Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I Don't Like Good Byes

Hello my friends, I hope you all had a great day....Sunshine today my friends, priceless!

My day started early, very early. Just before I was to close my computer last night I received an e-mail from my sister, in Scotland. I could tell by her words something wasn't quite right, it was pretty late so I e-mailed her back and mentally made a note to call her this morning. Well I turned the light out and tried to go to sleep but I just kept thinking about her so I called. It was 8 am in Scotland but it was 1 am here. Anyway I called and was so glad I did. She is having some health issues right now and after we talked about them we started chatting, you know what sisters are like. Well we discussed our first memories and we both were laughing so hard at each other's memory, I am sure if someone were outside my window he would of thought I had lost it. There were six kids in my family and Sheila was #4 where I was #6. Her birthday was Jan. 8th and mine is in May. Well after Christmas at our house there was no money so Sheila didn't get many birthday gifts (always a cake though) and mine being in May and being the youngest, seem to have a good celebration compared to her. I wish she could tell you the stories she told me about what she did to my dolls, etc. Oh how we laughed. I, now have to apologize to my brother as I always blamed him for doing those things. We talked for 2 hours, at least and really we laughed more than talked. It's great to have sisters, I wish she didn't live so far away. She reads my blog everyday, so hi Sis, hope your feeling better. You said I was a real tonic for you well you are a real blessing to me. I love you and wish we lived closer together.

Now today was the last day of our course. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and we took our pot luck picnic to the park by the church. We had so much food, mostly snacks and finger foods. My contribution was a tray of 5 different cheese(s), crackers and pickles, others brought rolls, sausage, pepperoni, peanuts, chips and the other leader had picked up a lovely cake with our course number on it. We put the two picnic tables close together and enjoyed each other's company. We all spoke about what, if any and they had a choice to say, we received from our course. Needless to say my eyes were misty through most of this. We tidied up the park and headed back to the clinic (just across the street) as we had made up packets for each of the patients to take home with them and as I was passing them out my favorite patient said, now do you have time for a cup of coffee or have you had enough already. What could I say, I had planned on going to Curves right after the course but I knew it would be open whenever I had finished, so I said of course we'll go for coffee, I always have time for you. Remember I told you I didn't like clowns, well I dislike "goodbyes" even more. After hugs and good byes to everyone "favorite patient" and I went across the street to The Tea House for coffee. He thanked me and told me that he was going to miss the course and that no matter how badly he felt he always looked forward to Tuesday's. We had given him something each week to feel good about, and the assignments each week helped him to forget for a few minutes that his life wasn't normal. I told him I was glad we were able to help and only wished we could of done more. He encouraged me to continue and keep the courses going, they were very helpful he said. Now this made me feel proud of our course and happy that we were helping people, that was our main goal. The class had bought us each a gift and I was given a lovely pair of blue topaz earrings, and Danielle was given a stretch pearl bracelet. Such beautiful gifts, now we usually do receive a gift each course by these were by far the most expensive gifts we received. Danielle and I just looked at each other in amazement and we both had tears in our eyes. I wanted to be able to tell you that saying good bye to "favorite patient" went well but as his eyes misted over and he gave me a hug the tears were rolling down my cheeks. His wife had arrived to pick him up and as I walked him to the car I asked God to keep me strong not only for me but for him. I never did say good bye, I just kissed his cheek as I closed the car door. I returned to the clinic and both Danielle and I cried over his situation. It's the classic, why do bad things happen to good people. Tonight as I go over the day, I know in my heart he will be fine whether it's here or in heaven. He has a wife and family who will love and care for him, a wonderful doctor, nurses to help him until God takes him home. He will always have a special place in my heart.

When I left the clinic I went to Curves and it was good timing as I needed the exercise to lift my spirits. It worked and I arrived home feeling energized and happy. I had a couple of happy surprises today as well, I will tell you about them in tomorrow's blog.

Am off to read my favorite blogs and comments......hope you all have a Wonderful Wednesday.....Good Night and God Bless

20 comments:

Tranquility Speaks said...

I hate good byes too! They say that when you say good bye, the hope of meeting the person again dies, and I so believe in it.

I hope your sister gets well soon!And I also pray that your favorite patient is well taken care of! You've done your bit Bernie, and someone up there is going to be really Happy with you :)

Bernie said...

Stillness, I was responding to your comment on my Monday's post when this comment came in. It made me smile as you were writing me as I was writing you. I so love hearing from you. My sister hopefully will be fine, she needs surgery on her hand for her arthritis. She is not use to being sick and has a lot of energy, she works so very hard, I wish she would slow down and take more time for herself. Thank you for your prayers... my favorite gift of all.....Have a wonderful Wednesday my young friend..:-)Hugs

Eileen said...

This post made me cry.
I am from a large family too (one of seven), and I have two sisters (I'll be doing a post soon about them, as June 16 is my older sister's birthday), so I know how wonderful and unique that relationship is. And I can relate to the feelings of fear that come over you when you think something can change the relationship, and I know well that wonderful feeling of closeness and shared memories, and the LAUGHTER!! Having sisters is the best.

