These things change us

[just pet]

They tend to.

But there is that within you which tires torture and time.

And I'm inclined to think you underestimate yourself.

It's because I'm really short, isn't it...

 

[Byron In Exile]

It's because I'm really short, isn't it...

No. I like your height.

You come up to my neck.

That's just about right for a woman and a feller.

 

[Debbie]

It's because I'm really short, isn't it...

No, it's because you downplay what/ who you are and how you touch people.
I'm glad my av amuses you. Thanks be to Q.

I'm off to bed to recharge for the 'morrow. As usual jp continues to inspire me to be who I am and what I do.



I wish we could catch up more often.

 

[just pet]

No. I like you're height.

You come up to my neck.

That's just about right for a woman and a feller.

Good for dancin'

 

[just pet]

No, it's because you downplay what/ who you are and how you touch people.
I'm glad my av amuses you. Thanks be to Q.

I'm off to bed to recharge for the 'morrow. As usual jp continues to inspire me to be who I am and what I do.



I wish we could catch up more often.

It's totally mutual
Let's replay that phone call soon

And catch up we must

I am off to bed as well

Sleep well

 

[Byron In Exile]

Good for dancin'

Don't dance, but it's good for some stuff.

 

[Byron In Exile]

Buddhists probably don't call it a Sling Blade, but I call it a Kaiser Blade.

Good thing I got into Hinduism, I suppose.

 

[Jimi]

Just a drive-by...

to let folk know how much I enjoy this thread... for reasons some of you could NEVER imagine.

 

[just pet]

Buddhists probably don't call it a Sling Blade, but I call it a Kaiser Blade.

Good thing I got into Hinduism, I suppose.

Not sure I'm following this, Byron
But I'm glad we're friends

 

[just pet]

to let folk know how much I enjoy this thread... for reasons some of you could NEVER imagine.

It's good stuff

Morning, Jimi

 

[Hester]

hope you had a nice nap.

you do the good work, my friend.

 

[Jimi]

It's good stuff

Morning, Jimi

Evenin' JP...

 

[Byron In Exile]

Not sure I'm following this, Byron
But I'm glad we're friends

There's no following that sort of thing.

But I'm glad we're friends, too.

 

[Debbie]

to let folk know how much I enjoy this thread... for reasons some of you could NEVER imagine.

What he said.


I have an Emphysema client who is considered level 5. Terminal. Bathing her skeletal frame whilst on oxygen 24/7 is beyond sad.

Sadder still is watching her gasp for each breath yet more often than not she is thinking of others or commenting that she is a moaning minnie or that she has chicken legs.

Most of my clients are beyond amazing in their attitudes. It really gives me food for thought.

 

[Debbie]

Another new client. Terminal. Bladder cancer. Prognosis: Three weeks to a month tops. Family have brought her home.


Thinking of you, jp. And how you keep doing what you do.

 

[Avery_Chisholm]

 

[DV81]

What experiences have changed you in a heartbeat?

too many to list.

 

[Byron In Exile]

http://www.tibetanpainting.com/images/dharmasymbols/Lotus.jpg

 

[Jimi]

What he said.


I have an Emphysema client who is considered level 5. Terminal. Bathing her skeletal frame whilst on oxygen 24/7 is beyond sad.

Sadder still is watching her gasp for each breath yet more often than not she is thinking of others or commenting that she is a moaning minnie or that she has chicken legs.

Most of my clients are beyond amazing in their attitudes. It really gives me food for thought.

That is the TRUE Beauty in Palliative Care... the Caregiver and the Cared-for minister to one another equally. It is a time for pain, but also for great understanding.... to share the Journey and the strength of people when challenged, is a true Blessing/Mitzvah.

 

[Debbie]

Another new client. Terminal. Bladder cancer. Prognosis: Three weeks to a month tops. Family have brought her home.


Thinking of you, jp. And how you keep doing what you do.

Two and a half weeks in hospital. Nine days at home. Surrounded by a very loving family she passed away peacefully.

 

[surferboy69]

The call came in at 9pm. A 34 year old patient with pain out of control. She is on a CADD pump, with Dilaudid, but her pain is escalating. As the on call RN, I had to go and titrate her meds up.

The hour drive made me cranky, muttering under my breath, "why didn't the nurse that was out earlier fix this..."

The road was dark, the 2 flights of stairs up to the house even darker. The entry was well lit, and the 10 pairs of shoes lined up neatly on the front porch began a story. I was suddenly glad I had just painted my toenails.

I was welcomed in and ushered quickly and quietly into a small room, dominated by a hospital bed, a small jaundiced-bronzed woman in obvious, severe distress and 6 Afghani women.

For the next 4-1/2 hours, I sat vigil with these women, as I increased the Dilaudid from 4mg/hour to 64mg/hr, giving Ativan to calm, began oxygen, held hands.

The patient is 34, her sister died from the very same cancer recently. Her mother and I spoke only the language of the love for our children. She is suffering, just as her dying daughter is. The older woman pulled a chair next to her for me to sit, holding my hand, kissing first one cheek, then the other. We watched and prayed together as her baby's breathing became less labored and her moans became softer and less frequent.

And the young women talked of politics and how they had no interest until just recently, as they are hated, despised for their religious beliefs. As we sat together, sharing a glass of hot tea and sweet dates, we talked of all those fighting, being killed, some Mother's child.

The suffering I saw tonight was not any less nor any more deserved for this young Moslem woman and her family. They welcomed me, never asked about my religion. The dying woman's mother said she loved me, loved me for easing the suffering of her child.

I am different tonight

And now have no tolerance for blind and ignorant hatred


What experiences have changed you in a heartbeat?

wow, just wow............

 

[CloseNtime]

things that change us

http://a.im.craigslist.org/Um/gg/jhbW8j00lGv3t5gX1SbScPLfVc5z.jpg

 

[just pet]

Shirley had been a high powered attorney. Impeccably dressed. Articulate. Purpose in every step.

I see her now, in a wheelchair, unable to even feed herself. She has no recognition of family, surroundings or even herself.
She cannot string 3 words together, and even those have no reference to the moment.
She is nonengaging, no eye contact. She has lost the ability to smile.

Alzheimer's at its worst.

Enter Elliott

He is a 10 month old red kangaroo who lives at one of our dementia facilities
And he is touring all our facilities as ambassador for pet therapy

Elliott was placed in Shirley's lap. He cuddled close, soft face nuzzling her neck. A light flickered in Shirley's once dead eyes. A smile. She held the roo close. Connection thought lost, now found.

These things change us

 

[Cheyenne]

Two and a half weeks in hospital. Nine days at home. Surrounded by a very loving family she passed away peacefully.

Ah, a Debbie post from a long time ago. I wish she was still at Lit...

 

[just pet]

Ah, a Debbie post from a long time ago. I wish she was still at Lit...

Hi Chey

Me too
I still have her phone number
One of these days I am going to shock her and call

I'll report in