In church this morning the deacon provided the sermon and it really resonated with me. He talked about the power of words and how the words we choose can hurt someone whether we intend it or not. He talked about how even when we think we are joking we do not always realize we have hurt someone else. He admitted he had done this himself. Boy, I was brought back several years to when I realized my joking and sarcasm actually hurt those I cared about. I had never thought about it before and when I finally had the light come on, I changed many things including the words and tone I use. I am not perfect by any means, but perhaps the sermon today was a reminder for me. I'm trying to remember if I have been falling into bad behaviors again, but nothing comes to mind. Perhaps it was just a reminder. I'm sure the deacon's words resonated with others as well. How about you? Do you use sarcasm and jokes as a way to communicate? Have you ever thought about how you might really be hurting someone else? Just something to think about.
My mom had a good week. The weather here was good all last week which enabled her to go outside. As I mentioned previously as long as she can go outside for a while then it seems to really keep her calm. Mema did not even wait for coffee to be served this week -when we got there she wanted to go immediately outside. Papa said we have not had coffee! Mema said - she (meaning me) will bring it out to us. We just started laughing, but I did deliver as requested - coffee and crackers. It made her day to be treated so royally. She special ordered lunch most days - even the staff calls her a diva.
I was not happy a couple of days with the nursing home staff. You all know my take on cell phones at work and I voiced it several times this past week. At least it made them stop for a bit. The staff was super shorthanded this morning and I felt terrible for them. They were stressed and received no help. I watched the nursing supervisor sit on her ass and do nothing to assist. She expected the recreational person - who is not certified to transfer people or feed them - to do it. This floor has many people that need to be assisted with feeding and mobility and for part of the day there was only one CNA for 38 patients and no other aids. I was disgusted as I believe there was a safety issue involved here. Although I heard the CNA explain to the nursing supervisor how she would need assistance over lunch, I watched the nursing supervisor leave the floor. Again, I was fuming so I can't imagine how the CNA felt. They wonder why they can't keep people on staff - I say this is part of it. They seem to find enough staff when there is an inspection, but seem to keep cutting back on staff at all other times. This is where my stress comes in as I worry about leaving my mom or other patients without proper staff. I'll be putting my thoughts in writing to the director this week.
I spent the afternoon with family as I made chili for a relaxing get together. They loved it which always makes me happy. Then I did a little back to school shopping with my nephew and niece. Just a few things to get them started.
My niece Melanie a few weeks ago said to me, "auntie you know I am just like you so I don't know why you get so upset with me." I said, "No you are not like me. You are just like mema which is why you both go head-to-head." But every since that day I have been thinking about her statement and in many ways she is right that she is like me, but I believe the difference is that I was not nearly as mouthy, stubborn or privileged at her age. I would never have spoken to my elders the way she does or I would have been backhanded. We had a little dust up this afternoon and I said to her I am not putting up with the "tude" so I'll take Brian out shopping you can stay home. When we came back, Melanie and I had a bit of a discussion and then we went out to pick up a few things. I had no intention of taking the two of them at the same time any way so it all worked out. Part of me is very proud that someone on this earth is like me since I did not have children of my own. I want to be a role model and someone she can emulate as she gets older, but she definitely knows how to push my buttons so to speak. She is very smart and also very talented and I love her to pieces. How do you deal with teenagers?
I did not finish any book reading this past week. I'm not sure why either as I carry a book everywhere. What are you reading these days? Any recommendations?
I am going to leave it here for today. I'm finishing up some business here as I leave on Tuesday. I'm heading back to my home and I'm sure I'll quite a few things to catch up on once I arrive. Have a great week. Chat soon. Marie
"If we allow risk to be a fear, then we are sure not to succeed. But, if we approach risk with proper planning, and a good attitude, then most times we can minimize the risk and use it to our advantage." Catherine Pulsifer
"Everything that happens to us leaves some trace behind; everything contributes imperceptibly to make us what we are." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"There is only one thing that remains to us, that cannot be taken away: to act with courage and dignity and to stick to the ideals that have given meaning to life." Jawaharlal Nehru
Referrals are always appreciated.