Wow...where has time gone. It seems like only yesterday that you came into my life ..after allowing us to enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner. We certainly had alot to be thankful for from that day on. In 8 days I will give a precious piece of myself to a wonderful young lady that is sure to bring as much love and joy into your life as you have mine. Joanna...I am blessed to share my son Matthew with you and know that you will continue to love him as we have. He has grown from a cute little blonde to a handsome young man that you soon will call "my husband, my partner, my soul-mate...my love". I can't think of a better person for Matt to be spending his life with. When he speaks of "his Jo", the feeling that he has for you can light up a room.
I never realized that sharing your child with another would be this hard...I know that you both will continue to grow together as a couple and then into a family (but not too soon). Enjoy these next few days that you both have as a single but know that in just 8 short days two hearts join as ONE.
I know that I can speak for both myself and Marianne, in saying that both Frank and Dan will be looking down on the two of you that day, and say to each other..."We did pretty damn good."(with a beer in hand for the toast)
It is fitting that you both chose Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the start of your new life together, when others are celebrating the lives of their loved ones that have moved on to be with their maker. Both Frank and Dan gave of themselves in service to their communities and their country for this "We salute you". So if by chance there are tears from the sky on May 27th, 2011....just know that Frank and Dan are celebrating with the Novak and White families and their friends.
We look forward to next friday and remember....Enjoy Yourselves....it is the first day of your new life together.
Love you Matthew (Matt)
MOM
PS....can you spend one last night at home as my little boy(son) before you are Matt the Man (husband).
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Letter to my Son
Matt,
It is hard to believe that in less than one month you will no longer be my little boy but a loving husband to a wonderful woman. You met Joanna as a young kid playing in the neighborhood, and classmates in school. Over the years the two of you have become inseparable. I am glad to say that Joanna has brought out the best in you and you in her. You both are wonderful young adults that have faced great losses in your young lives. Losses that help to mold and make people what they are in their lives, but you both missed a great part of that. Still you both are able to share with others the part of what your fathers taught you in the short time they had to spend with you.
As the days get closer to you spreading your wings and taking flight with your life, let me say that I could never be more proud of you. Joanna is the third luckiest person in the world because your father and I are number one and two. I know that your father would say to you...."Matt, marriage is a serious commitment that two people make and as two you will become one. You will have good days and there will be some that are not as good as others....but remember, there are never any bad days as long as you have each other. Marriage is like a job, something that you will have to work at everyday but the rewards will pay off, not in a monetary way, but in blessings of abundance. I know that you both are ready to take this path together and along the way will be bumps and turns, but as long as you both travel together, the end will bring you both great joy and happiness."
I am happy that you have found each other and that you both have made the choice to share your lives with us....we are excited to see you exchange vows as man and wife and proclaim your love for each other. I cannot promise you that on May 27th that I will not shed any tears but remember that most tears that are shed...are tears of joy and elation. As your mother, I will forever love you but as you become a husband to Joanna, may your love for her be greater than the love that we share. As you begin your lives together, always know that I am here for you.
In the next few weeks, take time to stop and appreciate what you both have achieved to this point, and know that on May 27th....at the end of the day, whether perfect or not....you will be Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Novak. Be proud and be blessed but most of all.. BE LOVED......
I Love Matt and you will always be.....my little boy.....
LOVE,
MOM
It is hard to believe that in less than one month you will no longer be my little boy but a loving husband to a wonderful woman. You met Joanna as a young kid playing in the neighborhood, and classmates in school. Over the years the two of you have become inseparable. I am glad to say that Joanna has brought out the best in you and you in her. You both are wonderful young adults that have faced great losses in your young lives. Losses that help to mold and make people what they are in their lives, but you both missed a great part of that. Still you both are able to share with others the part of what your fathers taught you in the short time they had to spend with you.
As the days get closer to you spreading your wings and taking flight with your life, let me say that I could never be more proud of you. Joanna is the third luckiest person in the world because your father and I are number one and two. I know that your father would say to you...."Matt, marriage is a serious commitment that two people make and as two you will become one. You will have good days and there will be some that are not as good as others....but remember, there are never any bad days as long as you have each other. Marriage is like a job, something that you will have to work at everyday but the rewards will pay off, not in a monetary way, but in blessings of abundance. I know that you both are ready to take this path together and along the way will be bumps and turns, but as long as you both travel together, the end will bring you both great joy and happiness."
I am happy that you have found each other and that you both have made the choice to share your lives with us....we are excited to see you exchange vows as man and wife and proclaim your love for each other. I cannot promise you that on May 27th that I will not shed any tears but remember that most tears that are shed...are tears of joy and elation. As your mother, I will forever love you but as you become a husband to Joanna, may your love for her be greater than the love that we share. As you begin your lives together, always know that I am here for you.
I Love Matt and you will always be.....my little boy.....
LOVE,
MOM
Monday, April 25, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy Birthday Blake......you are 6 years old today
Wow...hard to believe that 6 years ago today you came into our lives....Happy Birthday Blake..... You are the light of our lives. Everyday you come up with the funniest things. Oh to be in the mind of a 6 yr old. You were ready to come into the world before it was time... and you have been making the most of your days ever since you got here. Your brothers and sister love you with all they have in them and your love for them is just as great.
We had lunch at CiCi's Pizza today for Blake's birthday and tonight we will be having cake and ice cream with the family. Blake started early with a brownie from CiCi's for dessert. Hopefully we can get out tomorrow and have some fun in the sun before they are back in school and I am back to work. Happy Birthday Blake....WE LOVE YOU.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Easter is right around the corner....but where is the sun?
