To New Beginnings…
During new year, I often look back to reflect upon the blessings and the good things that happened to myself and my family. I also reflect upon the not so good things- and think about the lessons I learned from those experiences. Combining them together is always a win-win situation. I take them to the next chapter of my life’s story and hope to use them when similar situations take place.
Two weeks ago, I took care of a 57-year old gentleman who was primarily diagnosed with Prostate Abscess with TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) procedure done. I didn’t have an immediate connection with him- I was his third nurse. And getting reports from previous nurses, sometimes give you preconceived ideas about the person, so I distanced myself. The second day while giving medications he asked me where I was originally from so I told him that I was from the Philippines. That was our connection. As we conversed, he mentioned that he had a girlfriend that was from the Philippines but broke up with him after being together for eight years. He started opening up and told me that all his medical conditions started coming out since his break up and he just went downward spiral since then. That moment I know that this patient is not just struggling with his current medical condition but is also suffering from depression. So we talked and give him unsolicited encouragement like any nurse does. The next two days I noticed the change in his outlook. He was not as grouchy as the previous days. When his family came, I updated them. They validated that my patient has been sad since his relationship went south. I extended them my words of encouragement as well. I have him for another two days after my day off and continued connecting. I sensed that he trusted the way I took care of him so I didn’t get the attitude I got from the reports of my fellow nurses. The day after Christmas, I came back to work from being off during the holidays. I was surprised that he was still admitted- but he wasn’t in my assignment; and glad to know that he is being discharged later that day. I made sure that I saw him before he went home and gave him my last piece of advice- to look forward and anticipate the greater things; with positive outlooks come positive outcomes. He shook my hand and thanked me. His mother and step father thanked me as well. I volunteered to wheel him down the lobby where his ride was waiting so I could continue giving him pieces of advice until he got into his family’s car. As I walk back to my unit, I have this sense of pride because I knew somehow I made an impact and a fresh new start is ahead of this patient that I just sent home.
About the same time two weeks ago Bob and I also completed another milestone as we closed and bought our home here in Florida. It took 10 months since all these started. Around February of 2019 when we first contemplated of moving to somewhere warmer; took two weeks laying out the plan- then we called our realtor to start the process of listing our Cape Cod home for the Spring market. Not long after that, we received an offer and started packing. In June, before the start of summer, we began our journey. We temporarily rented a house while our home is being built. Six months later, we opened the front door of our Florida home. Finally, we are officially Florida residents. This is our new beginning.
Have a blessed New Year Everyone!!!
Sunrise at Light House State Park Beach, Ponce Inlet, FL January 02, 2020