I'm down to my last two days of work. Yesterday was my last day with my co-worker, Jill (on the left). She's off for the next two weeks, so I tried to savor every minute with her. She is an awesome nurse who is my role model. She's smart, kind, and has a great sense of humor. She always knows the right thing to say to make people feel better. I will miss her so much. Since it was the last time that she, Wanda and I would be working together, the two of them had a party for me with our patients. They had punch, coffee, and muffins set up for the patients during our morning classes and cake for the afternoon classes. They also had a book for all the patients to sign and write a note in--so sweet. I'm going to save reading it for our drive down to Charlotte.
Memorable moments from yesterday:
A little man, who only comes on Wednesdays, started to cry when he said goodbye. I hugged him and told him that we would spend eternity together in heaven. Through his tears, he said, "Yes, and we won't have to exercise." (Either that or we'll love to exercise.)
One patient asked how much weight I've lost. "Ten pounds," I answered. She said, "You look really good. You were getting chunky." Nothing like a compliment followed by a slam.
Another patient and I always talk about how much we love steel cut oats for breakfast. I ran out of them a couple of weeks ago and didn't want to buy more, since it'll be one more thing to pack and move. Going back to old fashion oats has been less than desirable. So yesterday, he came in with a large batch of steel cut oatmeal, all prepared. Yum. Breakfast was so enjoyable this morning.
Our 2:00 class all chipped in a got me an afghan with scenes from West Michigan on it. It's beautiful. They are the most thoughtful group.
Our patient, who has the Kentucky Derby party every year, gave me a glass that lists all the past winners of the Derby. He had roses in the glass and told me to think of him whenever we use it.
Other patients brought in cards and gifts--I was totally overwhelmed. In a way, it was like being at my own funeral.
We broke a lot of rules yesterday--food in the gym, pictures taken without release forms--harmless, but still wrong. I guess they'll have to follow me down to North Carolina if they want to reprimand me.