I know we have all heard April Showers brings May flowers....but don't we need some sunshine and warm weather as well. I heard the weather person say the other day that April and May are the two most unpredictable months of the year. It was in the 80's one day and 50's the next with heavy rain. I am so ready for the warm temperatures and sunshine. I remember as a child that Easter was always a tricky holiday....long sleeves or short for the Easter dresses...and now for my kids is it shorts or long pants. Everyone is ready for the shorts and t-shirts on a daily basis.
Blake is learning to ride his bike and enjoying being outside with his new friends. It seems everyday it is someone new....what a social butterfly he is. Colbey and Darren have been enjoying the warm weather also but not near as much as Blake. We are eager to get the boys out to the campgrounds again this year. They are up early and out like a light at dark because of all the fresh air.
I have been waiting anxiously for the flower stands on the corner with the Easter flowers and Mother's Day flowers. The stores have a few Easter tulips and lilies but I am waiting for the bright pinks and reds to appear, that is the true sign that Spring has Sprung. The Cherry Blossoms are starting to bloom and that tells me that the warm weather is right around the corner. Can't wait.
When we lived in Maryland years ago, there was nothing more beautiful than going into Washington DC to see the Cherry Blossoms....that is a must see for everyone...and make sure you get the kids there as well to see all the history in our Nations Capital.
We are hoping to get to Ringing Rocks next week while the boys are on Spring Break...pray that the weather cooperates. Looking forward to an Easter Egg hunt and a nice Easter Brunch with the family. Just have to get through the next few days and a nice break will be here....
Blake is learning to ride his bike and enjoying being outside with his new friends. It seems everyday it is someone new....what a social butterfly he is. Colbey and Darren have been enjoying the warm weather also but not near as much as Blake. We are eager to get the boys out to the campgrounds again this year. They are up early and out like a light at dark because of all the fresh air.
I have been waiting anxiously for the flower stands on the corner with the Easter flowers and Mother's Day flowers. The stores have a few Easter tulips and lilies but I am waiting for the bright pinks and reds to appear, that is the true sign that Spring has Sprung. The Cherry Blossoms are starting to bloom and that tells me that the warm weather is right around the corner. Can't wait.
When we lived in Maryland years ago, there was nothing more beautiful than going into Washington DC to see the Cherry Blossoms....that is a must see for everyone...and make sure you get the kids there as well to see all the history in our Nations Capital.
We are hoping to get to Ringing Rocks next week while the boys are on Spring Break...pray that the weather cooperates. Looking forward to an Easter Egg hunt and a nice Easter Brunch with the family. Just have to get through the next few days and a nice break will be here....
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Journey to Home...
It is hard to believe that 16 yrs ago today I started on a journey with my best friend and children that continues for myself and them, but saw Dan reach home on Oct. 17,1995. It started on a Tuesday morning, like today...you see Dan had been experiencing some rather strange symptoms for a couple months. As fate would have it, the previous Sunday evening Dan had the responsibility of watching the hospital at Fort Dix. He was in the Air Force stationed at McGuire AFB, N.J. At the time he was a Pharmacy Technician at Walson Hospital on Fort Dix. Part of his duties in the military was to occasionally pull an over night watching the building...so that Sunday was his turn. He had not been feeling well for several months but especially on that particular weekend.
That previous Friday had also been a landmark day as well....you see I was a nursing student at Holy Family College, now Holy Family University, and the nurses, as well as the nursing students were having a march on Washington DC. Danielle was out of school for the day with "pink eye" and there was no reason for her to spend the day in the house when she could be a part of history being made, so off to Washington DC we were headed with other college friends. Several hours into the trip I received a phone call that Dan had been sent home from work...an unheard of situation in the military. I spoke with Dan and he assured Danielle and me that he would be fine until we got home from our trip which now was changing to a turn-around trip instead of a girls weekend. So we did our part for nurses with the march and returned that evening. Dan was tired as he had been but was resting to be able to do his duty on Sunday.
As Sunday approached Dan went to his work as he was required, but on Monday morning as he was leaving the hospital he came upon a friend that was a Physicians Assistant at Walson, who just by chance, or as I would call it fate, never entered the facility through the same doors as Dan was leaving but had been off on leave and as he later told me, was ready to make a fresh start so he was entering the facility through that door for the first time that morning....thank you.....You know who you are....
The conversation was short between the two of them but life changing for all of us...he told Dan as a fellow runner and a friend, "wow man you look like --it, " Dan explained to him that he had been having these vague symptoms, numbness in his jaw, swelling in his legs, and pain with difficulty walking for the past few weeks. He explained that he had been to the dentist and received antibiotics for an infection...no help. He also had seen someone for his back who suggested physical therapy, that had made things only worse and pain meds that did nothing at all but take up the counter space since he had now started a collection of medications. His friend suggested to him that Walson Hospital did not have the resources there at that time to see Dan and he may recommend going to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Rockville, Md for an open clinic with a neurologist. At this time Dan was willing to try anything. That goodness that this was Monday morning and he did not have work and the clinic was on Tuesday, so we only had another day to get through before we would find out what was going on.
Again as fate would have it, another one of the kids on Monday morning had "pink eye" so now that was two down with only one left to go. Monday was spent resting and getting ready for Tuesday and the trip to DC. Dan and I decided that since they had all been out with "pink eye" except one of them, we would keep them out of school on that day and all go to Rockville together. We would see the doctor and then spend the rest of the day in DC seeing the sights...so off we go Tuesday morning to see the neurologist.
I don't know if anyone has ever rode in a car with a woman in labor but that was how the drive from New Jersey to Maryland was for us on that Tuesday morning. Dan did not want to take any pain meds before he was seen by the neurologist, so I am sure it was the longest and most painful 3.5 hour ride of his life. We arrived bright and early ready to be one of the first to see the MD only to find out that patients would be seen in order by military rank....WHAT?????? No triage or severity of symptoms considered. So the long wait began....Dan would not be seen until about 3:30pm and only after passing out because of the pain in the waiting room.
