A Dog's Sense of Humor!

I was working in a Home Health/Hospice setting many years ago here in NE Oklahoma. Just let me say, never was I bored with my job as a Registered Nurse!!

It was one of those Spring mornings that I wasn't quite focusing well. Allergies? Lack of sleep? I arrived to the hospital to get my assignments and supplies while trying to locate my coffee cup and attempt to find my cheerful self. Where was she?

I half-heartedly went wandering into the supervisor's office to see where I was going. She was extremely brave taking on that position! She had to juggle clients, their families, nurses, doctors, aides, physical therapy, etc. We nodded to one another as I sought my desk to get paperwork and plan my drive and make phone calls.

I crawled in behind my steering wheel after loading my car with everything I thought I might need.  I was grateful for the 40 minute drive to see the first patient.  She was in her 60's and in renal failure and she was married to a darling 80 year old man who adored her and took care of her night and day.  Being with them was a good way to start my day.

As I headed their direction I began to notice the daffodils, the forsythia bushes and the pink and white dogwood and redbud trees. They were flirting with the light breeze and warming sunlight. The pastures were turning green and welcomed the little Holstein calves bouncing up and down as if they had springs in their hooves. Sunbeams were slicing through the trees on the rolling hillsides. Suddenly I realized, it was the pollen that was after me! And I truly thought to myself, "I don't care! Thank God winter is over!" I could take a Sudafed when I returned home! (the old days)

I pulled my car into the yard next to the white picket fence where my patient lived. I was all charmed by the drive to get there and was fiddling with the idea of singing Oklahoma. But the song left me promptly when I caught an eyeful of my left front tire slowly deflating! Oh no!! Not here! Not now!

But to be honest, is there anywhere or anytime we do want a flat tire?!!

When I got inside their cozy cottage I asked my patient if there was a tire repair shop in the area.  I thought maybe I could get it fixed while I took care of her needs and did her assessment, etc.

"Don't be silly Becki! Fred'll fix it!" She said.

"Fred", she hollered in his best ear's direction, "FRED, GO FIX BECKI'S FLAT TIRE."

"What? A flat? Who's got a flat? You, Becki? I'll fix it! I've fixed hundreds of them." He said while limping and shuffling off to the front door.

"Oh! No Sir! That's very nice but I can handle it." I said as I tried to dissuade him, fearing he'd hurt himself.

I could see visions of a newspaper headline. "Nurse kills patient's husband because of her flat tire causing him to drop dead of a massive heart attack!"

Well I was really awake now!

I pulled out the pretend spare tire, the miniature jack and that thing-a-ma-jig that pulls off your hubcaps and everything else important looking in the trunk.

First we cranked it one way, then another.  Finally, I retrieved the manual from the glove box.  Charlie thought this was great fun.  He jumped into the front seat as I put on the emergency brake. I began bargaining with God. "Oh Lord, I know the tire can be replaced, the upholstery can be cleaned, but please don't let Fred get hurt under my car."

I pointed to the pictures in the manual showing Fred where to put the jack, then turned to locate the spare again just in time to catch Charlie peeing all over it! Oh boy! Now my hands weren't only going to be black. They would be black and wet and smelly!

Suddenly I couldn't help but laugh and as the day progressed the more humorous the event seemed.  It didn't get real funny though till I got home with it all behind me.  More than likely it's the last time I'll underestimate the strength of an 80 year old man or a dog's sense of humor!

Often we think we know how to prepare for the day but the older I get the more I appreciate living in the Now moment, aiming to anticipate joy and surprise, shooing away any fearful thoughts, enjoying laughing at myself!

What did my patients teach me? Plenty! Life is not a check list! Enjoy your day dear friends! And pet a dog! Stay healthy and strong because you might need to help an old lady that looks just like me with a flat tire!


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www.ladyhawkpublishing.com
My book is available there along with the e-book.
Transitions: A Nurse's Education about Life and Death

In The Midst of it All

I feel honored when I'm invited to visit, or they respond to my request to visit, a friend or family member who has been diagnosed and living with a challenging disease.

I've known Vicki for years.  She has been involved in community service for several years here in our hometown of Pryor, Oklahoma.  She has the heart of a saint and a healthy sense of humor and courage beyond compare.

Vicki was diagnosed with ALS, Lou-Gehrig's Disease, a few years ago and now requires around the clock supervision to assist with many activities of daily living.  Introduction of star #2, her daughter Barbara.

Vicki was sitting in her fancy, fantastic wheelchair with her sweet puppy of 13? years, Rosie.  Once Rosie knew I meant no harm to Vicki, she allowed me to sit and visit.

Due to the progression of the disease, Vicki has a very limited use of her extremities.  She needs help if her nose itches, or she needs a drink of water, or eating, bathing, etc.  She and Barbara are educated on the disease prognosis and yet...in the midst of it all they are spending a good deal of the time with me laughing and telling stories.  It is very clear the bond between them is golden.

Barbara's saint of a husband insisted that she stay with her Mom several days a week, sharing the responsibility with her brother and sister-n-law.  And after listening to Barbara, it's a family of sainthood.

Vicki voices frustration with the 24-7 need she has stating she feels so guilty that Barbara has to spend so much time taking care of her.  Yes, Home Health/Hospice does help, and Vicki has nothing but praise for them, but that is limited care. They can't stay 24-7.

Barbara is quick to reply, "Mom, you would do it for me.  And in fact you did as a Mother raising me.  You took care of it all and I never heard you complain about it.  Now it's my turn to help you."

Ask anyone in these medical dilemmas where you are searching for assistance and you will hear the stories of frustration.  But Barbara did mention that not that many generations ago we all took care of our own.  Grandma and Grandpa Walton lived with John Boy's parents and his family.  It's not that common now.  Thank goodness for Home Health, Hospice, great nursing home facilities, or extended care facilities.  And I must say I've visited some of the finest with a most dedicated staff.  We just never know. It could be you or me anytime.

So what is helpful?  If you have a friend or relative who does need assistance and you just don't know what to do to help, ask them or ask the family.  Maybe they need: leaves raked and bagged, snow shoveled,  the car washed, a gift certificate to the grocery store, a Visa gift card for expenses that insurance doesn't help with, occasional flower delivery, laundry folded, etc.  Just try to think what you might need if the tables were turned.

I hope to visit Vicki and Barbara often.  They blessed me tremendously the other day with their stories, their laughter, a few tears, and some very honest conversation about Life!

They can always use your prayers too! Never underestimate the value of a prayer!