy this stream-of-consciousness song wherever you are!

I raise my glass (of Merlot right now...) to you wherever you are!

Mom, I miss you so much!

Happy Mother's Day

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving


Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there wherever you are, especially those of you working on the floors today.

Mom, I love you and miss you always.

Happy Mother's Day

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. ~Jewish Proverb

Hope all the mothers out there, especially those working today, have a great holiday. I'll be joining you shortly, once Bubba tells me what the big surprise is.

Mother's Day epilogue

My day:

Wonderful brunch with Dahey and Bubba, even if it was a tad cool outside. We had a nice afternoon stroll immediately following in the sunshine, playing by a fountain, which was a magnet for all of the little boys nearby.

The volunteers at work brought us stuff: fast food. Not sure why...no bingo games were going on last night. Just because, I guess.

One of our groups brought flowers for all of the nurses who were mothers and the chaplain corps handed them out while they were in the neighborhood for services. I told Dahey I didn't want flowers, but got some anyway. It was nice.

We celebrated amongst ourselves with a dessert cart...cake, ice cream, cookies and pie. That trolley and brunch played hell with my diet yesterday, but thankfully, it's only one day.

Back to the lions' den tonight, for more wild and crazy excitement. Stay tuned!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all from one of the crew. Moms do what no one else will do, just like nurses.

One sweet patient talked Mom into bringing us flowers from the garden and another had a bouquet delivered to the nurses' station.

At least it covers up the bowel routines a little.

More to come...

What more...

Can you ask for this lovely Mothers' Day weekend:

1. Weather prediction: storms.
2. Husband sick. Dahey worked and something worked him over.
3. That last paper of the semester looming over your head.
4. Working all weekend.

Here's to crossing fingers that I'll get to wear my new dress without being rained on!

More to come...