He was given a thorough neurological examination and in the end the neurologist recommended that he stay over night for further evaluation in the morning. It was now about 530pm and we had not had anything to eat all day, but it seems no one was hungry. I had several calls to make because I was due to work the night shift that night...I was an LPN at the time, doing home care over night for patients. So I called and let them know that I was in Maryland with my husband and would not be at work that evening. We were sent to the floor and yes....the kids were still with us. Our visit to Rockville was now to be our new home for the next few days. This now completed the 1st day of the journey.
The staff were the best group of professionals that I have had the pleasure of meeting. They soon became a part of our family, as Dan would not leave the hospital until the day he was called home...Oct 17th, 1995. The first night they provided myself and the children a place to sleep and a meal that was greatly appreciated. A long day had ended but others would be longer....
On Wednesday morning Dan and I were greeted by several new MD's and residents. They came in small groups, all very pleasant and eager to share the information that we requested and even some that we didn't. The first group was the neurologist along with his TEAM, to let us know that several other groups of people would be seeing us today. "We have consulted with Rheumatology and Hematology to see you today." Dan and I were both in the medical field so those words were not new to us...but why these folks...no time for questions. In walks the next group of people and soon Dan would be making a trip to another area of the hospital for a Bone Marrow Aspiration. With kids in tow, we made our way to the next clinic and waiting area. We were accompanied by a young Asian resident (sorry but the name has slipped my mind in the past 16 yrs) but not the face. She was about to have several firsts for her that day. One was doing the bone marrow aspiration herself, and next having to tell a young man (35), his wife and three children (13, 12, and 8) that his life was in for a huge change. Before 3pm on Wednesday, we had been informed not only that Dan would be staying at the hospital but he was going on a journey to save his life. You see, Dan was diagnosed with ALL-3 and Burkitt's Lymphoma. What the hectic did that mean...he had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Burkitt's Lymphoma. We had a huge decision to make and little time to decide. He needed treatment immediately but where would he go.
Bethesda Naval Hospital is across the street from N.I.H.(National Institute of Health) and one of the largest centers for treating all forms of cancer. The choices were limited but easy to make...we would stay at Bethesda and be treated immediately versus going across the street and waiting 2-3 days for an available bed. The team worked quickly and had the regimen ready for Dan that night. We would use the NIH protocol but at Bethesda, the best of both worlds. Back on the floor the news had already spread and the staff was prepared to assist all of us. There was a group of counselors available for both Dan and myself and the children. I am not one for support groups but they knew that we would need them before we would realize it. Nothing like your world crashing in on you in less than 48 hrs....and we both thought we were in control of our lives...another lesson learned...God is in control.....He just lets us think we are in control by letting us in the driver seat.
Leukemia is a common form of blood cancer (ALL) especially for children but more rare for adults and even more difficult to treat as a result. The team from Hematology were on a search for a treatment that would now treat my husband. Again N.I.H. would be there, they would take their successful treatments for children and adjust the doses for an adult. Dan would receive his first chemotherapy on Wednesday night. So what do we do from here...sit down with the MD's and the children and explain as best as possible what was happening to their dad. Dan and I took the most direct approach...honesty and told the children that dad had Leukemia and would be in the hospital for a while. The doctors were doing everything they could for him and he was going to be okay.....
That previous Friday had also been a landmark day as well....you see I was a nursing student at Holy Family College, now Holy Family University, and the nurses, as well as the nursing students were having a march on Washington DC. Danielle was out of school for the day with "pink eye" and there was no reason for her to spend the day in the house when she could be a part of history being made, so off to Washington DC we were headed with other college friends. Several hours into the trip I received a phone call that Dan had been sent home from work...an unheard of situation in the military. I spoke with Dan and he assured Danielle and me that he would be fine until we got home from our trip which now was changing to a turn-around trip instead of a girls weekend. So we did our part for nurses with the march and returned that evening. Dan was tired as he had been but was resting to be able to do his duty on Sunday.
As Sunday approached Dan went to his work as he was required, but on Monday morning as he was leaving the hospital he came upon a friend that was a Physicians Assistant at Walson, who just by chance, or as I would call it fate, never entered the facility through the same doors as Dan was leaving but had been off on leave and as he later told me, was ready to make a fresh start so he was entering the facility through that door for the first time that morning....thank you.....You know who you are....
The conversation was short between the two of them but life changing for all of us...he told Dan as a fellow runner and a friend, "wow man you look like --it, " Dan explained to him that he had been having these vague symptoms, numbness in his jaw, swelling in his legs, and pain with difficulty walking for the past few weeks. He explained that he had been to the dentist and received antibiotics for an infection...no help. He also had seen someone for his back who suggested physical therapy, that had made things only worse and pain meds that did nothing at all but take up the counter space since he had now started a collection of medications. His friend suggested to him that Walson Hospital did not have the resources there at that time to see Dan and he may recommend going to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Rockville, Md for an open clinic with a neurologist. At this time Dan was willing to try anything. That goodness that this was Monday morning and he did not have work and the clinic was on Tuesday, so we only had another day to get through before we would find out what was going on.
Again as fate would have it, another one of the kids on Monday morning had "pink eye" so now that was two down with only one left to go. Monday was spent resting and getting ready for Tuesday and the trip to DC. Dan and I decided that since they had all been out with "pink eye" except one of them, we would keep them out of school on that day and all go to Rockville together. We would see the doctor and then spend the rest of the day in DC seeing the sights...so off we go Tuesday morning to see the neurologist.
I don't know if anyone has ever rode in a car with a woman in labor but that was how the drive from New Jersey to Maryland was for us on that Tuesday morning. Dan did not want to take any pain meds before he was seen by the neurologist, so I am sure it was the longest and most painful 3.5 hour ride of his life. We arrived bright and early ready to be one of the first to see the MD only to find out that patients would be seen in order by military rank....WHAT?????? No triage or severity of symptoms considered. So the long wait began....Dan would not be seen until about 3:30pm and only after passing out because of the pain in the waiting room.
