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Across the Fence:  Just needing a hug...  |
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Joey
True Blue Farmgirl
1868 Posts
Joey
Gulf Coast
FL
USA
1868 Posts |
 Posted - May 23 2011 : 5:04:13 PM
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I'm really just venting but..I am a nurse who works in the ER with people who have mental probems, or homeless, or drunk..you get the picture. I will have been in this business 38 years tomorrow. I am too young to retire and too old, I think, to deal with all of the nonsense that is healthcare these days. I am tired of being yelled at by doctors over minor issues..often that are not my fault and I can't fix. I am tired of not having time to really talk to my patients because we are being pushed to "clear the ER" and get patients out in 2 hours. I have been doing this specific job fr 6 months with little training. Nobady has ever told me how I am doing. This week the entire RN ER system is changing-fundamentally how we do our job-not what I was hired for. AND THEN, on 6/21 we are switching to a whole new computer system! This is a major hospital system with a well deserved good reputation-so maybe it's me. I'm thinking maybe I should go back to Hospice but I really want 12 hr shifts. I am working too many days. I feel like all I do is work and sleep and take care of my Dad who is sick. No new jobs in yesterdays paper and honestly, in this economy, I am so happy to have a good paying job. I come at life with an "attitude of gratitude" but I just feel pretty down right now and MJF is where I get my support. My DH is supportive but often clueless and just feels frustrated with me, I think.
From the bottom of my heart, "Thank you" for listening. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 5:26:21 PM
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Sending you a virtual hug, Joey. :) I can only imagine the stress your under. Wish we lived closer - I'd be taking you out for tea and a good old-fashioned girls day out. :) 'Sounds like you need - and DESERVE it! Could you maybe sneak away for a special dinner with your hubby where you can just cast all the cares of the world away for a few hours? Caregivers, more than anyone, need rest, relaxation and some down time to reset. Sounds like you're long overdue, my friend. Actually - I'm sending an extra hug to you right now!
Thank you for all you do, truly. I'm sure that in the midst of all of this, there are a whole lot of people whose lives you touch who are just thanking God to have someone so caring to help them through. You make all the difference in the world to so many people every day. Their appreciation may go unspoken, but I believe with all my heart that God sees you, and that you are making Him beam with joy! He will remember you - He will!
Hugs and love -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 5:26:40 PM
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Joey,
I am so sorry that you are feeling so frustrated. I agree, the healthcare system is doomed since the Government is running it. I know you should feel lucky to have a job, but at what cost? Prayers and hugs to you. Hopefully something will come up with better working environment.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6671 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6671 Posts |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 5:30:40 PM
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I understand your frustrations, but try to think of all the good you do when some homeless, mentally ill person comes to the ER. These people are the outcasts of society--maybe the ER is the best treatment they get from other people. I work in a hospital so I see all around me people who are burnt out. Can you take a vacation? The ER is particularly stressful, so it's important for you to have "me" time. I hope you can get away long enough to de-stress and re-charge your batteries. It's been proven that vacation time leads to more productive workers, but American employers have yet to learn this. "Healthcare" is not an accurate term, since it's often like an assembly line in the ER--get 'em in and move 'em out. I work in support services and I see a lot of things going down that just don't seem fair. I know I couldn't work in direct patient care. But you can, and for that, I admire you. Hope this helps.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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Joey
True Blue Farmgirl
1868 Posts
Joey
Gulf Coast
FL
USA
1868 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 6:40:37 PM
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I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am SO grateful for the prompt support you all have offered me. You know Nini, I think what you said comforts me. This isn't about me. What I do is the gift that God has given me to give to others. He does see me and all I can do to honor Him is do the best that I can do with the gift He has given me. When He wants me somewhere else He will provide the job. Sometimes I forget that it isn't about ME. Thank you all. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 7:07:57 PM
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Joey, I don't work out in the public so I have no idea what you are going through. But my hubby drives a truck and there have been SO many changes in that industry. He gets so frustrated having to learn new things. And not always for the better either. So I can understand a little how you are feeling. It's a shame that in such a people oriented place the nurses and others are being jerked around so much. It can't help the poor patients at all. I am sending good thoughts and hugs your way too. Hope things get better for you.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 7:54:10 PM
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Joey,
Working with the public especially when they don't feel good has to be the hardest job ever..!!!! I feel your pain and just want to send you the biggest hug ever!!!! Try everyday to do something small for yourself. even if it is only for 15 minutes... you need to start taking care of yourself!!! If you don't no on will!!!!! You have taken care of others all your life it sounds like. you need sometime for you!!!! Take it and don't feel guilty!!! Love and good wishes!!! could you send me your address to my email....I would like to have it! thanks bev
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 8:13:35 PM
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Warm Hugs coming your way Joey. I give you so much credit- I oftten marvel at nurses and the jobs that they do each and everyday- it really just amazes me. You are to be commended for what you do, and I am sorry that things are a bit difficult at work right now. I pray for you that all things work out, as I am sure they will, and that you are at peace with where you are now.
