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Wisdom for the Road
Cherish things while you still have them, before they're gone,
and you realize how precious they really are.
Life can only be understood backwards,
but it must be lived forwards.
Everything in life is temporary.
So if things are going good,
enjoy it because it won't last forever.
And if things are going bad,
don't worry because it won't last forever.
Destiny is not a matter of chance,
it is a matter of choice;
It is not a thing to be waited for,
it is a thing to be achieved.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
If you could not add years to your life,
Add life to your years.

The Best Thing About Being a Nurse

Since the beginning of time, humans have been fascinated with how the body works, and how to fix it when it "breaks". The field of medicine has had an incredible evolution, from the ancient arts to sophisticated modern technology. Nursing is an art and a science, and a most unique opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

Intertwined with drugs, procedures and tests, are components of the healing process that have not changed over time. These are part of the "softer side" of medicine, where the nurse plays a key role in healing techniques of the mind and attitude. These special skills include; having the ability to hear what the patient is saying with the eyes and the ears; adding warmth and humanity in a cold and sterile environment, and speaking soft words of comfort while managing a critical situation.

Nurses are heroes in the little things they do for their patients struggling with disease. They help patients and their families find the courage to face overwhelming situations, and are there for support when it's time for a patient to let go.

Nurses are teachers, technicians and artists of touch. Their hands must be skilled, yet have incredible tenderness. They understand the mysterious power that one human being has over another through the simple act of caring.

Nurses have the unique opportunity to direct the healing experience. They are the bridges between humanity and medical machines. They can say it all by sitting quietly at a bedside and saying nothing. Nurses protect and preserve dignity and the sanctity of life. The very best thing about being a nurse is having the power to start the healing before the treatment ever begins.

What I Learned

I've learned - That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned - that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned - that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned - that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many years you've lived.

I've learned - that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed you.

I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

l've learned - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned - that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned - that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.

I've learned - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned - that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.

I've learned - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned - that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.

Roses

Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.
And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows.
The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.
The card said, "Be my Valentine", like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say,
"I love you even more this year, than last year on this day.
My love for you will always grow, with every passing year."
She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear.

She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day.
Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away.
He always liked to do things early, way before the time.
Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase.
Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face.
She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite chair.
While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there.

A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate.
With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate.
Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before,
The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them in shock.
Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop.
The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would explain,
Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago,"
The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.
The flowers you received today, were paid for in advance.
Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance.

There is a standing order, that I have on file down here,
And he has paid, well in advance, you'll get them every year.
There also is another thing, that I think you should know,
He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago.

Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here,
That's the card...that should be sent, to you the following year."
She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard.
Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card.

Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note.
Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote...
"Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've been gone,
I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome.

I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real.
For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.
The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.
I loved you more than words can say, you were the perfect wife.

You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need.
I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve.
I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.
That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.

When you get these roses, think of all the happiness,
That we had together, and how both of us were blessed.
I have always loved you and I know I always will.
But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still.

Please...try to find happiness, while living out your days.
I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways.
The roses will come every year, and they will only stop,
When your door's not answered, when the florist stops to knock.

He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out.
But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt,
To take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him,
And place the roses where we are, together once again.

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life just by being part of it.
Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just
waiting for you to open it. This is Forever Friendship.

Momma Says Its For You by Phyllis Caldwell

"And how can I help you, little lady?

Pappy was a pleasant-looking old fellow.  He had the whitest hair which he kept neatly cut and combed.  His eyes were blue, though faded with age, and they seemed to emit a warmth from within.  His face was quite drawn, but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him.  He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and swept his pawnshop; even so, he had a secret sadness, but everyone who knew him respected and adored him.
 
  Most of Pappy's customers returned for their good, and he did not do much business, but he did not mind.  To him, the shop was not a livelihood as much as a welcome pastime.
 
  There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering with a menagerie of his own precious items.  He referred to this back room as "memory hall."  In it were pocket watches, clocks, and electric trains.  There were miniature steam engines and antique toys made of wood, tin, or cast iron, and there were various other obsolete trinkets as well.  Spending time in memory hall delighted him as he recalled many treasured moments from his past.  He handled each item with care, and sometimes he would close his eyes and pause to relive a sweet, simple childhood memory.
 