He was given a thorough neurological examination and in the end the neurologist recommended that he stay over night for further evaluation in the morning. It was now about 530pm and we had not had anything to eat all day, but it seems no one was hungry. I had several calls to make because I was due to work the night shift that night...I was an LPN at the time, doing home care over night for patients. So I called and let them know that I was in Maryland with my husband and would not be at work that evening. We were sent to the floor and yes....the kids were still with us. Our visit to Rockville was now to be our new home for the next few days. This now completed the 1st day of the journey.
The staff were the best group of professionals that I have had the pleasure of meeting. They soon became a part of our family, as Dan would not leave the hospital until the day he was called home...Oct 17th, 1995. The first night they provided myself and the children a place to sleep and a meal that was greatly appreciated. A long day had ended but others would be longer....
On Wednesday morning Dan and I were greeted by several new MD's and residents. They came in small groups, all very pleasant and eager to share the information that we requested and even some that we didn't. The first group was the neurologist along with his TEAM, to let us know that several other groups of people would be seeing us today. "We have consulted with Rheumatology and Hematology to see you today." Dan and I were both in the medical field so those words were not new to us...but why these folks...no time for questions. In walks the next group of people and soon Dan would be making a trip to another area of the hospital for a Bone Marrow Aspiration. With kids in tow, we made our way to the next clinic and waiting area. We were accompanied by a young Asian resident (sorry but the name has slipped my mind in the past 16 yrs) but not the face. She was about to have several firsts for her that day. One was doing the bone marrow aspiration herself, and next having to tell a young man (35), his wife and three children (13, 12, and 8) that his life was in for a huge change. Before 3pm on Wednesday, we had been informed not only that Dan would be staying at the hospital but he was going on a journey to save his life. You see, Dan was diagnosed with ALL-3 and Burkitt's Lymphoma. What the hectic did that mean...he had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Burkitt's Lymphoma. We had a huge decision to make and little time to decide. He needed treatment immediately but where would he go.
Bethesda Naval Hospital is across the street from N.I.H.(National Institute of Health) and one of the largest centers for treating all forms of cancer. The choices were limited but easy to make...we would stay at Bethesda and be treated immediately versus going across the street and waiting 2-3 days for an available bed. The team worked quickly and had the regimen ready for Dan that night. We would use the NIH protocol but at Bethesda, the best of both worlds. Back on the floor the news had already spread and the staff was prepared to assist all of us. There was a group of counselors available for both Dan and myself and the children. I am not one for support groups but they knew that we would need them before we would realize it. Nothing like your world crashing in on you in less than 48 hrs....and we both thought we were in control of our lives...another lesson learned...God is in control.....He just lets us think we are in control by letting us in the driver seat.
Leukemia is a common form of blood cancer (ALL) especially for children but more rare for adults and even more difficult to treat as a result. The team from Hematology were on a search for a treatment that would now treat my husband. Again N.I.H. would be there, they would take their successful treatments for children and adjust the doses for an adult. Dan would receive his first chemotherapy on Wednesday night. So what do we do from here...sit down with the MD's and the children and explain as best as possible what was happening to their dad. Dan and I took the most direct approach...honesty and told the children that dad had Leukemia and would be in the hospital for a while. The doctors were doing everything they could for him and he was going to be okay.....
Monday, April 4, 2011
where is the warm weather so we can get back to nature..... AKA camping
So after a long tough weekend in the Emergency Room in Trenton it was off to the dentist. It has been a while so anything is to be expected. After the blast cleaning and the ice pick to the bleeding gums....you will need a root canal at a special price of $1800.00. Wasn't it enough to hurt my teeth, now you want to hurt my pocket. Stay tuned for the follow up....
Time is getting short till the wedding and everyone is getting so excited. Took the boys for haircuts over the weekend and they are getting ready for the tuxedo day. Coming home from getting the haircuts I told Darren and Colbey the key to keeping the hair as nice as it was right then was to wash it with a little shampoo, rinse all the soap out...apply a little conditioner and rinse it out, then towel dry and apply a little gel...Colbey says to me, "Mom, can you write that down for me." Gotta love the mind of a child. I reassured him that he would be able to remember without me writing it down. And he did great this morning.
It seems I missed the beautiful day we had today but did get a little rest for the crazy ride I am about to go on. I will not be off until the 15th. Guess I will have to take this one day at a time. I did manage to get some much needed laundry done on Sunday...which is another story in and of itself. First we have been without a washer for almost 2 months courtesy of Lowe's and Electrolux. We purchased a washer from Lowe's and it has washed 2 loads since we got it. Flooded the basement and 2 trips to the laundromat later, we should have a new washer from Electrolux this week. They better come through on this one....
The weather is starting to try and get nice so planning the camping trips for the summer and the weekends. Hope to get to Ringing Rocks Campground during spring break and Blake's birthday. Come on sunshine we need you. Stay tuned for the camping adventures, last year was great....in fact hard to believe that last year at this time we had our first camping adventure at Old Millstream Campground in Lancaster, PA. Hope to make it back there soon. Check out the pictures of the campground.
Early morning on the first day of our 1st camping trip. This was the sight from our camping site looking over the farmlands of Lancaster.
Picture of the morning dew over the farms. Wow what a beautiful and crisp morning it was.
Another picture of the morning dew over The Old Mill Stream.
Nothing like a morning dip in the stream for the ducks, they seem to be enjoying the day already.
The tepee at the playground of Old Mill Stream Campground. We would recommend this place to all of our camping friends out there that are looking for a small family-friendly campground without breaking the budget. It is conveniently located behind Dutch Wonderland.