Prayers sent!
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 8:57:21 PM
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Wow, your post gave me a major flashback. I'm a nurse too. I know what you are feeling so well. I worked at a major teaching hospital in Nashville for the first years of my career. I loved the atmosphere until the emphasis changed from patient care to numbers. In short order I was burnt out and frustrated that try as I might there was no way to provide excellent patient care and meet the number crunchers expectations/demands. I was considering a career change when I was recruited by a doctor that did her fellowship in my unit to come work with her at our city hospital. It was then a true indigent care facility. (Anyone remember St. Elsewhere?) I loved it! Teaching and caring for the patient was more important than training the doctors though we did both. :) My unit budget was tight but we worked together and managed very well. How wasteful we were at the big prestigious hospital, how entitled most of the staff acted. My work became a vocation instead of an occupation.
I digress... Remember always that you have to live with yourself, not the management of your unit/hospital. If what you are required to do goes against your values or professional judgement keep looking for another job. You will never be happy if you feel you are compromising yourself. I'm not saying just quit, but start looking. Have you considered working with a non profit? Is there a large hospital with a pediatric ER? Pediatricians are so much easier to work with than some of the other disciplines. :)
I believe the universe is just waiting to hear what we need and will provide when we put it out there. I'm sending you big warm hugs and a prescription for permission to take some time for yourself. I'll call it in for you if you like!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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BalancingAct
True Blue Farmgirl
297 Posts
Jackie
Hoosierville
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 9:35:21 PM
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Hey there, Joey. Sending lots of hugs. Take a deep breath and go find yourself a good massage therapist to help your muscles eliminate the stress buildup.
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 05:57:00 AM
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HUGS AND BLESSINGS, JOEY! Even if they won't tell you you're doing a good job, I will. I deal with the outpatient segment of mental health. I don't have it near as tough as you, but have always admired the staff that does. Good work, farmgirl!!!
from the hearts of paradise...
1Thess. 4:11 |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 06:28:18 AM
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Joey - Sending love and gratittude your way! My mom was a RN - I remember her coming home so frustrated at times - you pour your heart and soul into your job and then have to deal with souless entities. I remember her wishing she had more time for her patients and less time for the endless paperwork. Just remember that the job you do is more than a job - it is a calling. The care that you give to some of the people you work with may be the only kindness they have had in a while. To be a nurse takes a special person - to be a good nurse takes an extraordinary one- and from what you write I can tell you are xtraordinary!
~ Elaine
Farmgirl sister #2822
"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." ~Saki
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
http://gusandtrudy.blogspot.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 06:56:45 AM
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It's such an under-appreciated job sometimes, my dad worked in ER for years. For all of the times that I've had to go to an ER, I want to just say "Thank You!" It's the RN's who make it less frightening to all of us =)
When you start feeling worn out, frazzled and down, let us all know and we'll always said love and hugs!
