I hope this doesn't sound as harsh as it might...but I'm typing it anyway!

BCG........your profession NEEDS more people with a heart as big as yours! It's sad to say, but I think as time goes on you may become "hardened". I've seen it..........when Pop (hubbies grand-pop) was in a nursing home during the last few months of his life. There were but a handful of people who genuinely cared that Pop was in pain during the night......or that he pulled his catheter out for the 4th time and now required surgery. Most of the nurses and attendants found this activity in Pop and the other patients a nuisance....a true bother.....and actually got angry with some of the lesser fortunate patients. Pop was fortunate to have dad and mom there each and every day. The attendents thought Pop was off his rocker (and at times he was) but we found out some of the mean things they tried to do to him and some of the things done to others through Pop and his babblings! It was just so sad!

I'm not saying all places are like this.....but this was one of the "better" homes we found for Pop to stay. I'm just saying that there are those people who just can't remember what it's like to "have a heart" because they have hardened over the years.

No matter what happens through the years BCG.....just try and remember......one day you yourself could end up NEEDING the care that you've given so many through the years.......and I firmly believe.....what goes around, comes around!

BTW.....as to enjoying the company of the older folks........they do have some wonderful stories of days gone by.....don't they? And....as to getting over this and being depressed...........Please don't change too much! You've no idea how wonderful you could be making someones last few days! It's part of life to die.....and one should be able to die with dignity and respect........and CARING!

((((((((((((BCG))))))))))))

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~