Things of Importance

Maybe the title should read PEOPLE of importance. This week has brought that clearly into focus. No matter how tough times can seem, the focus is still about people. On Wednesday, my mother was involved in an accident when a delivery truck rear ended the 15 person van where she was a passenger. She came out with a broken rib, bruises, and a knot on the head, but it could have been far worse.

This all took place about an hour from my home, on the outskirts of Columbus. Not that far away, but forever when someone you love is injured. (Laura, stay safe. It's a whole lot longer trip to Philly. xoxo Mom)

Yesterday I reconnected with my cousin Deb over breakfast. We make that attempt a couple of times a year and this time, my mother was able to come and join us. It's been eons since those two have seen each other and as I say, it's about the people.

We forget that simple yet important thing. Our lives, the mundane, begins to take precedent. Our habits take priority. We forget to simply call people, send cards, or the very simple task of dropping a note by email. My grandmother had that gift and it's something I've taken into the computer age and adapted. I DO send e-cards, pictures, notes to people that I care for and love. Admittedly, I don't call folks nearly as often as I should. I don't get down to visit my extended family enough. But, I do make the attempt to stay in touch.

Yes, it's about people. Things are things. Replaceable.

A Xenia 1974 survivor can tell you just how unimportant things are when an F5 tornado has ripped your life apart in seconds. Yes, that would be me. Houses can be replaced. Cars can be replaced. Trees can be replanted. But a life can not be reclaimed.

Everything else is small potatoes. Make a call or send a note to someone you care about. Hug someone you love today. There are no guarantees. Act on the impulse. Don't live with regrets.

Today, show the people you love just how important they are. Trust me, I'll be doing that today with my folks. I know a time will come when I'll have to walk alone, but that's not now, not today, and there is still time to savor some sweet memories before I face that journey.

More bite the dust

No pictures. No words of joy. It's a pretty bleak time in the world where I work. This past week, four people have handed in their two weeks notice. Another just up and took retirement and Friday was her last day. She was rather overdue for retirement, in my opinion, but this one has direct impact on my environment because she's from my department. All this is happening along with a new computer system (that I have yet to be trained on) coming up on May 31.

Pressure? You think?

I admit that of all the resignations, only one really drops my heart into my stomach. The others...eh...
But Terry, he and I go back to the very beginning of my 30 years at my hospital. His kids were born around the same time as mine. I've known his wife for just as long and we have mutual friends. Now, it's not like I won't keep in touch, but this fellow is a premiere blood banker. You don't just post an ad and find someone with his level of expertise. I'm thinking of the greater good and not my own loss.

I wish Terry the best of luck. He'll do well wherever, but frankly, I wish it was still at Community Hospital.
I hope CMHP wakes up soon and sees the caliber of people they're losing. And, I sincerely hope I'm not forced into that same situation. So far, so good.

But then, tomorrow is another day...