And saying 'good-bye' to your patients, especially your favorite patient, that's got to be like saying good-bye to a part of yourself. You make connections, build a relationship, and then the routine is stopped. But you know that connection is always there. And you can carry the gift with you always that you gave each of them something very important at a time in their lives when they needed it most.

I'm glad you are enjoying Curves so much! And how great it gives you that wonderful energy!

Thanks for all your comments to my blog. Thanks for sharing your stories. I'm off to read the one you told me about!
All the best, Eileen

Eileen said...

I'm back.
I just read a few of your older posts. I love all the pictures. I never get tired of looking at things like that. I love to see what others are interested in, how they like to surround themselves in their homes, the colors they prefer. I go all the time to those home decorating blogs for ideas.
And I'm just so interested in everyday lives of people.
Thanks for posting those pictures and thanks for telling me about it!

I also read the post on your Mom. I lost my Mom a little over two years ago to Alzheimer's. I can relate to your feelings. I've done a few posts about her, but it's still hard to talk about it all.
Thanks for sharing.
All the best, Eileen

Blessings each day said...

This is such a beautiful ministry that you have, Bernie and I know heaven is smiling about it.

will pray that all goes well with your sister...so glad that you laugh together so much...might be a refreshing thing for people to overhear laughter rather than fighting at 1:00a.m.!!

blessing and hugs,

marcy

Diana said...

I loved reading about your day Bernie but I also hate goodbyes and that was so sad. Sometimes endings are sad but I always remind myself that an ending also means a new beginning! Thank you for your words Bernie it always makes me happy!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that your sister is not well...I will pray for her today!!! But it is so wonderful that you have such a close sister-friend!!! And I am with you..."goodbyes" are so hard! Love and smiles to you this Wednesday! ~Janine XO

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie...It is fun to reminisce with sisters...and discover things you never knew...hope Sheila's surgery goes well...trusting your instincts to call was rewarding for both of you...

We're having another thunderstorm this morning again...BTW doesn't "The Grizzled One" describe everything so perfectly...I'm glad you follow him.

I know saying good bye was extra hard for you...the finality of how it pertained to him especially...this time in his life was made better by the sincere caring you showed him.

I am behind in everything today...school is out and Andrew and Dylan spent the night...and I get involved with their cuteness and funny conversations!

Have a good day Bernie.
Smile and take care!

Tranquility Speaks said...

Here's wishing your sister all the very best for her surgery! I'm sure all will be well.

I love hearing from you too :D Have a wonderful Wednesday Bernie, with all things good, and don't forget to take care of yourself and not overwork yourself!

Bernie said...

Hi Eileen, so happy you found the post and thank you for your kind words. My mum was very special and so are my sisters. Yeah, yesterday had good bits and sad but I was so blessed to have my "favorite patient" come into my life, I think I learned more from his strength and attitude than he ever could learn from me. Love your blog Eileen, have a great day....
:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Marcy, you make me chuckle so much, your right it's better they hear laughter than fighting.
Have a wonderful day Marcy, will be over later.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Diana, I hope you are feeling a bit better today. Thank you for your kind words, I have had many "new" beginings in my life and they can be pretty tough to go through but with my faith I have managed to come through with lessons learned.
You are in my prayers today my friend and always...Have a great day .......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Miss Sniffles and Smiles, thank you, my sister will be fine I'm sure. She is always doing for others so now it's time to let others do for her although I know she will find that hard.
Have a wonderful Wednesday Janine, smiles and hugs right back at you my friend......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Good Morning Wanda, yesterday's good bye to "favorite patient" was difficult, I even had a few pangs when blogging it. My sister is a good laugh every time and as you know it's a special bond between sister's. It's okay to be behind when it's because you have your grandchildren over...love it! I find yours and Griz's blogs have much in common and I enjoy yours so very much...have a great day my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Stillness, thank you my friend. Today is to be hot and my only committment is Curves and dinner tonight with a friend. Hope you have a great day.....:-) Hugs as always.

Jinksy said...

I think laughter is one of the things that tie families together over any distance - mine has to go as far as New Zealand, to reach my brother. Good job I have a strong voice! Hehehe

Rebecca said...

I will put the chocolate behind me - per your advice :) Unfortunately, I think I have a hangover (headache) this morning. I hardly EVER have headaches! I hope I remember this the next time I'm tempted.

Do you have another course coming up?I know you'll enjoy the memories while wearing the thoughtful gift you received....

Bernie said...

Hi Rebecca, I get headaches when I don't have my coffee so I am sure chocolate does the same thing. Our courses are over now for the summer, we start another again in September. I always miss them but so many people go away during the summer months it wasn't feasible to try to have any. We are always refreshed in the Fall so it's a good thing...:-) Hugs

The Retired One said...

You gave that patient the best medicine ever...your help, your time,and most of all...hope.
He may pass away, but his memory will live on...
you will see each other again, I am sure of it.
He will have told everyone in heaven about the wonderful Bernie and they will hug you in appreciation when you arrive...(a LONG long time from now!)

Bernie said...

Oh Joan, what a beautiful thing to say, thank you my friend. I learned more from him than he ever did from me. He is special to me and always will be. You are very kind.......:-) Hugs always