Beautiful sunrise over the stream.
Can't wait to get back there. The boys absolutely loved their first camping experience. Looking forward to this years experiences.
Time is getting short till the wedding and everyone is getting so excited. Took the boys for haircuts over the weekend and they are getting ready for the tuxedo day. Coming home from getting the haircuts I told Darren and Colbey the key to keeping the hair as nice as it was right then was to wash it with a little shampoo, rinse all the soap out...apply a little conditioner and rinse it out, then towel dry and apply a little gel...Colbey says to me, "Mom, can you write that down for me." Gotta love the mind of a child. I reassured him that he would be able to remember without me writing it down. And he did great this morning.
It seems I missed the beautiful day we had today but did get a little rest for the crazy ride I am about to go on. I will not be off until the 15th. Guess I will have to take this one day at a time. I did manage to get some much needed laundry done on Sunday...which is another story in and of itself. First we have been without a washer for almost 2 months courtesy of Lowe's and Electrolux. We purchased a washer from Lowe's and it has washed 2 loads since we got it. Flooded the basement and 2 trips to the laundromat later, we should have a new washer from Electrolux this week. They better come through on this one....
The weather is starting to try and get nice so planning the camping trips for the summer and the weekends. Hope to get to Ringing Rocks Campground during spring break and Blake's birthday. Come on sunshine we need you. Stay tuned for the camping adventures, last year was great....in fact hard to believe that last year at this time we had our first camping adventure at Old Millstream Campground in Lancaster, PA. Hope to make it back there soon. Check out the pictures of the campground.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Is march over yet?
Well in a little over 24 hours another March will be in the books, and I can't say that I am sad to see it end. The weather has been colder than I like and even a little too wet for me. You see, I am all about sunshine and warmth. You will never hear complaining coming from this mouth about it being too hot or too humid. After all, isn't that why we have fans and air conditioners...oh yeah, and windows that can be opened. I still am trying to figure out how I ended up in the northeast anyway... but that is another story to tell. For now I will have to make the best of it.
Last night in Trenton was not too bad, if you consider 1 patient (20 yr old male) going AMA - leaving Against Medical Advice , and another grown man refusing to be stuck by a needle because he is afraid of them, a good night. For the life of me I will never understand some patients. You came to the ER...we didn't go to your house to get you, because you are sick...aka (under alot of stress) coming from a 20 yr old. Wow, how much stress could you have, you are only twenty, imagine what it is going to be like for you when you reach my age...almost 50. Then, you let me put a large bore needle in your antecubital for an iv and get some blood. I get the medication that the doctor ordered for you, for your terrible headache, only for you to decide that you now are ready to leave... iv out..please sign here Mr. M....this relieves the Dr. of any responsibility if anything happens to you if you leave before you are cleared by the doctor...signature obtained. Mr. M. left so quickly he forgot his t-shirt... I guess he didn't need it.
Then onto Mr. H.... "so Mr. H. ..my name is Rayna.. i am your nurse tonight..what brings you to the ER tonight (3am)." Mr. H responds that he has been having nausea and vomiting today, and that others in his home have been sick as well. " Mr. H., I need to put in an IV and draw some blood. I will give you some IV fluids and medication in the IV then." Mr. H. states that he has poor veins and I will need to use a butterfly. I kindly explain to Mr. H that we do not use butterfly needles to place an IV. As I prepare to place the IV, he becomes increasingly nervous and states that he does not need an IV. I explained to him that all of his medications were ordered IV because he came to us for nausea and vomiting. He refused....okay all meds by mouth and we will see what happens...Mr. H left within an hour...no more nausea or vomiting...
These are the challenges that we are faced with everyday as a nurse, and in other professions as well...the consumer knows more than the provider...not sure why they seek services if they already know how to fix it. This is the profession I have chosen and I will say that no matter how many Mr. M.'s or Mr. H's I have ....I would not be doing anything different in my life...I love being a nurse.
An up date on Ms. W.....she is still in the hospital and doing about the same.... she asked me where I had been for the past few days....awwwww she remembered me. How sweet!
Now...the boys are gearing up for the new " Diary of a Whimpy Kid" movie that comes out on Friday....here they are going to school with their new hats....gotta love these guys.... Blake and Colbey..Darren(not pictured) has already been at school for 2 hours before these guys even start.
I guess I know how I will be spending my Friday afternoon this week...at the movies...it could be worse. I am ready to spend more time with them before they don't want to spend time with me. I really think we may want to spend some time building an ark for all the rain we are supposed to get over the next week or so. But you know how the saying goes...April showers brings May flowers...so bring on the rain so we will have plenty of beautiful flowers for the wedding in May.
Hope you all have sweets dreams...and all my patients behave themselves tonight....see you again soon
Last night in Trenton was not too bad, if you consider 1 patient (20 yr old male) going AMA - leaving Against Medical Advice , and another grown man refusing to be stuck by a needle because he is afraid of them, a good night. For the life of me I will never understand some patients. You came to the ER...we didn't go to your house to get you, because you are sick...aka (under alot of stress) coming from a 20 yr old. Wow, how much stress could you have, you are only twenty, imagine what it is going to be like for you when you reach my age...almost 50. Then, you let me put a large bore needle in your antecubital for an iv and get some blood. I get the medication that the doctor ordered for you, for your terrible headache, only for you to decide that you now are ready to leave... iv out..please sign here Mr. M....this relieves the Dr. of any responsibility if anything happens to you if you leave before you are cleared by the doctor...signature obtained. Mr. M. left so quickly he forgot his t-shirt... I guess he didn't need it.
