A Gratitude Post #1

Today, I had a very good day.  I was able to go to work and accomplish a lot, which always makes me feel well.   I had 3 patients who told me I helped them with something, and 2 family members who expressed gratitude for my contacting them.  One disliked what I was telling her, but still acknowledged having a contact was better than not hearing anything at all.

Taki woke me up this morning.  She wanted breakfast, but when I was getting ready for work, she sat on my clothes. A sure sign she did not want me to go to work.  I thought she might be upset by the possibility of storms.  We had some showers this morning, but the storms came tonight.

For those of you who do not know, Taki is slightly developmentally delayed, so some things upset her more than others.  She was potty trained quickly as a baby.  However, some days, she has problems with making her mark, if you will.  Tonight was one of those times.  We had an electric squall blow through, at about the time Taki needed to use her litter dish. The storm was pretty much over head. She missed the litter box.  That upsets her, and she scratches, and scratches and scratches.  I think that is left over from when Sake schooled her about litter box etiquette, and did not hesitate to tell her when she violated that etiquette.  However, when I assure her she is okay, she is able to settle down.

The thing is, we do not always know, and often do not at all know what things will impact those in our world.  As Taki's life companion, I can predict some things, and sometimes, read the signs when I am missing the predictions.  And  Taki is persistent but patient.  

But we are all different, and something that impacts one of us, may not even have an effect on another of us. We cannot know.  But this is one of the skills of a social worker, to be receptive and open to the messages our clients give us that inform us of what is impacting their life and adding to their distress. Social workers start where their clients are: this may be physically, or even environmentally, but more often socially, emotionally, and psychologically. 

Oh, my gosh.  So I am thankful for my patients and their families, and for Taki, and her insecurities, but also her willingness to accept assurances from me.  These folks allowed me to address them where they were and gave me the indicators I need to address their needs in the future. 

Wow, I would consider that a highly positive day!

Thankfulness

Today is Thanksgiving, and I have a lot to be thankful for:  I have a good career and job. I have people who care about me.  I have a good home. I am able to take care of my needs.  In addition to a meaningful career, I do some meaningful volunteer work.  I have a faith that sustains me. 

  

A Small Thing

So, yesterday at work, I sought the help of my co-workers to distribute a set of word puzzles to my patients for the Thanksgiving holiday.  It is a small thing, but if you have little, you appreciate everything. As I was leaving from my ward today, I got "thumbs up" for the puzzles.  We never know what a small gesture might mean.

I Should Have Done This Last Week

As the title says, I should have done this last week, but I did not.  I am remiss.  The regular reader will recall my post about the very good Wal-Mart Associate
http://lisenbylines.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-03-20 T22:53:00-05:00&max-results=7 .

I did send in the email about my experience, and how pleased I was.  It was some days later, March 25, 2015, when I had a voicemail message on my phone from Leslie at Wal-Mart. She said that it was not very often that they receive messages like the one I sent, and they would recognize Taileigh at their next meeting.

That is as it should be.

Thank You to My Brother

I should have written this yesterday, but got distracted.  My oldest brother sent me a giant crossword puzzle.  That was so sweet of him.  It is something I am enjoying working on. I called my brother to thank him. My brother said he could send me the solution. I told him to wait until I had had a chance to work on the puzzle. Yeah, puzzle.

Suspended Responsibility

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  My car needs work, and may not even start, although it did Friday. My cell phone was not working, but finally, Sprint corrected the problem on Friday

Even though I was aware I had these problems, I basically suspended responsibility yesterday, and did not worry or care about what was going wrong. I paid attention to what I wanted to be right: I cooked a turkey.  I sat in the sun and read. I played with my cats. I watched Texas Tech football, although they lost.

I was thankful to have a house, a roof, food, and a place to be me.   I would have liked to call family but I sent emails. 

Friday, I tended to things, and the world seemed righter and brighter. Sometimes, being thankful makes a difference.  I want to remember to be thankful more often.

Thank You to Law Enforcement and First Resonders

I have followed the events in Boston and Watertown, MA today.  From the city wide lockdown, to the dragnet in Watertown, to the all clear, to the discovery of the suspect of the Boston Marathon bombings http://www.nbcnews.com/ in a boat in Watertown. 

