THEN I had the perfect job...it was only one year ago today that I left the best job I had ever had! A year ago I started my day with a cup of coffee from the DONs office. I turned on my computer to the scheduler and checked what I needed to accomplish today. I checked the Activity Calendar and changed the dates on the board. Then I went to the official start of the day, the "stand up" meeting. After the stand-up, there would be some sort of other meeting. Perhaps a Care Plan, or a fall review or fall prevention committee, or a meeting for Quality Assurance, with doctors and the pharmacist, and all other department heads. Perhaps it would be the day to network with the other Activity Directors in the area, at 7:30 in the morning. Maybe today was a day to take the Residents to the mall, or a restaurant, or WalMart. Or maybe I was to decorate the room for an "indoor picnic"...(a themed lunch with outside food).
I probably did some one-to-one visits with Residents either reluctant or unable to attend group events. I most assuredly communicated with my staff my expectations of the day. Of course, in a health care center, "expectations" need to be kept flexible! Especially on the Alzheimer's unit...rarely did I come off that unit without a chuckle or two. Not that Alzheimer's is funny by any means...but reminiscing in a childlike manner can make the day memorable. As sad as this disease is, the fact that its victims seem to enjoy the simple things in life and accept everyone and most situations, does make dealing with it easier.
A year ago I took a potty break when I needed to. I took my lunch when I wanted to, for the most part. I used the phone uninterrupted. I wore nice clothing to work. I wore jewelry and make-up too. I took a walk around the property in quiet if I needed to think or meditate or pray. Or if I just needed exercise.I prepared reports on depression, quality of life issues, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's research, etc. I planned events for all occasions and made up a few when life seemed mundane. I talked to adults all day. Some of their stories sounded more like children, but they were adults...that was THEN...and I miss it sometimes.
NOW I have the best job in the world! I start my day with a smile from Baby Girl...sometimes an impish one, sometimes a broad one, but always a smile. Then comes Dora the Explorer, sippy cups, and diaper changes. And Breakfast messes, CF treatments, chasing half-naked toddlers with clean clothes in my hand and hunting for sleepyheads under pillows and blankets. We have school all planned...reading, math, science, social studies, crafts, Bible lessons, and organized PE...sometimes we add music and outings! I cannot believe an entire year has gone by...and I rarely took a potty break when I needed to...(NOW my bladder is even stronger!) I rarely ate MY lunch when I wanted to (but kids food is so tasty!) I NEVER talked on the phone uninterrupted! I wear old scrubs and shorts to work. I DO NOT wear jewelry...(Baby Girl wants to try it all on!...and her method of removing the items from my body to hers leaves much pain...) And I hardly ever wear make-up (I sweat too much!) I NEVER take a walk by myself around the property! (I really do not need the exercise any more! Try chasing 3 kids up and down stairs all day long!) I save my thinking and meditating for evenings and early AMs...and I pray constantly! "Lord, keep these kids safe from their own adventuresome antics, keep them from destroying the house and breaking something of value (like their arm or neck!) Help them to listen and learn...to obey, to read, to write, to be good people. Help me teach them what they need to know. Teach me how to handle the childish wiles, words, and wackiness they think up every day. And give me love and patience...as soon as possible, Lord. And just one more ting...keep me sane! AMEN!"
Yes, I miss back THEN, the "good old days". I miss the interaction of adults and the stimulation of the "professionals". But NOW I do not have to worry that the Quality Assurance lunch meeting with the doctors will end up with me spilling food all over myself, or being unable to give an intelligent answer to a doctor's inquiry of my report...the one that I had to read aloud to all present. Funny, how my own typing suddenly blurs in front of a group of professionals.
NOW, I am assured that I WILL have someone's lunch on me, usually Baby Girl's. But I also WILL know the answer to any inquiry little inquiring minds want to know...or at least where to hunt for the answer. I am the teacher, after all!
NOW I have the special privilege of hearing incredible stories of dreams and fantasies, of conversations full of questions and wonder, and the awesome opportunity to pour my wisdom and experience into lives yet untainted by fear and disillusionment of the realities of life. Instead of dealing with topics like depression and eye problems, I research what happens to bubbles when they disappear, and why frogs can jump so far, and I visit firemen and police officers in person...and frequent the library and craft stores.
Yes, THEN I HAD the best job I had ever had... but NOW I HAVE the BEST job EVER, for it affects the future of America. And I wouldn't trade NOW for THEN even if I could! Hooray for Handsome, Hunky, Baby Girl, and TDH and Jomo too...and little Mr. Boo who I saw tonight on skpe! Kisses and hugs to all! Hooray for being a grananny! or grannypro!