*Hugs*
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 07:07:12 AM
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hugs and kisses and love to you. i have spent hours in the er beds. i never know when i will be off in an ambulance. they call me zebra. my medical condition is like a zebra. i am nothing like i look or sound coming in. the nurses are so good to me. there worse day is my lucky one. i am there because they can help me like i can not do for my self. i dont want to be there BUT there i am. so thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for being a nurse you two. i would not live and have a life with out you. hang in there and Jah loves you and the good you do. i hope you get a good rest. after you learn all this new stuff you will look back with pride for getting it learned. hugs love and happy days i hope are ahead for you. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Heartbroken farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Annette
rio vista
Ca
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 08:09:19 AM
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Lots and lots of hugs to you! I have four children, and so far three out of four have asthma. My oldest had RSV, and then my 3rd got it in infancy as well. My second gets cronicly UTI's. We spend a lot of time in the ER. Honestly, I've always felt like I could just leave the Dr's, and deal with the nursing staff. While the Dr is always clipped, rushed, and apathetic, the nurses are patient, gentle, kind, and caring. Thank you for doing what you do.
You and Nini are right. Sense God has blessed you with a nurturing spirit, and the ability to help, you bring glory to Him, by the care you give. More big hugs to you.
The tears I shed then, watered the flowers I harvest now.
www.broken908.blogspot.com
http://forums.familyfriendpoems.com/broken908
"The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."-Dean William Ralph Inge |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 09:33:41 AM
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Maybe take some of your vacation days and get some rest and look into going back to Hospice. Maybe they would give you 12 hour shifts. I think being a Hospice worker is like being an Angel to the patient and the Family.
Nancy Jo
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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Joey
True Blue Farmgirl
1868 Posts
Joey
Gulf Coast
FL
USA
1868 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 1:47:08 PM
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Thank you all SO much for your support. I feel a little better today. I graduated nursing school 38 years ago today and I have had a wonderful career. It is not the patients that burn me out. I LOVE what I do with my patients. As I am sure CMAC would agree, most of what we do in the hospital now is not what I went to school to do. I spend more time on the computer than I do with the patient...and psych. is SUPPOSED to be listening to the patient.
Anyway, I went online this am and found that a sister hospital has/had (?) a 12 hour shift in their psych unit. I'm applying for that. We'll see what happens. I do believe every job has it's own "stuff", but I don't like having to compromise my own values to be able to care for my patients. I'll keep you posted and again, thank you all for your support and hugs. Farmgirls are the best.
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 2:04:28 PM
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I do agree Joey! I hope you find your 12 hour shifts. I loved them. Sounds like a long day but being able to have several off days in row allowed me to keep my sanity. When i worked, I worked. When I was off, I was able to truly be off. It was also easier to take an occasional O.T. 8 hour shift for extra money without feeling like I was giving up all my off time. I wish you luck!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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luv2farmnd
True Blue Farmgirl
53 Posts
Dona
Northwood
North Dakota
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 3:17:59 PM
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Will keep you in prayers Joey and let GOD do his work in where ever your heart lays and whatever his path he will lay in front of you as well to follow.
Hard sometimes with same job, economy, carin for family, parents and all BUT do take care of yourself first as that is important for you to then care for everyone else who surround you.
Hugs from ND...
Luvin' God's CountryFarm life in ND!
Dona
Farmgirl Sisterhood #2860
Farmgirl Chapter~ Crazy in the Country |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 3:35:56 PM
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More hugs coming your way Joey,
I recently gave my notice at my job--I have coworkers who treat me like dirt too.
It's better now that they know I'm leaving.
My job is not like yours. I could not do such a big job as that.
Nurses have saved my life and my husband's too.
We commend you and thank you!
I prayed about my job for over two years.
I have been desperate to leave and willing to do just about anything else.
Finally, a new opportunity came my way and all the pieces fell into place.
I will pray that you find your truest calling--even though I can assure you that your daily grind is not one second wasted.
Your life's work matters a great deal to the world.
