In which I talk about the day job: By Rose Lange

 

Most, if not all, my posts are about my writing, the craft, contracts, etc. I thought I would switch gears, and introduce the day job. I’m an author by day, and nursing assistant by night. I care for the elderly nuns in my community, in an Assisted Living home.

I enjoy what I do, and I like to think it shows. I’ve been caring for them, going on five years now in July. I tend to basic needs, as necessary needs, and whoa-wasn’t-expecting-that-needs. It keeps me on my toes, and active that’s for sure. My role as a nurturer, is one I wear 24/7/365, because whether I’m taking care of my family, or the sisters, there is always a person in need. Most nights I come home, exhausted, tired, sweaty, sometimes happy, sometimes crabby, because the night was that rough. The other night was such a night, and falls under the wasn’t expecting that category. Whew.

Besides the cares I perform, these interesting, often times surprising group of women have become like grandmothers to me. Through the years, they’ve surprised me, like going to a sister’s room, and she has a beer sitting on her nightstand.  I’ll admit it gave me an amused giggle. Or some of the things they say, because they surprise me at every turn. Each day is like a present, as Forest Gump’s mom would say, you never know what you’re going to get. 🙂

The most difficult part is the loss, whether by death, or them re-locating to a nursing home, the attachments you’ve formed make it hard to let go. The connections are a blessing, as each woman is unique, and special in her own way. Each loss gets harder, and some have stayed with me. Whether it’s been a few months, a year, or two, I still remember her, I miss her, and I smile. I recall the special moments we shared, something as simple as watching five minutes of Wheel of Fortune, excited to see if that person would win the million dollars. Or having a heart to heart talk in her room, sharing things, and knowing she’ll offer sound advice each time. Or a sister sitting on the edge of her bed, sprinkling Holy Water, and offering a blessing. Where you hear “God bless you,” at least ten times a day. It makes me happy when they ask when they’ll see me again, because I know the connection is reciprocal. Those days X out the not so great, want to pull my hair out days, because like any job, it has its stresses, but it also has its joys. Little things, little these moments, have remained with me.

The comfort these women have given me is priceless, and it makes me thankful everyday, that I’m there.