Being Thankful


Today is Thanksgiving. The boys are with their Dad and we are leaving for NH in the morning. I volunteered to work at my second job for the day. I would be on call. In my mind that meant wearing PJs all day, watching the parade, reading, and baking all while wearing the beeper, sure that no one would need me. In reality, it meant two nursing visits.

My first visit was in Stillwater, NY at 9:30am to disconnect a chemotherapy infusion. I set my GPS and off I went. Did you know there is more than one Stillwater, NY and all three have a similarly named road? Well I visited two out of three today. The first one was on a dirt road in the middle of f.... nowhere and there were scary dudes with rifles. The second one was 5 hours away. I didn't go to that one. The third one was correct. I was an hour late. I called to let him know I was coming. The patient thought I was stupid, I know I'm stupid and in the privacy of my own car, I said bad words. Because I was an hour late for that visit, I was an hour late for the next. I was feeling sad over being alone for Thanksgiving, started worrying about Christmas and before I knew it, I was in a bad place and getting a little weepy. In between tears I called ahead to let my next patient know I was running late.

I finally got there and the nicest possible couple met me at the door. The patient needed hydration daily to help him get through his cancer treatment. The wife was overwhelmed and was very teary. He, sick as he was, got me a chair and his wife shared with me how much she loves him and just wants him better. I stayed for longer than I had to because they needed to talk. They shared their life with me, a complete stranger. I was honored. They have no other family except each other. I eventually left, wishing them well and got back in my car to go home. I was no longer mad, saying bad words and crying over insignificant things. Instead I felt thankful.

Today I am thankful for the following:
I am thankful for not just one job, but two.
I am thankful that Sam made it home safe.
I am thankful that Ben is finally healthy.
I am thankful that Mom is still with us.
I am thankful that Martha is taking good care of Mom.
I am thankful to Nancy for daring me to dream.
I am thankful I can use my words to write.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

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