Warmest wishes,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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Sweet_Tea
True Blue Farmgirl
194 Posts
Tara
Newberry
SC
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2011 : 06:41:14 AM
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Joey,
I'm so sorry... The new computer systems are crazy, and I understand getting yelled at by doctors, when I was doing my internship, they yelled at me for crap i didn't do or could fix, They are ridiculous. That's what is wrong with healthcare... people don't take the time to help people.. as a Doctor, We are allowed like 10 minutes per patient with most insurance companies. then they only pay 25% of what the bill is.. So you are on the loosing end all around.. I continually got yelled at, about taking to long or "listening to them whine" as one Dr. put it.
Just hang on to the fact that if you spend a few extra minutes with someone you are helping them.
Hospice is a rough job, but I have so much respect for hospice nurses. Take some time for you. You need a break.
*********HUGS**************
Farmgirl Sister #2974
~ http://notsosweettea.blogspot.com/
"The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears"
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Joey
True Blue Farmgirl
1868 Posts
Joey
Gulf Coast
FL
USA
1868 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2011 : 10:26:23 PM
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Again, many thanks to all who have supported me. I took this week off and go back to work on Sat. I remain firm in my mind that I will look for an other job,,, but in the mean-time I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability until I can go elsewhere. I'll keep you posted, and hopefully soon will be able to report a new job that fits better with my values. Thanks. Hugs, Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
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Simply Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
163 Posts
WI
USA
163 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2011 : 08:10:44 AM
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Hugs to you Joey, I am sorry to hear the pain in your email. Life is quite a challenge, some days you can deal with it better than otheres but you have support here and life will unfold as it should. Stay your cource and follow your heart.
I wish you better days ahead and only good things come your way.
There is no set path, follow your heart stay the course. |
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Oggie
True Blue Farmgirl
526 Posts
Ginny
Machias
Maine
USA
526 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2011 : 5:03:16 PM
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I hope by today you are feeling better about yourself and the job you do. If not, here's a few more virtual hugs Joey!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Find something very small that you can find much enjoyment in - a flower, a pretty place, an animal doing something cute, a humming bird at a feeder, etc... Remember to "stop and smell the roses" as that's what life is all about, finding joy and comfort in something small.
Ginny
Farmgirl #2343
www.thedewhopinn.com
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it." Both by Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) in the Movie Harvey
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HelenaMarie
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Helena
Bay Shore
NY
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2011 : 5:29:49 PM
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Dear Joey,
First I wanted to say that in the last 10 years of my life, I have spent quite a bit of time in hospitals. First, when my little girl was born premature and spent 4 months in the NICU (she is 9 now, and is great!), and then more recently in the last couple of years when my dear Mom first became ill. She was in and out of the hospital over a period of 6 months before she passed away, and spent the last 3 weeks of her life in the ICU.
I thank God for wonderful nurses like yourself. You make a tremendous difference in the lives of others, in ways you will probably never know. The nurses in the NICU that took care of my tiny baby girl for 4 months became like family to me, and it is largely because of them, and especially one nurse in particular named Ruth, that I got through the most difficult 4 months of my life, when I did not know from day to day if my baby would live, and if she did, would she be OK. Those nurses were likes angels watching over my child. They fought for her, they cared for her, they cried tears of joy with me when she made progress. You are truly angels!!
Then the nurses that took care of my Mom in those last months of her life were also angels. They treated her with care, love and respect. And they helped me and the rest of my family handle the difficult ups and downs of my Mom's health, to the final decision to take her off of life support. Then they held our hands during those moments as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I understand your frustration, your fatigue, the abuse you sometimes endure for what I am sure sometimes feels like a thankless job. So I just want to say to you, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You. And please know that people like you are appreciated more than you will ever know.
xoxoxo
Helena
FarmGirl #3029
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.
Robert Louis Stevenson
www.blondieandco.typepad.com
www.blondieblu.etsy.com
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Across the Fence: Just needing a hug... |
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Just needing a hug...