Then onto Mr. H.... "so Mr. H. ..my name is Rayna.. i am your nurse tonight..what brings you to the ER tonight (3am)." Mr. H responds that he has been having nausea and vomiting today, and that others in his home have been sick as well. " Mr. H., I need to put in an IV and draw some blood. I will give you some IV fluids and medication in the IV then." Mr. H. states that he has poor veins and I will need to use a butterfly. I kindly explain to Mr. H that we do not use butterfly needles to place an IV. As I prepare to place the IV, he becomes increasingly nervous and states that he does not need an IV. I explained to him that all of his medications were ordered IV because he came to us for nausea and vomiting. He refused....okay all meds by mouth and we will see what happens...Mr. H left within an hour...no more nausea or vomiting...
These are the challenges that we are faced with everyday as a nurse, and in other professions as well...the consumer knows more than the provider...not sure why they seek services if they already know how to fix it. This is the profession I have chosen and I will say that no matter how many Mr. M.'s or Mr. H's I have ....I would not be doing anything different in my life...I love being a nurse.
An up date on Ms. W.....she is still in the hospital and doing about the same.... she asked me where I had been for the past few days....awwwww she remembered me. How sweet!
Now...the boys are gearing up for the new " Diary of a Whimpy Kid" movie that comes out on Friday....here they are going to school with their new hats....gotta love these guys.... Blake and Colbey..Darren(not pictured) has already been at school for 2 hours before these guys even start.
Hope you all have sweets dreams...and all my patients behave themselves tonight....see you again soon
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
so this is what you call a day OFF
The four nights are over and I now have a day OFF. My day off begins at 729am, because my co-worker got report before 730am which allows for me to leave early....1 minute...thanks Jill. The 6minute trip to the parking garage, with bags in tow. Always go outside to get a breath of the new morning air and wake up for the 30-40 minute trip home after a long 12 hr shift. Ms. W. was resting comfortably when I left so it made the long night all the better.
Now to conquer the to do list...first stop is the produce junction for veggies and flowers. Flowers were not that great today, but did manage to get a deal on the veggies. On the way, noticed that Bottom Dollar Foodstore had bananas for 39cents a pound....great deal...next stop..for bananas. Got two bunches of bananas along with some paper towels...store brand 25 cents a roll...good deal but oh wait...limit of 4 when i got to the register. (no signage at the towels). "Ms. there is a limit of 4 paper towels, do you want me to do the others as a separate order"...no thanks, just trying to complete my to do list and already paper towels was not on the list.
From one food store to another, Redners for their famous 5 packages of meat for $19.95. Well, you know how that goes...you walk in the strawberries are on sale 2/$3.00...so 4 packs later on to the next item not on the list...great northern beans for the white chicken chili later...two cans ..check....now to the meat department...large family packs of center cut pork chops.bogo...so two large packs later I finally make my way to the 5/$19.95. Ahhhhh....3 packages of ground beef and 2 packs of small steaks. Oh, and by the way...a call on the way home to Rannell...can we have liver for lunch....well there go my plans for lunch with Blake and Rannell..well lunch out of the house anyways....two packs of liver later and oh yeah, these look good to make some vegetable soup...soup bones 2 packs ...check... Oh, then there is the sale on turkey hill drinks 2/$4.00 ...check...3 packages of shredded cheese for $5.00...check and last but not least slices american cheese on sale also....check..I say...it is not 9:30am yet....
Home sweet home...unpack the groceries....I should be paid for all the bags i put in and out of the car in one day. Cleaning the fruits and veggies...need to get it done before Rannell thinks more veggies to go to waste...
Front door opens, in walks Matt...."hey MOM"...he did refrain from asking me if I work tonight on his opening statement...Hey Matt....whats new...details of the wedding and they have decided against a hearsal dinner and rehearsal...cook-out the weekend before....sounds like a blast....cant wait...now less than 60days....They are doing an incredible job of planning and I know the day will go off without a hitch.
Time to get Blake, wow 11:20 already, so Rannell goes to get him leaving me to prepare the liver and onions for lunch. Blake gets home but is too tired to eat lunch...must be rough being a kindergartner. So much for his haircut today...cut and paste to tomorrow.
Lunch was great...if i do say so myself.... groceries all put away....think i will catch a few zzzzz's. I did do three items from my list as i said i would do. Now I know why i don't like days off....there is more work on those days than a work day. On the plus side I get to eat dinner with the boys and put them to bed...nothing like hearing a little one say "can we get a good night kiss". MMMMMM...good night, sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite...see you in the morning."
Now for some adult time with Danielle and Rannell... orange creamsicle drink....whipped creme vodka and orange juice....yummy. Wow....hit me like a brick. Details of Danielle and Steve's weekend and the wedding...which Danielle remembers very little of....she is such a lush. Glad that Steve has become a part of her life....what a change...her dad would like him...he is funny and a good person, all the qualities that a father wants for him daughter.
Well, time to hit the hay so I will be ready to start my new day.....work will come soon at 11pm tomorrow. An eight hour shift in Trenton in the ER....should go smooth....HAHA....nothing goes smooth in the ER or in Trenton....
For anyone interested, here is the recipe for the white chicken chili...courtesy of the RR show..
Mandi's White Chicken Chili
Now to conquer the to do list...first stop is the produce junction for veggies and flowers. Flowers were not that great today, but did manage to get a deal on the veggies. On the way, noticed that Bottom Dollar Foodstore had bananas for 39cents a pound....great deal...next stop..for bananas. Got two bunches of bananas along with some paper towels...store brand 25 cents a roll...good deal but oh wait...limit of 4 when i got to the register. (no signage at the towels). "Ms. there is a limit of 4 paper towels, do you want me to do the others as a separate order"...no thanks, just trying to complete my to do list and already paper towels was not on the list.
