This month due to craziness of life, I failed to actually seek out anything new--the new found me. I experienced my first earthquake--a 5.2 @ 4:37 AM on April 18th. I was up, btw. I wasn't feeling well and woke up to go to the bathroom. A short time later, I started shaking. My first thought was "Am I THAT sick that I'm trembling?" Apparently I wasn't that rattled. I went back to sleep. Even when I saw the news crews along Kingshighway overpass, I failed to make the connection. It wasn't until I arrived at work and my residents were congregating all a buzz that I realized what had occurred.
Not everything in my life is always shiny and happy. I do have moments of complete heartbreak, especially where my job is concerned. I love my job. I do. I know I am where God wants me and I am passionate about the seniors for which I care. This month I experienced a first in my career--one that I anticipated, but prayed that I would never experience. For confidentiality reasons I can't go into detail, suffice it to say, my community lost a very dear resident. I felt the loss personally and probably did not handle it in the most professional manner. Unfortunately, it was a good learning experience to be prepared every day for loss, not to dwell on it to the point I am no longer effective at my job, but to anticipate the inevitable.
Surprisingly, this experience did not cause me to second guess my career choice. If anything, I want to continue to make certain I am constantly in contact with my residents and more involved in making certain they receive the best care. My friends have given me so much encouragement over the past few days, as well. I am so thankful that I can do this job and have the love and support to get through the tough times. God is so good.
