Laurie's Heart Update

Thursday, August 07, 2008

August 7: I'm supposed to be getting ready for bed....

Last week ended up being pretty busy. Yes, the shooting in Knoxville WAS directed at UUs. Oh, boy, we've hit the mainstream!! It was a stunning revelation that it was deliberate, and that someone would walk into a children's performance and open fire. And it would have been so much worse if not for the brave usher, Greg McKendry, who sacrificed himself to save others, as well as the other members who wrestled the shooter to the ground and, without continuing the violence, held him until police arrived. What I haven't mentioned before is that I've become one of the lay leaders for services, especially with our minister's sabbatical coming in October. The idea is to have some people trained to participate to help the service run smoothly and consistently. My first time "flying solo", meaning without assisting the minister, was to be August 3. In the rapid firing back and forth after the tragedy, I was asked to help lead a memorial service Wednesday, in addition to drastically revising the service scheduled for Sunday. Many hours going through books, picking out readings, chalice lightings, final words as well as writing my own. But it was theraputic for me, gave me an outlet.

RE: running again. You have no idea how much I miss being a medic. Really. And Joanne told me during last week's dinner that Wayne Murphy asked specifically if I could help with the Bucks Fall EMT course. Hummmm.... Realistically, I will never be on a rig again. Even though I'm feeling better, there's this long ridge down my sternum which isn't that stable. It wouldn't be safe for me to be in situations that can't be controlled with pretty significant physical limitations, also putting my crew at risk. I won't do that. Yes, teaching is a possibility, although I do that as a PA on a regular basis at three of the local university programs. If I was going to commit to something in EMS, I think it would be going back to CISD/CISM. I was with Mont Co's team for several years, having been drawn in during my time working at Building 50. And I have this psych degree. And I enjoyed doing it, as much as you can use that word about that whole situation.

G.R. and I seemed to have reached an understanding. I'm primarily in the office, so he doesn't visit. I am, however, known for my ability to run codes in the office and hospital, and frequently was the one to address patients and families regarding hospice and 'level of care' issues. I still maintain that Goddess/God/Spirits/G.R decided that I had a talent for handling that stuff and gave me lots of exposure. But it certainly took a lot of people an awfully long time to figure out that I was DISPATCHED to deal with dead/dying people, not causing the condition! Besides my friend Roger, I haven't dealt with it since my own 'staring into the abyss'. Maybe a career in hospice is a possibility....

Other events of the past week including my hot water heater going, although it streamed out at a reasonable pace instead of making a real mess and exploding all over the basement. And working four days a week the last two weeks has definitely let me know that I'm not ready for it regularly. I'm just exhausted, constantly. And I have the rest of August with working Fridays, and next week am going to have to work five days, although some will be half days. Mom's wrist is getting better and better, she just has an ace bandage and small splint on now. Oops...just remembered she had an appt today and I forgot to call. Office insane, because the 'office manager' not only let a huge number of staff take off this week, but then took off herself. So, those of us who are left are having to do more. But let me not deteriorate this into a conversation about the issues at work....

It's 9:30, all the usual places hurt, plus a headache, plus the right knuckle that I continue to bang--isn't that always the way? I've got to wash my hair and get to bed. Another fun day tomorrow!

Thanks for checking, Laurie

P.S. to J.T.: Yes, the knowledge that even a minor accident would lead to my being a trauma alert makes me glad that at least it won't be someone I know stripping me down! Damn, I keep forgetting to order that Medic Alert bracelet....

2 Comments:

  • At 1:19 PM, Blogger Kevan said…

    Laurie,

    Sounds like your church activities though tiring are somewhat therapuetic.

    I am supposed to be a course co-ordinator for an EMT class at 122's, yep they are finally going to host another program there starting in January. That being said I would be honored to have you come out and help with some of the classes, your choice of naturally.

    Please take the moment to get that Medic-Alert be it a braclet or necklace. you can do it online at http://www.medicalert.org/home/Homegradient.aspx.

    Do try to get some rest, even little power naps help. I know my job does sometime lend itself to them easier than yours, and god knows I have taken them. Fewer now that I am using my CPAP religiously, but hey the good power nap is great for anyone especially us old guys. Not that your old yet anyway, just feel like it.

    Okay take care, be safe,

    Love Ya,

     
  • At 5:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Laurie,

    Hey, glad to hear you sound like you are surviving the work hours better, still tired but better than before.

    I am very glad to hear your involvment in the church growing... You need an outlet for yourself that is not just work and recooping.!!! and even though you are somewhat still serving to others it is for a higher purpose and that builds personal values for you.!

    hope you are taking some time to just sit out and smell the roses! you still need YOU time.

    Hope the cat clan is all doing well, glad to hear you mom is doing better...

    Deneen

     

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