From one food store to another, Redners for their famous 5 packages of meat for $19.95. Well, you know how that goes...you walk in the strawberries are on sale 2/$3.00...so 4 packs later on to the next item not on the list...great northern beans for the white chicken chili later...two cans ..check....now to the meat department...large family packs of center cut pork chops.bogo...so two large packs later I finally make my way to the 5/$19.95. Ahhhhh....3 packages of ground beef and 2 packs of small steaks. Oh, and by the way...a call on the way home to Rannell...can we have liver for lunch....well there go my plans for lunch with Blake and Rannell..well lunch out of the house anyways....two packs of liver later and oh yeah, these look good to make some vegetable soup...soup bones 2 packs ...check... Oh, then there is the sale on turkey hill drinks 2/$4.00 ...check...3 packages of shredded cheese for $5.00...check and last but not least slices american cheese on sale also....check..I say...it is not 9:30am yet....
Home sweet home...unpack the groceries....I should be paid for all the bags i put in and out of the car in one day. Cleaning the fruits and veggies...need to get it done before Rannell thinks more veggies to go to waste...
Front door opens, in walks Matt...."hey MOM"...he did refrain from asking me if I work tonight on his opening statement...Hey Matt....whats new...details of the wedding and they have decided against a hearsal dinner and rehearsal...cook-out the weekend before....sounds like a blast....cant wait...now less than 60days....They are doing an incredible job of planning and I know the day will go off without a hitch.
Time to get Blake, wow 11:20 already, so Rannell goes to get him leaving me to prepare the liver and onions for lunch. Blake gets home but is too tired to eat lunch...must be rough being a kindergartner. So much for his haircut today...cut and paste to tomorrow.
Lunch was great...if i do say so myself.... groceries all put away....think i will catch a few zzzzz's. I did do three items from my list as i said i would do. Now I know why i don't like days off....there is more work on those days than a work day. On the plus side I get to eat dinner with the boys and put them to bed...nothing like hearing a little one say "can we get a good night kiss". MMMMMM...good night, sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite...see you in the morning."
Now for some adult time with Danielle and Rannell... orange creamsicle drink....whipped creme vodka and orange juice....yummy. Wow....hit me like a brick. Details of Danielle and Steve's weekend and the wedding...which Danielle remembers very little of....she is such a lush. Glad that Steve has become a part of her life....what a change...her dad would like him...he is funny and a good person, all the qualities that a father wants for him daughter.
Well, time to hit the hay so I will be ready to start my new day.....work will come soon at 11pm tomorrow. An eight hour shift in Trenton in the ER....should go smooth....HAHA....nothing goes smooth in the ER or in Trenton....
For anyone interested, here is the recipe for the white chicken chili...courtesy of the RR show..
Mandi's White Chicken Chili
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•1 box (32 ounces) chicken stock
•3 (14.5 ounce) cans white beans (undrained)
•5 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
•1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
•1 block (8 ounces) pepper jack cheese (grated)
•2 teaspoons ground cumin
•2 cloves garlic (minced)
•Black or white pepper to taste
•1/2 cup finely crushed corn chips (optional for thicker chili)
Place all ingredients except corn chips in a crock pot and cook on high until cheese is well-incorporated. Chili may also be cooked on stove top on medium-high heat until cheese is well-incorporated. When chili is ready, add finely crushed corn chips and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Garnish with more crushed corn chips, cheese or sour cream.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
back for more on night four
Well, here it is night four of four at the hospital. Again Ms. W. is not doing as well as I would like her to be doing. Somehow I believe that 75% of her respiratory issues are her baseline, but even that stinks..to put it nicely. Nothing like hearing wheezes from the hallway, only for respiratory therapy to show up and say she sounds awful...you should hear her after the treatment, now that is awful. But Ms. W. takes it all in stride and never fails to holler back a thank you...you see Ms. W is legally blind, which means she sees shadows and hard of hearing...aka deaf without her hearing aids in. She is the kind of patient that we would like to have every night but that wont happen.
My other patients seem to be doing well but you never know sometimes with men. Mr. P thinks that he is here from Lock Haven because he couldn't "shit", but Mr. P, they can help you move your bowels in LH just as well as we can here at a world renowned hospital 4.5 hrs away by ambulance...they just dont get it sometimes. Just give me my pain meds and dont worry about my blood pressure.
Then there is Mr. L which just happens to be a nurse himself and is taking the role of patient very serious... you know, I need this and I need that...but Mr. L. we need a Doctors order for that. I guess being the patient is different for everyone. I am just glad to say that these men are behaving themselves tonight so I can focus on Ms. W.
After 4 nights here, I am glad to say I have a day off to do the 15 items on my to-do list. I will be happy to get 3 of the things done. The boys are in desparate need of haircuts or DYFS will be knocking on my door for neglect.
In 60 days from today my second bouncing baby boy, now a man, Matthew will be getting married to the love of his life Joanna. Blake is the ring bearer and said to me on Saturday, that soon he is wearing a tuxedo for the wedding. He is so excited...as we all are. I know that if his father Daniel were here, he would be looking at him and telling him how proud he is of his accomplishments and with where his new life is headed. Matt, as his friends call him.....great job......keep up the hard work as nothing in life is easy....that is why it is called LIFE. To you Joanna.... welcome to the family...we are crazy at times but you cant take life too serious or you will go CRAZY.
May 27,2011 cant get here soon enough for us, but I'm sure Matt and Joanna are thinking it is coming up too quickly. Bring on the celebration.
My other patients seem to be doing well but you never know sometimes with men. Mr. P thinks that he is here from Lock Haven because he couldn't "shit", but Mr. P, they can help you move your bowels in LH just as well as we can here at a world renowned hospital 4.5 hrs away by ambulance...they just dont get it sometimes. Just give me my pain meds and dont worry about my blood pressure.