I am so impressed with the citizens in those communities, at the time of the bombings and continuing into the saga: To Carlos Arredondo, who helped save Jeffery Bauman, Jr's life, and then stayed on to help at the scene. To those who stepped up and identified suspects and gave background information about the suspects, including Jeffery Bauman, Jr, a victim. To obey the lockdown order, with all of its economic, and social inconveniences. To the citizen, David Henneberry, who found the suspect and acted swiftly and appropriately by calling the police. 

And to all the law enforcement and first responder agencies. As they left the scene, the citizens of Watertown acknowledged their efforts with an ovation.  I have previously mentioned that on the 15th, I heard of tales of local citizens opening their businesses and homes to the victims of the bombings.  And not all the victims were those who were injured physically.  Victims included people who could not access their hotels.  Or get transportation home. Or were emotionally shocked.

As with 9/11, the Marathon Bombings did not destroy the spirit of the citizens of the Greater Boston area. Indeed, instead, it seems to have strengthened the spirit of the communities.

From all accounts, the various entities worked together, and this is known not to be the norm. There are always territorial, turf, and authority questions, jealousies and power struggles.

And, the president made it clear the due process would prevail for the suspect.  This, too, is a measure of the character of our country. One, that has not always been the case. 

So, how can I say it, but thank you to Law Enforcement and First Responders.

Mariachi Christmas

One of my coworkers, a correctional officer, is in a mariachi band: Mariaichi Mi Tierra.  This is evidently a popular title for mariachi bands, because if you google it, you will find several.  This one is based in Lubbock, Texas.

I made a point to go to listen to them play at a local Mexican food restaurant, once.  I would have gone back more often, but they stopped playing there after a while. (That is a lot to do regularly after you finish your day job.  And mariachi music requires LOTS of energy.)

A few weeks ago, the coworker told me he wanted to give me a CD of their Christmas music.  Working in a prison, it is difficult to bring things into the prison, sometimes.  Depending upon who is guarding the gate, a CD might be allowed in, might not.  So the coworker said he would get the CD to me, someday.

Today was our unit wide Christmas party. I went for dinner and stayed a while, visiting and listening to the karaoke.  One of our coworkers sang with the polish of someone who has performed on stage before.  The kids did great with Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer.  As I was leaving, a coworker called my name. It was mariachi band member.  He had a CD in his truck for me.

That was perfect. I had been listening to Christmas music, specificially James Taylor, a CD of Christmas music from my best friend, before I went to the party.  I had started on writing out Christmas cards, and my plan was to finish tonight.

So, I listened to Mariachi Me Tierra and loved it.  The strident brass of a mariachi band is a perfect fit for Christmas songs.  In fact, Christmas songs are often played with a lot of brass.

What a thoughtful gift. 

Merry Mariachi Christmas!

On Star, My Car and Me

I took the time this morning to check around to find out where I had left the warranty information for the Vue.  I used to keep it at home, but one time, when I was traveling, I decided I really needed it with me, so found it where I thought it was, in the glove compartment.

Well, I was pleased when I turned the Vue on, and the check engine light was not on.  Nevertheless, I called On Star, and they did an On Demand Diagnostic Check, and found nothing.  They asked about the indicator light being on, and I explained that it was yesterday, after I put gas in the car, but realized I may not have put the gas cap on correctly, and today, no indicator light.  I really think that was the problem.

As time goes on, we shall see.

I Have Had a Good Week

You might wonder about the title I Have Had a Good Week because, if you know me, or have read my blog, you will know I have had some bumps in the road this week:  the stranded vehicle; needing the plumber for a second week in a row; having to reschedule the plumber's visit and miss work an afternoon and the next morning. 

