caring

too often, i think about why it's so hard to be a nurse. running around from patient to patient, keeping a careful eye on fetal monitors, coaching and supporting, and basically, giving my all - physically and emotionally - for 12-13 hours per shift. it's rough. but when i have those patients and families who acknowledge my work, my care, everything that seemed so exhausting somehow becomes worth it. we all know that "caring is sharing," but man oh man, can it be hard when you are run dry.

these past two days, the roles have been reversed, and i have been the recipient of tender care. no, i am not in a hospital and trust you me, i am far from giving birth. i had a grafting procedure done on my gums, which pretty much equates to: incision + sutures + pain + vicodin + soft foods + a lot of doing nothing.

months ago, i probably would have driven myself to and from the dental office, taken a pain pill, curled up on my lonesome couch, and slept the day away. maybe i would have eaten some pudding. but now that i live with g, i have been under his love and care. waking up early for my appointment, making me a protein shake for lunch, tucking me in so i could sleep through the afternoon, and then whipping up a kabocha squash soup for nourishment...THAT'S what g did. he has been my nurse, my companion, and my support, filling me up with everything i need for a quick recovery. being the recipient of genuine care has never meant so much. and i hope that i can express my gratitude to g the same way those grateful patients do to me. he deserves to feel the warmth that comes with such thankfulness.