So this has been quite a long holiday. I worked this Thanksgiving and holidays aren't that bad to work. They are normally a little calmer and we do a lot of eating. I know most people like spending it with their family and such but it is nice to know you are helping others while they are stuck in a time where they feel more vulnerable being stuck in the hospital. While I don't wish anyone to have to spend their holidays or any day in the hospital it is a rewarding career and a difficult one. We had a patient pass away the night before Thanksgiving. While it doesn't feel like it has fully set in yet her and her family have been in our thoughts on our floor. I think it would have been a much different experience had I been there the night they took her to the pediatric ICU or the night she passed away. It was hard for many people on the floor and she will be missed.
They always say that deaths come in threes and I am scared for this event. I have become close with many of our cystic fibrosis patients and this is the experience I was afraid of with being on my floor. These kids are all terminal and will most likely die before they really get to live their life. While every day they face their mortality I hope they live it the best they can. And this is just a little reminder to treasure every day. I know it sounds corny but I thought it should be said anyway.