The Indomitable Spirit

I was an LPN for many years, the majority of which were either in home-care or hospice. I thrived in these atmospheres! As odd as it may sound to some, hospice was my calling. I did a lot of hands-on nursing and a little of everything else.

I both laughed and cried with families. Sometimes I was an emergency social worker until the degreed person arrived! I learned so much from every person I came in contact with. I cared for infants up to 108. Literally.

That older woman was amazing! I was working in a hospice unit and she was right across from the nurses’ station. The only reason she was on hospice was because of her age. She needed a little help getting around, but that was it. Her mind, her spirit, and her sense of humor were all intact! Then she woke up one morning and crossed the veil to the next world. It’s been so many years since I met her, but she left such an impression on me.

I don’t recall her being prim and proper, the way you might for someone being so senior. In fact, she had a bit of a ‘wicked’ streak to her! In many ways, she taught me that it was okay to be myself. There was so much turmoil in my life at this time that her lesson couldn’t have come at a better time.

There’s so much of life left to learn, but I’ve had so many teachers. Don’t we all?

There are teachers all around us. I don’t nurse anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have teachers. I have 2 teachers that test and teach every single day. My grandsons. One is 11 and the other is 7. I moved in with them and their family just before the youngest was born. Oh my. I’ll just say it’s been, and is, life-changing.

We never have to look far. Some teachers make us so angry we can spit! But we learn from them. Not everyone is going to be someone we know and love. A lot of times it will be people we don’t know. But these people can impact our lives forever.

Another story. I have lots of stories! Anyway. I was on my way out to see a patient. He wasn’t answering his phone and didn’t have any family. That’s when I was sent out. I was told that there was a key if the door was locked.

I got there and knocked. And I knocked and knocked some more. He still didn’t answer so I opened the door slightly and called for him. No answer. I opened the door and went in. There he was. He was sitting at his computer. His hand was on his mouse and there was a small package of miniature cakes opened by the computer with a bite missing.

Yes, he had crossed. I don’t know how he remained sitting, but he did. What did he teach me? He taught me that even in his final moments he was doing something that gave him whatever pleasure he could get. I’d never met him, but I guarantee that he was a teacher.

So, how does this all come together? It brings us all together. We learn from each other. Don’t be afraid to open your eyes, look at the people around you. Look to the critters around you. They teach as well!

I’ll close for now. More to come!