It has been a long day

Yes, it has been.....a long day that is.

Started out as just one of those ordinary days. Went to work at 8:30 AM, started working on a project for our computer roll out (MISYS). Day was going good, getting caught up on things :)

While working I heard mention of an admission in Torrance that was pending an order from the attending doctor. I knew right then and there that I would be the one who was going to get to go to Torrance, it was just the way those things worked. I just kept on working, not making myself noticed, trying not ot be the "chosen one".

As an aside for those who are not from this area, Torrance is geographically NorthWest of where my office is located and about a 50 mile drive. So anytime I do go up that way, I am best served by driving up and back around rush hour. Plus, with Christmas, LA traffic rush had started early, so thus why I desired not to be "chosen".

Well, as I said, I knew Murphy's law said otherwise, and at 1 PM, I started my drive, arriving at 2 PM. Once I arrived at the residents home, as soon as I enter the door, no one but me would know I would rather be on my way home instead of starting an admission. I have always been this way, grumble, grumble if the timing or location is bad; smile, smile once I enter the home.

I learned very early in my nursing career that when those events occur, there is usually a reason God chose me to go, where my special gift is the right fit for that situation. Sometimes I see it while I am there, many times I discover the reason later.

So.......late, long day, but I did meet one very special person, and found out we share the same birthday, though years apart. What a sweet smile she has, what grace she has in her long years here on this earth. I am always humbled. This time the gift was mine to receive.

Till next time
~Gail

It has been awhile ~ Christmas

I need to make keeping this up a priority, otherwise weeks will slip by, like just happened to me.

Christmas is around the corner and I do not dread it, but do not look forward to it. I am sad that Christmas, which is supposed to be a religious day, has become a day where there are so many expectations, many which will be unmet, usually because they are unrealistic.

As a child Christmas for me was magical, Santa, the lights, the gifts, extended family to visit. Of course as I grew older and realized that Santa was, well he was who he was, it did not make Christmas lose its glow because then I was part of making the Christmas magic for my younger siblings.

Somewhere in my late teens, early 20's I started to realize that children created the magic of Christmas. Even giving to those less fortunate, while it produces a good feeling, does not create the magic of Christmas. Of course, I tried to keep all the rituals from my childhood, the tree, the cookies, the stockings, etc, thinking each would produce the magic. It just produces unmet expectations, unneeded pressures and frustrates those around you.

It took me awhile to realize that there is no right or wrong associated with the secular observances of Christmas. That some years I buy more gifts than others, hang stockings, put up decorations, etc.

The biggest thing that I want to give as a gift to all 3 of my kids this year and in the future, is to pass along these words of wisdom - I want and need no presents - except for the gift of their presence.