Monday, November 9, 2009, Nashville, TN., 5:21 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  I was supposed to have been off work today after working the weekend, but I got called in; therefore, I have to report for duty.  Besides, where I work,  it never closes, not even on  holidays or weekends.  If I have to work those days, I do if I am able to; if not, I let them know in plenty of time in advance.

I don't have any problem with that; at least I have a job.  At least I am able to pay the bills, provide for my family.  My husband works, too, but he doesn't make as much as I do.  And I don't make as much as I think I should.  Have been a nurse for over ten years, and it's not a job for the faint-of-heart or those with weak constitutions, especially when a bad one comes in that tests your intestinal fortitude.

I work today from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., which means that Bill (as well as my folks) get parental duties:  getting the troops out of bed.  Getting their breakfasts/meds ready.  Making sure they have their school assignments at the ready, ready to be turned in to their teachers.  Making sure they're dressed warm enough on these cooler fall mornings.  Make sure they don't kill each other when an argument breaks out. 

I don't get to deal with that this morning.  I do get to deal with sick patients who can be miserable; but then I can understand why they're cranky or scared:  they're sick or injured; they don't like being in the hospital.  I don't blame them:  being in the hospital is no fun; I've been on the other end of the charts, more times than I'd like to admit!

Yesterday I did get to go to church, but right after that, I got called in; worked from 12 noon until 11 p.m. last night.  And I'll be right back at it at 7, in under an hour and a half from now.  Seems I live at the hospital more than in my own home as of late!  *Sigh*  Sometimes I feel like a stranger among my own kids or husband! 

Yesterday was kind of crazy:  ER full of flu patients, as well as some who had stomach pains or pain in their back, legs, other areas.  Had a few suspected asthmatic or heart patients, and a baby who got her fingers caught in a door (pinched them pretty good; you could hear her howling all over the place as the father brought her in; felt sorry for the poor little thing).  Also had a little boy about two who got his head caught in a jar.  LOL  Don't know how he did it, but he did it, and he was scared as well.  Felt sorry for him. 

Didn't even get to find out who won the football game until yesterday after I got back from work.  The Dallas Cowboys managed to squeak by the Philadelphia Eagles 20-16; as for the Tennessee Titans, our home team here in Nashville, they handled San Fran handily:  they beat them something like 34-17.  It was a good game, according to the highlights on ESPN.  Sorry I missed it!

The day after tomorrow is Veteran's Day.  We are taking my father, who is a Veteran of the Army Air Corps, out to Appleby's for his free meal.  And on the 16th, a week from today, we're taking him out to Golden Corral where he can get yet another free meal.  Two free meals in a month:  he'd best appreciate it!   Not very often when someone can eat for free; but I think it is a great service when restaurants honor Veterans, no matter what war or skirmish they were in!  :)

More places of business should do that:  honor those who have ever donned a military uniform, give the Veterans the honor they're always so deserving of!

My father is in his eighties, and in fairly good health.  He does have heart issues, though, and arthritis has consumed his entire body:  he can't walk but for short distances (on crutches); otherwise, he uses his scooter; it's too much on his 80+-year-old legs.  He is also losing his hearing and wears hearing aids and has to wear glasses to read; his eyes have quit "focaling" (his words).  :)  At least he can get around; many of his buddies are in far worse shape than he is, or else they're dead.  At least he's still kicking; I'm very grateful for that! :) 

At least I still HAVE my father!  :)

Well, I have to run, get the van started.  I will write in here soon; until then, this is Louie signing off!  Take care and God bless!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :)