I come from a long line of “givers!” My dad’s parents were both in health care - Grandpa a hospital administrator for 40 years and Grandma the head nurse at the same hospital - that’s where they met and got married. My maternal grandparents were both educators (“Hepa” served as a 2nd Lt. in the AirForce/Army first)- Hepa taught history and coached and my Gram taught elementary school. My dad built up his own health care consulting company helping all sorts of people and doctors figure out that whole 80’s- 90’s “new HMO” world! And my sweet momma, well, momma DID EVERYTHING and HELPED EVERYONE! Each of these wonderful people served others and was usually seen putting the needs of someone else in front of their own. They gave all they had to others!
As we grew up, service and helping others was just part of what we did as a family. In the same manner, my husband and I have hopefully carried this trait on to our kids. I can see it all happening with the occupations they choose, events in which they attend and choices they are making in their lives. It makes a momma’s heart happy!
Speaking of occupations, let’s look at the healthcare industry. My grandparents and dad were shining examples, but let’s talk specifically about my grandmother. She was a nurse. The.Greatest.Nurse.Ever! I remember seeing pictures of her with her white dress and white nurses hat. No scrubs for her. She looked so important to me! I remember her going out of her way to help people even when she was retired and not working anymore- she knew her stuff! You didn’t question Grandma! She was a nurse!
Nurses amaze me! In the last three years, I have spent a good amount of time in hospital situations.The admiration and respect I have for nurses (and doctors) has risen to an all time high! Talk about givers! These ladies and gentlemen deal with situations that are so over my head! I couldn’t begin to understand and keep all the medications straight. And EMOTIONS! Nurses see an insane amount of emotions from patients as well as the patients' families. They are healers and huggers all mixed up in one! What a gift they are to all of our lives.
I love seeing my former students and my kid’s friends live out their dreams and become nurses, doctors and anything in the medical field. I know they will change so many lives and help so many people. And well, my friends who are nurses - wow! They are some of the most incredible people on the face of this earth! Oh how I admire them and their strength!
This post is more than just memories and thoughts and challenges… It is an appreciation post to all the people who are doctors and nurses and med techs and anyone who deals with our health and well being. THANK YOU! Thank you for being some of the biggest givers out in the world! You are angels on earth!
If you know any people in the healthcare field, go out of your way and give them a hug and tell them thank you this week! They deserve it!