  One day, Pappy was working to his heart's content reassembling an old railroad lantern.  As he worked, he whistled the melody of a railroad tune and reminisced about his own past as a switchman.  It was a typical day at the shop.  Outside, the sun illuminated the clear sky, and a slight wind passed through the front screen door.  Whenever the weather was this nice, Pappy kept the inner door open.  He enjoyed the fresh air--almost as much as the distinctive smell of antiques and old engine oil.
 
  As he was polishing his newly restored lantern, he heard the tinkling of his bell on the shop door.  The bell, which produced a uniquely charming resound, had been in Pappy's family for over a hundred years.  He cherished it dearly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop.  Although the bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had strung a wire to the screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not.  Prompted by the bell, he left memory hall to greet his customer.
 
  At first, he did not see her.  Her shiny, soft curls barely topped the counter.
 
  "And how can I help you, little lady?"  Pappy's voice was jovial.
 
  "Hello, sir."  The little girl spoke almost in a whisper.  She was dainty.  Bashful.  Innocent.  She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, then slowly scanned the room in search of something special.
 
  Shyly she told him, "I'd like to buy a present, sir."
 
  "Well, let's see," Pappy said, "who is this present for?"
 
  "My grandpa.  It's for my grandpa.  But I don't know what to get."
 
  Pappy began to make suggestions.  "How about a pocket watch?  It's in good condition.  I fixed it myself," he said proudly.
 
  The little girl didn't answer.  She had walked to the doorway and put her smalll hand on the door.  She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell.  Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.
 
  "This is just right," the little girl bubbled.  "Momma says grandpa loves music."
 
  Just then, Pappy's expression changed.  Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her, "I'm sorry, missy.  That's not for sale.  Maybe your grandpa would like this little radio."
 
  The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed, "No, I don't think so."
 
  In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for so many years, and that was why he didn't want to sell it.
 
  The little girl looked up at him, and with a giant tear in her eye, sweetly said, "I guess I understand.  Thank you, anyway."
 
  Suddenly, Pappy thought of how the rest of the family was all gone now, except for his estranged daughter whom he had not seen in nearly a decade.  Why not, he thought.  Why not pass it on to someone who will share it with a loved one?  God only knows where it will end up anyway.
 
  "Wait...little lady."  Pappy spoke just as the little girl was going out the door--just as he was hearing his bell ring for the last time.  "I've decided to sell the bell.  Here's a hanky.  Blow your nose."
 
  The little girl began to clap her hands.  "Oh, thank you, sir.  Grandpa will be so happy."
 
  "Okay, little lady.  Okay."  Pappy felt good about helping the child; he knew, however, he would miss the bell.  "You must promise to take good care of the bell for your grandpa--and for me, too, okay?"  He carefully placed the bell in a brown paper bag.
 
  "Oh, I promise," said the little girl.  Then, she suddenly became very still and quiet.  There was something she had forgotten to ask.  She looked up at Pappy with great concern, and again almost in a whisper, asked, "How much will it cost?"
 
  "Well, let's see.  How much have you got to spend?"  Pappy asked with a grin.
 
  The child pulled a small coin purse from her pocket then reached up and emptied two dollars and forty-seven cents onto the counter.  After briefly questioning his own sanity, Pappy said, "Little lady, this is your lucky day.  That bell costs exactly two dollars and forty-seven cents."
                                                      *       *       *
  Later that evening as Pappy prepared to close up shop, he found himself thinking about his bell.  Already he had decided not to put up another one.  He thought about the child and wondered if her grandpa liked his gift.  Surely, he would cherish anything from such a precious grandchild.
 
  At that moment, just as he was going to turn off the light in memory hall, Pappy thought he heard his bell.  Again, he questioned his sanity; he turned toward the door, and there stood the little girl.  She was ringing the bell and smiling sweetly.
 
  Pappy was puzzled as he strolled toward the small child.  "What's this, little lady?  Have you changed your mind?"
 
  "No," she grinned.  "Momma says it's for you."
 
  Before Pappy had time to say another word, the child's mother stepped into the doorway, and choking back a tear, she gently said, "Hello, Dad."
 
  The little girl tugged on her grandpa's shirttail.  "Here, Grandpa.  Here's your hanky.   Blow your nose."

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.