But, I have had a good week:  No noticeable damage to the car.  I was not injured. I have a lot of wonderfully supportive co-workers.  Paying for the wrecker put a notch in my budget, but does not mean I will be late with a bill.  I have indoor plumbing.  I can afford the plumber two weeks in a row (and I got a discount the second time he came.)  I have a job from which I can take personal leave to care for such emergencies.  I also can, and do, work flex time so I do not need to take personal leave sometimes. We have the program approved, in advance, for the upcoming NASW meeting, and the next program is being prepared. I've enjoyed reading some books. I can still see well enough to enjoy reading.

Recognizing Our Blessings

I am so blessed. I have a life that allows me to contribute to my community and my faith in the course of my everyday work.  I work in a men's psychiatric prison hospital. I know that for the really sick patients I see (vs. the really manipulative patients who are faking their problems, called "catch outs") my presence truly makes a difference.

And, working in a prison, I recognize the blessings that I have, everyday, that I used to take for granted, that prisoners do not have. Choice of food. Open communication. Choice of schedule for personal activities. Pets. Multiple options for life activities. Coming and going. The list goes on.

I am not a religious person. I have had periods in my life when I have been more or less spiritual. I think, now, I am more spiritual than I have ever been, and this started and has grown since I  have worked at the prison. 

I see so much human tragedy. I see what looks like injustice due to lack of funds, race, creed, or color. I see people whose very beginnings in life lead them to the crime they committed. As if it was pre-ordained. Who did not have a chance for a better life.

I know that it was possible that I could have made some wrong turns and ended up in prison. I did not. I am so grateful I did not. I hope I never make that wrong turn.

I send my thanks to God that I am where I am in life.

D-Day Memorial

The Silent Wings Museum http://www.silentwingsmuseum.com/ in Lubbock, Texas had a D-Day Memorial on 6-6-2012, and extended activities this weekend. I missed the speeches and the fly in of the C47, but got to tour the plane and listen to the stories the WWII re-enactors told. It was fun to hear the questions of the children in the audience, because they spark the speakers to be more animated. I know a lot of what the speakers share, but I enjoy hearing the oral history.

There was a film about D-Day, using actual historical footage.  One of my favorite movies is The Longest Day, which is about D-Day. While there is a lot of theatrical license in the movie, there is a lot of historical correctness in it too, and the historical film I viewed today confirmed that.

In conjunction with the Texas Tech Museum http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/exhsch11.html, there will be many WWII commemoratives and events this summer in Lubbock. One of the nice things about being in conservative Lubbock, Texas is that the community appreciates and commemorates military heroes.  This is in part due to the ongoing legacy of Reese Air Force Base that was closed in 1997 (which was a WWII Army Airfield), the legacy of the glider pilots training in Lubbock at the South Plains Army Air Field, and the 3000 or more veterans buried in the City of Lubbock Cemetery.  But mostly because the Bible-belters are unabashed flag-wavers.  And, what is wrong with unabashed flag wavers.  We can love our country even if we do not love our countries politics.  

Last year on Memorial Day, I was at a commemorative event at the Lubbock Area Veterans War Memorial.  http://www.playlubbock.com/pk/specialParks.aspx and walked over to the the Willie McCool Memorial Statue http://www.playlubbock.com/pk/willieMcCool.aspx.  I met Commander McCool's father and thanked him for the service of his son to our country.  That was SO awesome.

Someone asked me, just recently, if I was ex-military or a  veteran.  I am not. I have just decided that I need to appreciate anyone and everyone who has put their life on the line for my life: police officer; fireman, security guard, military, EMT.  Thank you.

I Am Blessed

I had conversations with two very good friends tonight. I am thankful that I have these friends and that we can have these conversations.

What more is there to add.

Posthumous Recognition

I recently attended an event during which someone was posthumously recognized for the kind and socially correct acts in which he engaged during his life. It was a nice ceremony, and very meaningful to his family.  I did not know the individual, but he sounds like the sort of person I would like to have known. 

I regret that he was not recognized during his lifetime by this group honoring him.  I am not sure why that did not occur, but it is what it is. It made me start to think how many of us wait until someone has died to acknowledge how important they are, how much we appreciate their efforts, and how much they mean to us.

It is sad that these tributes will not be heard by the one about whom they are offered. Why is it that it is often only at death that we take pause to pay tribute. Are we really that busy?  Or just too self centered?

