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!

Forever grateful

I am happy to be off work today, especially since I thought I was going to be wearing a cast on my dominant arm. Let's just say walking up hills and wearing certain footwear is hazardous. (I wasn't going far, so I thought I was immune). Nevertheless, after a quick trip for an x-ray and eval, I found out, I was scraped, sore and suffering from a really bad bone bruise between the bones of my arm.

I raise my glass today in honor of those who have come before us, who died and were disabled on the job to give honor to a hard day's work.

The honorable today includes all of you: nurses in the EDs, in the ORs, in the rehab units, in the clinics, in the every inpatient, outpatient, consultant and administrative role.

Your work is honorable and I salute you! Happy Labor Day wherever you are.

Always remember...

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. ~ Robert G. Ingersoll

Thank you Uncle Max. You gave your life in World War II far from home crossing a river I lived to see in peacetime even though I never met you.

Thank you Skippy, injured in the jungles of Vietnam. You wore your scars every single day I knew you.

Thank you, all veterans, who gave your lives for the cause of freedom or died later as a result of it, on this Memorial Day.

We remember you and we remember freedom isn't free. You paid the ultimate price.