Grandma time

From the time I was a very young girl, Grandma and I have had a special bond. She does with each of us in different ways. She taught me to sew, braid, and burn cookies. She never put up with any wining or complaining- both of which my family would tell you I'm a pro at. Many used to call her Sergeant (though my granddad was the actual Air Force Sergeant). Her house was (and still is) one of adventure, activity, strict organization, cleanliness, and complete creativity. It was always yes ma'am and yes sir- though the Oregonian in me has seemed to fade that southern gal away as the years go on. No matter where we lived (Texas, Boston, the Philippines, Washington, or Oregon), Grandma has stayed ever in touch, involved, and present. From our motor home cross-country trips, to being there with her and my Aunt for my Granddad's last breaths, my memories are both some of the happiest and saddest. It seems that most of our visits over the past few years have been tearful ones. Much to catch up on, much to mourn over, much to dig deep into our hearts about. Telling her that we were expecting was one of my favorite moments- even though it was just over the phone. She knows my heart so well. She knew it was such a happy blessing. It took me a long while to be able to call instead of just text after the miscarriage. I know she was hurting too, and that was enough. But, alas' she came up for an Oregonian visit. That Texas scorching heat is enough to send me away for a few days too.

Bright and early Friday morning, we headed out to Suavie Island Farms as I knew she would enjoy the drive and pretty sights along the way- let alone at the actual farm. The flowers were magnificent. Variety galore! We came home with peaches and great plans for what we would do with them.

All in all, we seem to be all caught up. At least for now...

Weekend at the mountain

We all need a weekend at the mountain, right? Thankfully, there are a few mountains to choose from in the pacific northwest. Seriously, such a blessing to live here. I grow more and more in love with Oregon every summer. Maybe that is because I know it won't forever be home. At least for a time it won't. But, maybe we'll return after Andrew's Air Force years... we'll see! Now, back to the weekend... It was so great. 

Andrew's family is amazing and plans little getaways during the year. Rest, fun, great food, awesome company, and beautiful scenery every time. We met the group up near Mt. Hood this weekend and enjoyed a lovely house/cabin with a tranquil creek running through the back yard.

 

I don't have many photos from the house or the creek on my camera. But, the creek was probably my favorite part and definitely worth remembering, We put on our tennis-shoes and began to hike up the creek. No plan in mind- just wade through the rushing water and don't slip on the mossy rocks. With the help of walking sticks, we eventually (& very slowly) made it to a rather deep spot. The perfect swimming hole. Mind you- I am not a fan of water that isn't clear. If I can see the bottom clearly, I'm fine. This creek was crystal clear and simply gorgeous. I was first to jump into the freezing "swimming hole." The laughter that came over me from both the strange sensation of the cold taking my breath away and the strong current forcing me backwards was for some reason undeniably hilarious. At least to me. Thankfully, this was a safe spot and we were in no danger- but trying to swim upstream and making zero progress was for some reason so much fun. The boys from the bank eventually joined me- maybe my laughter made it look like enough fun to freeze their buns off. But, fun it was. So very much fun. I can't remember the last time I genuinely laughed like that. I think it was much needed. So, thank you, cold creek and quick current. Thank you for the good time.

We headed up to the historic Timberline Lodge with most of the family (Andrew stayed behind to get some work done). It was such a beautiful day!

As you could see, we rode the lift up and enjoyed the gorgeous views, snow, and fresh air. There were games, movies, naps, and I even squeezed a craft in there over the 2 days. It truly was a great weekend, and I'm so glad we could join the rest of the family. So thankful for this time near them. Now off to a busy week and more family coming to town... guests make summer that much more fun. See you soon Grandma!

my grill guy

Grill man, Andrew! For his birthday, I got him a grill and we had a family BBQ. The grill ended up being a lot larger than I thought compared to the online pics (thanks Mom & Dad for picking it up for me). I'm hoping this will last us many years and aid in building new memories with friends and family. I think he was surprised. I could tell he was excited when he called me at the grocery store and asked for specific ingredients for his very own burger mix. Precious. I'm hoping he can find the time to enjoy and learn more about grilling over the next few years as time permits. Me on the other hand will be the happy recipient of yummy grilled eats... can't wait!

 

 Little Isaac was the life of the party- as always. My dad enjoyed capturing these lovely photos of his smiley, happy self.

I certainly didn't want to forget Andrew's 25th birthday (that occurred a few weeks back) and our little get together that we had in his honor. Wish I got more pics of each of the guests and the rest of the party- but as hostess, taking photos was last on my mind. This will do! At the end of the day, I had a very happy husband- which, in turn brings me so much joy. He so sweetly came to bed that night and whispered how thankful he was and how nice it was to throw this very last minute party together with those he loves most. Even in my deep sleep, my heart was melting. Love you sweets! Let's make this 25th year a great one!

and most of all compassion...

The lights are dimmed, the halls empty. You'd never know that behind each door is a unit full of people. All ages. All sicknesses, all situations. You'd never know that behind many of those quiet doors is a Nurse holding a hand to help get a patient up for the first time, pushing a vital medication through an ever-so-sensitive IV catheter, hanging units of blood, bandaging up wounds, delicately searching for a vein to start an IV for a brand new sick baby, calling physicians in the middle of the night at their homes to update and request new orders, watching a cardiac monitor like a hawk- awaiting the moment to jump to action... the list goes on. You'd never know. It's done in quiet, even in the middle of the night. All is dark and still it seems, but we are fervently working. We know charts inside and out. We must. At any point, all could go bad, and we act. At any point, we are the ones all will look to for information, for a plan. Quick. Responsibility. Such responsibility.

But, it's what we do. Day in and day out. More often than not, all goes well, all runs smoothly, all patients are stable. But, you never know when that moment will come. That moment when all hell breaks loose, that moment when the flood gates open, that moment when it feels like the bus is outside dropping off load after load. You never know when that baby will turn bad, that mom will turn septic, that teenager will code. But we must be ready. All the time. For anything.

To say that working in healthcare is stressful would be an understatement. All jobs carry levels of stress, all different kinds. But these are lives. Literally, lives we are caring for. And, medicine is amazing. Amazing. Sometimes I lose the appreciation or respect for what we do. Sometimes I forget that without it, lives are lost. Without the care we provide, people do die.

While walking through these empty, dark halls last night, all of this was on my mind. All seemed so quiet, so still. But, I know better. I know that behind each of those doors is stress, hard work, potential chaos, and most of all compassion. We do this because we care. We do this because we are passionate about health. We do this because we see the difference it makes. In the midst of long shifts, being on our feet for sometimes the entire night, missing holidays with our own families, maybe not getting to eat, maybe getting yelled at by patients, doctors, other staff members, etc, we do this because we care. I do this because it brings me joy. I do this because I get to use my skills and passions to bless others and tangibly help in one's most vulnerable moments.

The stress is incredible and sometimes exciting. It's also terrifying. Such responsibility. Such potential for things to go wrong at any moment. In any specialty, in any field it exists. Even mom/babe; believe me.

As I recently passed my 2 year mark at work, today I reflect on how grateful I am for my job. I'm thankful for this road and journey that began so long ago. Before I even realized it, God was forming my heart and mind to be where I am. Today I am simply thankful for the opportunities I have day in and day out to both bless and be blessed by others in such a real way. Yes it's hard, yes it's stressful, yes it's physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting; but I'm thankful. And, sometimes I need to dig deep into my heart and remind myself why I do this, and how much I really do love it. I'm reminded; and I'm ready for a restful weekend!