Then there is Mr. L which just happens to be a nurse himself and is taking the role of patient very serious... you know, I need this and I need that...but Mr. L. we need a Doctors order for that. I guess being the patient is different for everyone. I am just glad to say that these men are behaving themselves tonight so I can focus on Ms. W.
After 4 nights here, I am glad to say I have a day off to do the 15 items on my to-do list. I will be happy to get 3 of the things done. The boys are in desparate need of haircuts or DYFS will be knocking on my door for neglect.
In 60 days from today my second bouncing baby boy, now a man, Matthew will be getting married to the love of his life Joanna. Blake is the ring bearer and said to me on Saturday, that soon he is wearing a tuxedo for the wedding. He is so excited...as we all are. I know that if his father Daniel were here, he would be looking at him and telling him how proud he is of his accomplishments and with where his new life is headed. Matt, as his friends call him.....great job......keep up the hard work as nothing in life is easy....that is why it is called LIFE. To you Joanna.... welcome to the family...we are crazy at times but you cant take life too serious or you will go CRAZY.
May 27,2011 cant get here soon enough for us, but I'm sure Matt and Joanna are thinking it is coming up too quickly. Bring on the celebration.
night three of four
Well it is night three of four for me and it doesn't get easier. Ms. W..has not been having a good night and getting the proper care shouldn't be like fighting city hall or the US Government but it has. You see, I am a Registered Nurse working on the night shift at a busy city hospital. I have had the privilege of being a care giver for most of my life. First, as a volunteer in a military hospital as a teenager, where i learned my first lesson....I faint (vomit) at the simplest of task (removing an IV).
It was at that time, that i realized that I had things to over come to be the nurse I continue to strive to be at the young age of nearly 50. From volunteering to school with my sister, becoming an LPN was the next step. My father had retired from the military and without the grades to get into the university, my father agreed to pay for both my sister and myself to attend a vocational school in town for 1 full year.
Well, we survived the year together and became an LPN. Shortly after passing the board I added more to my plate. It was in November 1980 that I became the wife to my then loving husband Daniel.....back to the military life again.....from a small western Pa town to Suitland, Md was not far but what a world of changes.....
Thirteen months into the marriage we added to the family with the birth of our beautiful daughter, and love of her fathers life Danielle. You see, Daniel was raised in a house of all boys and wanted nothing more than to have a girl in the house....Danielle was the only name that was thought of the moment we knew she would be coming into our lives. No ultrasound, just a strong love and desire for a daughter. The love that her father had for her was the kind of love that all daughters long to have from their father.
As a military wife, things were always both changing and challenging. After Danielle's first birthday we were sent to Biloxi, Ms. where we had our first son, Joshua. As his grandmother would say, he looked just like his father...guess that makes him a favorite. While in Biloxi, our lives would change but again because my husband would be required to change his profession or leave the Air Force. Daniel chose to continue his career in the military, but no longer as a Radiology Technician but in the Communications field. Many hours of school would lie ahead for us and then the next change. We were now headed to the sandy beaches of Florida, Fort Walton Beach to be exact. It was there that we again added to the family, do you see the trend, new place new face. We would welcome our second bouncing boy, Matthew. Along with Matthew came yet more changes...Daniel would now be spending the next 12 months alone (without his family) in Korea. The positive was the hopes of getting the next assignment as we desired. So off to Korea he would go only to leave myself and his 3 young children behind....now comes the challenges of being the military wife with your spouse on deployment. All I can say is, thank God for neighbors and great friends, for without them we would not have made it and remain sane. Thanks Chris and Ron.....
Well back to my third of four nights.... Ms. W is finally getting some rest and all is right with the world in the world of medicine...I love it or I just couldn't do it everyday.... wonder what night four will bring for Ms. W and myself.....we shall see..
It was at that time, that i realized that I had things to over come to be the nurse I continue to strive to be at the young age of nearly 50. From volunteering to school with my sister, becoming an LPN was the next step. My father had retired from the military and without the grades to get into the university, my father agreed to pay for both my sister and myself to attend a vocational school in town for 1 full year.
Well, we survived the year together and became an LPN. Shortly after passing the board I added more to my plate. It was in November 1980 that I became the wife to my then loving husband Daniel.....back to the military life again.....from a small western Pa town to Suitland, Md was not far but what a world of changes.....
Thirteen months into the marriage we added to the family with the birth of our beautiful daughter, and love of her fathers life Danielle. You see, Daniel was raised in a house of all boys and wanted nothing more than to have a girl in the house....Danielle was the only name that was thought of the moment we knew she would be coming into our lives. No ultrasound, just a strong love and desire for a daughter. The love that her father had for her was the kind of love that all daughters long to have from their father.
As a military wife, things were always both changing and challenging. After Danielle's first birthday we were sent to Biloxi, Ms. where we had our first son, Joshua. As his grandmother would say, he looked just like his father...guess that makes him a favorite. While in Biloxi, our lives would change but again because my husband would be required to change his profession or leave the Air Force. Daniel chose to continue his career in the military, but no longer as a Radiology Technician but in the Communications field. Many hours of school would lie ahead for us and then the next change. We were now headed to the sandy beaches of Florida, Fort Walton Beach to be exact. It was there that we again added to the family, do you see the trend, new place new face. We would welcome our second bouncing boy, Matthew. Along with Matthew came yet more changes...Daniel would now be spending the next 12 months alone (without his family) in Korea. The positive was the hopes of getting the next assignment as we desired. So off to Korea he would go only to leave myself and his 3 young children behind....now comes the challenges of being the military wife with your spouse on deployment. All I can say is, thank God for neighbors and great friends, for without them we would not have made it and remain sane. Thanks Chris and Ron.....
Well back to my third of four nights.... Ms. W is finally getting some rest and all is right with the world in the world of medicine...I love it or I just couldn't do it everyday.... wonder what night four will bring for Ms. W and myself.....we shall see..
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