reflecting....

This has been a big week for me. Sort of. You reading this may not think so. This was a week of 'reflection' for me. Reflecting and evaluating EVERYTHING I have on my plate and remembering to be so thankful and blessed for everything and everyone in my life.

I stepped down from my job as part time receptionist at the retirement village I have worked at for almost 2 years. I have never quit a job before, so this was NEW territory! No, it's not a hard job, but it does take up 2-4 days/evenings of my week. The other 3 days of my week are consumed with school. So where do Aubrey and Justin fit in? Hm. In the spare moments I have that I'm not washing clothes/dishes, showering or sleeping. So...something had to give. It couldn't be school or family or ministry...so I gave up my job.

This week was my 2nd and last week on the Oncology (cancer) floor at the hospital for clinicals. Last week I witnessed the joy and excitement of a patient being discharged to go home and spend time with his wife and 5 year old daughter. I had the privilege of being able to hear his plans for them as a family in the coming weeks. Despite his diagnosis, pain and sickness, he was still VERY hopeful and positive for the future. This week I had the privilege of caring for a gentleman with terminal cancer, in his last days. It is amazing to me that these cancer patients are the most sick and have the most to be sad and grumpy about and yet they are the most joyful, fun spirited people! I don't know if my patient is still with us or if he has passed on. But I do know that for 4 1/5 hours yesterday, I focused all of my attention, care and nursing skills on him. I was there when he needed a hand to hold because he felt lonely, I was able to joke with him about our favorite football teams, I was there when his toes needed tucked under the covers to keep them warm and I was there to get him ice chips with 'flavor' b/c he was not able to swallow anything. It took every ounce of energy for him to be able to speak 2 words. But the warm smile he was able to give spoke volumes. And probably vice versa.

After caring for these two patients, I began to reflect upon my life. Yes, school is only for a season. Yes this schedule is only for a season...but why make it more hectic and stressful than necessary?! I will now be able to focus more on school, which I only have one semester left! I can focus on being a mommy and a wife a little more now! Enjoying family and life....simply life.... that's what it's all about!