Since I didn't write yesterday, I will fill you in as to how a chance to enjoy the simple things presented itself. At about 12 PM yesterday, I received a text from one of my coworkers, letting me know that she and the other SLP would come by to visit around 3:15. Being that I had been lounging around all day, I figured that it would be best to get up and get moving so that I could be alert when they arrived. That was the plan, but it did not go into effect until about 2:45--I was intent on watching the tennis match that I had started all the way to match point, in addition to the fact that Sophie was still being monitored rendering me immobile. Finally, after the match was over and monitors removed, I scurried into the bathroom to get showered and to make myself presentable for my soon arriving guests. They arrived just as they said, one a few minutes before the other, goodies in hand. The day prior to their visit, they asked me if I needed anything and the only two things I could think of were more apple juice and a good read.
To my surprise, when my first guest walked in, she had in hand a beautiful arrangement of purple and gold Chrysanthemums and a card signed by my coworkers with a special surprise inside. I commented on how beautiful my flowers were and thanked her so much for my unexpected gifts. As we sat down to chat, she informed me that they had collected money at the school for our family to help with some of our expenses since being in the hospital. I was more than grateful at this point. I have only been at my job for a year and began my second year in August. I was overwhelmed by the amount of love and well wishes that were sent our way after being such a 'newbie'. It's funny how many times I've been on the opposite end-signing cards, giving money, saying prayers, etc. for coworkers, friends, family and the like who have come upon hard or unnerving times-but to be on the receiving end was quite humbling.
A few minutes later, my next guest arrived bearing more gifts--apple juice and a good read--just as I requested. After a brief synopsis of the four books, I settled on two: "A Lineage of Grace" by Francine Rivers and "Life is So Good" by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman. I had never heard of either book or author before definitely making it more of an adventure and getaway for me. Once I made my selections, I was eager to begin reading. I am pleased to say that I have started reading "A Lineage of Grace" and so far so good.
After my guests left, my two nurses for the day Amanda and Sarah took me on a wonderful outing. It was the longest that I had stayed out of the room and it was awesome! We went down to the Serenity Garden and stayed there for about 45 minutes, listening to the water, laughing, and chatting about a myriad of topics. At my request, our next stop was the hospital chapel. To my amazement, the chapel was just like a mini sanctuary. I expected to walk into a bland room with chairs, soft music, a bible, and a plaque/picture bearing some scriptural reference, but I was wrong. There were two chairs set up in the front to the left of the pulpit and an organ or piano on the right. The only thing missing was a drum set. Flowing from the pulpit were 5 rows of pews separated by a an aisle big enough for my wheelchair to comfortably roll down. It was beautiful. I observed the service times and grabbed a newsletter and sat for a few minutes while my nurses wrote a prayer request in the book for Sophia and I. I was glad that I asked to see it--and vowed that I would be back.
Once our field trip was over, my nurses brought me back to my room to prepare for my next appointment--Infant CPR class at the hospital! I quickly changed into the clothes I was admitted in and was wheeled downstairs for class, secretly hoping it would be an opportunity for me to socialize with other expectant moms. The class provided no such opportunity and I was a bit disappointed, but glad I attended nonetheless. It was all business, no introductions or icebreaker, and once it was over, the attendees hustled out the door. Bummer! All in all I can't complain, the day provided me with many opportunities to enjoy the simple things--experiencing the outdoors, hearing the sound of water flow in the Serenity Garden, reading for pleasure, having simple conversation with strangers, feeling the sun's warm rays, and visiting a place in good health that many go to say their last prayers or plead for the lives of their loved ones. Sometimes it's good to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
No comments:
Post a Comment