Well, I’ve been struggling for a few days now trying to get some words down for this blog post. When Pete first asked me about writing one I was pretty excited! I hadn’t touched my blog for over a year so I thought it would get my creativity flowing. Unfortunately it’s felt like nothing but work since I started. The most frustrating part being that I had almost completed a really decent attempt, just to have it lost when the computer restarted...my own fault for not saving, I know.
So instead of attempting to rewrite the same post, which would end up coming out terrible I’m sure, I’m going to go in a different direction. I’m going to share my new experience as a student. Through some twists and turns, and some wonderful funding from the government, I’ve been able to take a course in town for Personal Support Worker. I hope to go on to nursing, but really don’t know where these roads will take me. I spent 4 months in class doing theory, which pretty much felt useless the first day I set foot in a nursing home. I’ll be honest here and tell you all that I’ve never been a big fan of elderly people....or kids for that matter. Now that I sound like a cold and heartless woman I’ll explain why. They intimidate me, in different ways of course. The kids being much more brutally honest then the elderly folks, and the old people seemingly knowing exactly what really matters in life....you know the kids kind of get that part too, don’t they? So then what happens in those in between years, when we forget how to speak out and have fun? I guess that’s where I am right now....the in-between....and I sure do feel it. It seems this course, and my kids are keeping me fairly grounded right now.
I can say that in the short time I have had the privilege of working with these folks they have taught me a great deal about patience and humility. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve put on their shoes before their underwear. I’ve put in dentures upside down. I’ve even asked a blind man if he wanted to sit by the window and look outside at the snow. I was mortified of course, but he laughed and said “You know I’d love to do that....but could you turn the radio on before you leave?” I’ve been lucky enough that the only people that appeared annoyed by my fumbling efforts have been the staff. The residents were all very forgiving.
I’m honestly not sure if I’m cut out for this job. I worry about losing these fresh eyes of a student. I have time now to sit with someone who just needs to talk. Unfortunately, the staff doesn’t have that time. I’m off to a new facility this week. I had to say goodbye to a lot of people who, considering the limited time together, I felt very connected with. I also had my first experience losing a client who I cared for. It’s heartbreaking. But it really makes me realize the point of my job past the technicalities of each task. These people are in the last years of their lives. This is their home now. They deserve comfort and respect more now than at any other time in their lives.
As I re-read my post I can see that it didn’t really come together as I had hoped it would (how’s that as a metaphor for life?) But I do I hope this gave Pete another night off from the duties of his blog. Coincidently, the nursing home I was placed at is the very same one that Pete volunteers at....so I’m confident that they’ll still get some good quality company from time to time.
Cheers,
Miguette.
For those who don't know Miguette is the mother of our grandchildren and the daughter we never had. Both things for which I am extremely grateful!
John, Elly, Roo you all made me laugh today but Cory took the cake!
Does anyone else find it as funny as I do that Cory apparently has her own geriatrician? I think that's being very pro-actice don't you?
“A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture."---Abraham J. Heschel
love
peter
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6 comments:
Miguette, I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences, especially the incidents you perceive as mistakes. I don't believe they are mistakes but simply learning as you go. I don't know why the staff need to get upset; they were new at it once themselves!! Besides, sometimes I like to put my shoes on before my underwear. Give my grandGodchildren a hug for me.
Hey Miguette, good to know we belong to the same upside down denture club. When I was a student in my first nursing home, I was good and kind and liked to help everyone out so I collected everyone's dentures and washed them all up. Nowadays they actually tattoo peoples names on their plates in case there are other idiots like me coming along.
And yes I believe in being proactive about my health. It wouldn't hurt for the rest of you to be a little better prepared so that Miguette won't have to change as many of your diapers.
Miguette, I also really enjoyed your blog and like my mother especially enjoyed the incidents you described as mistakes. I think we have all been there, I know I have. I hope you continue to learn and enjoy the old folks as much as it seems you all ready do. xoxo
Hey, I bet you have made a lot more corrects than mistakes!!
I love you Miguette! Your post was very meaningful to me, and I just want to say that I'm so happy to have you as part of my family, and truly I consider you my sister (the one I always wish I had before you came along). The Rooyakkers' have been really lucky to have you come along.
I feel lucky to be a part of this family. It's warms my heart to read these comments. I tend to shy away from leaving comments on here for fear of sounding like an idiot, but I have to say, Colby and Kylie's great grandparents must have been some amazing people to pass on such values and raise suck kind children....and it seemed to pass on to the next generations.
I love you too Mike. And the feeling is mutual, trust me.
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