Monday, September 29, 2008

For the Nurses

I think I always knew that nursing was a calling; that it matched a special person to a special job. As a patient in intensive care for the first time, and an extended time, I have seen the knowledge, care, and devotion brought to people in need. Being on the receiving end of this care has become a significant part of my own experience. It reminds me of the magic of giving and receiving love. For much of this hospital stay, I have been almost entirely dependent on the assistance of others. I will never forget my night nurse for the first three nights; I can see her almost floating around during the quiet hours in my room that was not really dark but not really light. In between checking vital signs and administering medications, she fluffed my pillows just so, knew when I needed water, a change of gown, a cool wash cloth on my face.

My own recovery is proceeding well. Thankfully, you probably can't tell that there is a 7 inch wound where my ribs were separated and a vital organ permanently removed from it's home of many years. Once the blood pressure, blood sugar and bodily function issues are resolved, I will be back in the arms of my dachshunds, I mean family.

Sundown tonight brings the beginning of the Days of Awe for those who observe. Regardless of your religious preference, I hope we are all inscribed in the Book of Life, and that we will be looking back in the fall of 2009 at a year full of good health and other promising things.

L'Shana Tova.

8 comments:

Terri Meeks said...

Elyse,
Two weeks from now, the pain will be a distant memory. We are blessed to forget or else no one would have more than one child. The ICU nurses are special. They chose that field because it is challenging and they want to help patients recover (they don't mind working). Like I said before, try to enjoy your recovery while you have someone giving you that TLC!
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Terri

Team Dream said...

Dear Elyse--
Tough year. May your new year be all the things this one was not: sweet, happy, and most of all easy. Yet may your necessary spiritual growth from this difficult year light your path to make next year the best and most fulfilling ever.

Thanks for showing us what grace and courage can be. Looking forward to celebrating many more new years with you.

xoxoxo
AKW

Anonymous said...

L'Shana Tova
D&D

Below was sent to me, thought I'd share it with you.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

~ Author Unknown to me ~

Anonymous said...

Bask in the grace and care you receive from those angels in white. I have not been a devoted church attendee, but have found thru my own cancer journey that taking time to allow some spirituality and grace to enter my mind and body has been extremely healing and whatever one's faith, this is an available blessing. Keep up the joy from your successful surgery and aim for home and complete recovery. See you soon. Betsy

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year
The bubbling of the tubes and suction and the lights that confuse day and night will soon be over. You sound great and family and friends await and applaud. What is it it about dachshunds? They seem to smile better than all other dogs.

davedoc

Anonymous said...

Elyse, may the new year bring days of healing and thanksgiving! May all our days be days of awe. You have reminded us all of that throughout these last months. Wishing you speedy return to the comforts of home where I look forward to a visit with my little guys. Love, Michelle N.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Elyse--you have no idea what a smile it brought to me to read your posts. You seem to be doing so amazingly well, and I am so grateful for that. I hope to see you, soon.
Happy New Year (is that appropriate? If not, please forgive my gentile ignorance--I mean well)!

-Mary Beth

Anonymous said...

Elyse
You know it personally and I know it through the eyes of my child. Nurses are very special. We lean on every word they say and every non verbal clue. Sometimes they even tell us more then the dr's!!
The human body and mind can endure a lot more then we ever thought possible. I don't know about you, but I would love a year where both the body and the mind are not tested quite as much. Sometimes one just has to sit out and rest. I wish you and your family a wonderful healthy and happy New Year.
Marsha