Weds., March 26, 2008, 10:11 a.m., D.S.T., Nashville, TN~

Dear Journal~

Just got on break; figured I'd write in here while I can.

I worked last night; am still at work.  Working a double; don't get off today until four (if I'm lucky!).  It's been crazy: working ICU, am responsible for the care of one patient, and she's been runnin' me ragged.  I'm taking care of a lady who was injured in a devastating MVA, which resulted in the amputation of her right leg (AK--above knee).  She did great during the initial surgery, but suffered an anaphylactic shock reaction when morphine was administered.  She's been hanging on by a thread ever since.

She coded twice, once during her post-op stay in the Recovery Room, and again at about ten o'clock last night.  Morphine. 

The doctor in charge (Dr. Patel) and I both about blew a gasket: the nurse who gave it to her was severely reprimanded, and we've been trying to keep Sonia Washington alive ever since.

As of nine o'clock this morning, Sonia is still fairly unstable (extremely low blood pressure, brachycardic heart rate of below sixty beats per minute, still on oxygen via mask, still sluggish, hard to arouse); I pray she doesn't suffer a third Code Blue!

I was off work on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, worked doubles on Monday, yesterday, and again today.  Grrr, I hate doubles; however, it is going to look great on the paycheck--extra money, which is something we can always use, especially in this family!!

The Easter Cantata went smoothly, no problems whatsoever, much to our relief.  It ended up that over 30 people gave their hearts to the Lord, which means the Message hit home.  A most joyous time for all!  It was wonderful!

Peggy Bluestein, one of my day nurses, is excited: she's adopting two children from China, a five-year-old girl (Emma Grace) and a two-year-old boy (Adam Michael).  She just found out on Friday that the adoption went through.  I am so happy for her! She showed me the pictures of her two new children, and they are both absolutely precious!

The children are all back in school, recovering from the Cantata and their Easter candy sugar rush.  Lots of Easter candy, lots of goodies from M'sieu' Lapin. :)  Of course, I reminded them that the real meaning of Easter was Jesus' Resurrection from the grave and the cross, and the Cantata helped drive that message home.  The kids did enjoy the candy, colored eggs, and "surprises" in their Easter baskets once we got home from church and Golden Corral afterwards.

What child wouldn't?  It was almost like Christmas all over again!

Well, I have to go now.  Needed back in the ICU.  Hope Sonia Washington isn't up to her old tricks again!!

Will write in here again another day.  Hopefully I'll have more time to devote to the family; they're probably thinking I've neglected them!

Take care and may God bless you mightily!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah. :)

P.S.:  If I make it to church tonight, I'll be very surprised!  I might be too tired to go to church!

~L.