Is there someone in your world, maybe a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, a community figure, a mentor, an almost stranger whom you admire?  Is it time for you to inform that person how much they and their efforts, beliefs, values, principals, mean to you?

A Kind Offer

I had and I took the opportunity to go kayaking again today. I went to Dunbar Historical Lake. The weather was beautiful.  There was someone on the water when I got there, and two more people showed up just as I did.  Some other folks showed up even later on!  I have never seen so many people on this little lake. (It was not crowded at all.)

The last set of folks to come to the lake while I was there were coming back from the dam end when I was getting out of the lake.  This was a women maybe a little older than me, and her grown son.  She immediately offered to give me her phone number, so I could call and we could go together. She said it is safer than my being on the lake by myself.  She is right, but how kind and generous that is to offer that availability to a complete stranger!  I took her number.  I will call her tomorrow, and give her my number, so she can also call me if she wants to go kayaking, too.

Gorgeous Weather

We have had some wonderful weather recently.  The warm, balmy weather has been great, and continues into the evening. I have been able to sit outside after work, and to do some yard work.

I sat out again tonight. It was a little cooler tonight, and the wind came up a little bit.  But it was still pleasant.

After the chores, I have had a chance to have dinner outside, and to sit and read outside.  This is  a great time of year to live in Lubbock.

Go Girl Scouts!

I went to the Lubbock celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America tonight http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/.  It was cute: There was a "Daisy" interpreter who talked about Juliette Low and the founding of the Girl Scouts.  There were various displays, cupcakes, and a time capsule. I contributed my spare Girl Scout pin.  I have two: one is on my wall hanging where I have many memorial pins.  This one was older, and the pin was broken. It was in a plastic case.  I enclosed my name, where and when I was a Girl Scout.

The celebration included singing.  I did not know the songs, but typical for girl scout songs, they were easy to learn and sing-a-long with. And, we did a friendship circle. I had forgotten about friendship circles, but it all came back, including right over left hands crossed.

It was a small group, considering the size of Lubbock. But it was a nice group, and lots of fathers and brothers in the crowd, which was nice to see. I am honored that I received an email to attend, and I am honored that I was able to attend.

Go Girl Scouts!

Girl Scout Cookies

It is Girl Scout Cookie time.  I do not eat a lot of sweets, although from time to time, I like something sweet, and a cookie fits the bill.

Earlier this week, I saw an announcement in the newspaper that it was Girl Scout Cookie sales time, and they would be at various businesses selling cookies. 

Today, when I left work, there was someone in the parking lot selling Girl Scout Cookies. Although I was in a rush to get a commitment after work, I did take the time to buy a couple of boxes.  That does not sound like much, but during Girl Scout Cookie sales time, I do not pass up an opportunity to buy cookies.

In this day and age, the Girl Scouts set up in front of businesses to sell cookies. I might go to two or three businesses in one day where there are Girl Scouts selling cookies. I stop and buy cookies at each place.

When I was a Girl Scout, we went door to door selling cookies. All of our neighbors were very generous and probably bought more cookies than they needed to buy. I can not repay them.  But I can honor them by purchasing cookies when I can.

Into The Hands of God

Recently, I have faced a very difficult situation at work. I had reason to believe my boss might be upset, and the problem was very tenuous.  Today, working on the situation, I believe the situation has resolved itself as best it could.  Not great, because it was a very tough situation, but as best it could.

I left work on Friday in a dither, but decided over the weekend to place the problem in the hands of God. And I believe God took care of the situation.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is the greeting I sent to my family and friends this year.  I hope they do not mind if I share it here:

 

To all of you, my wish is for you to have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.  Every day I am reminded about how much I have to be thankful for: Family, Friends, Freedom.  Opportunities to enjoy and appreciate life. The opportunity to believe in God and express my beliefs safely.  Health and the opportunity to seek health care if I need to. A community in which I can live without having to constantly worry about my safety, and to know that when I have a concern about my safety, there are services in place to help me. A country that appreciates these things, and those who safeguard these things for us, and sets aside times throughout the year to commemorate the people who safeguard these things.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!