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Thursday, August 30, 2007

I have WON the lottery!



Yes! That would be at the top of my list today...why, you ask? Because work stank today! Patient's families were rude and not pleasant in any shape of form. I think they think they were in the Hilton! "Hey buddy...thats down the street." No please or thank you or excuse, can you help me. Its hey! where is...get me this...or after they ask a question, I answer they simply turn and walk away. What...did I suddenly disappear?!

Today these families were all about them not their loved one, who are sick. IT was because 'they' were uncomfortable (too cold) or 'they' didn't like waiting for the food tray! WHAT!!!! I wanted to say "listen up wise guy...this food tray is not yours its your sweet mother's tray".

I saw the worst of human nature. Like vultures waiting around the bed to see if they pass on. Or the one that set me into a rage, that I actually thought I was going to cobbler the family.

I was help changing a patient's bandage when the MD walked in. Well, becuase I was helping the nurse out with holding stuff together I couldn't walk out. There were 3 family members and very sick patient in the room also, and the MD began to say very slowly and very sorrowfully that he opened up her (their mom) and that she was full of cancer. She would most likely have 3-6 months to live. The patient began to sob...brought me to tears has well as the nurse. We were smoothing down her hair and rubbing her arms and hands and the nurse was doing that 'shhhhh....shhhhh...' that mothers do with their babies get hurt.

The whole time the family sat there, at first all us,staff, thought they were shocked, which happens. But then we saw the cruelty sprout its ugly head. One of the sons looked at the other and said...well great now we can sell mom's house. And the sister then got a creepy smile on her face and asked "are you sure it won't be sooner?" WHAT!!!!! The worst was this statement...."Don't worry sis, its not like she will know whats going on...they will have her hyped on morphine...shoot we could have a party right in her room and she won't know we are there!" Those *&$@#)#$, jerks! I DREW in a deep breath and through gritted teeth I said..."I need all of you to leave the room, you bunch of hateful money grubbing idiots"

Yep! I got pulled into the office for that one. But you know what I don't even care, I didn't get written up but talked to about that is just not becoming of our staff. My boss saw my side..that I was acting as an advocate for the patient. I also told my boss to get social services in there to help her with her will. They did come in.

Before I left tonight...I popped my head in to see if there was anything I could bring her in the morning...magazines, comb, floss, etc. She waved me into the room and asked me "do you think you could pray with me and read this aloud" I looked down and it was notebook full of bits and pieces of what looked like sermons. So, I began to read aloud...at first I was just a whisper but she grabbed my hand and I seem to get the strength to grow louder in speech. I was on the second page when I noticed the other family on the other side and some staffers had gathered around to listen in. I finished at page 5 and finished with 'our father' and amen. And then leaned over and kissed her on the forehead...with tears sliding down her cheeks as well as mine.

The other staffers have come to love this patient, she is sweet natured and kind to all. The other staffers came in too to say goodnight and see if she needed anything.
Tomorrow friends, I am getting her help to settle up her accounts and estate. Won't that be a SHOCK when 'they' the family realize they don't get any of it. Guess who she wants to leave it ALL to?! Her sister's niece! The sweet, godly woman has been there from sun up to sun down. But there are days she leaves early because she has another job.

The reason for the lottery bit...well 2 reasons, one the young lady will inhert all of the woman's estate. Which she will cherish I am sure and would live up to the memory of her friend. Secondly, I was reading the paper today about who won. See, friends...I might not have won any real money...but I certainly WON the lottery with ever being in the presence of such a godly woman. My life is better for having her come into my life. She has shown me with great diginity that even in the shadows of death...to be strong in FAITH. YES I HAVE WON THE LOTTERY!

13 comments:

Lindab said...

Robyn,

This is the first time I have read your blog...and what a story! I so admire your courage to stand up to that family. Also, you are one of the kindest and compassionate women I have met...what a wonderful gift you have given this patient. I so admire you!

Terri Steffes said...

Robyn, this cracked me up... not the story, but YOU. Way to go, girl! I am proud to say you're my friend!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Robyn I'm still so clueless as to what it is that you do...I thought you were a medical transcriber?! That's so cool that you get to interact so closely with the patients, too. What a heart-rendering story :)

Rosemary said...

Robyn,
What a story!! Good for you.
That is so sad for that woman.
I'm sure she so apprciated what you did for her. I'm sure I couldn't do what you do.
Glad you stood up to those awful people.
Have a lovely weekend,
Rosemary

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Robyn,
GOOD for you! I would have stood up like that as well ~ and hope I would have been as nice. egads!

The other part of that story brought me to tears. How sweet to have you read those sermons and pray with her. What a touching moment and memory for you.

Wanted to let you know that in the mail today I received the tissue box holder that your mother painted. All I can say is WOW, thank you and I'm honored that you've shared a personal piece of your mothers talent with me! I'm gonna post it on my blog soon if you don't mind. THANK YOU!
Bless you my bloggin' friend!

Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Sandy :)

a pink-bee said...

Robyn, such a touching story . You are so kind to be there for this poor dear woman- too bad her family isn't, how sad..
Am enjoying your blog. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
crystal

Lisa said...

I know all about that world! Its hard to see that kind of behaviour! Im just glad you can make a difference! Have a happy and stress free weekend! Lisa

Charmingdesigns said...

Wow, thank you for sharing your story! it was wonderful. Laurie

Anonymous said...

robyn, what a moving story you told. That family should be ashamed of themselves for how they behaved. You my friend are truly that ladies angel in disguse. You are a true hero and I am so proud to call you my friend.

Anonymous said...

I'm too shocked for words. Robyn you are definately in the right profession.

Rosemary said...

Hi Robyn,
Me again. Just wanted to let you know that I tagged you for the middle name game. Check out my blog for details. If you have already been tagged, I apologize.
Rosemary

Cindy said...

Wow, that was a very touching story. It amazes me how cruel some people are but other people, like you, have so much kindness. I'm happy those mean family members won't be getting anything...won't they be shocked!

Michelle said...

Wow...now this is a way to start my morning. Thanks and know that through you I was blessed, too! (((hugs)))