I can be classified in many ways, however I would say I refuse to classify myself by "labels". Here are some of the labels with which you could "classify" me, and still leave a ton out there in the open:
Catholic
Nursing Student
Nursing Assistant
Young Adult
College Student (could fall under the same label as "nursing student", but they are different)
Chronically Ill Young Adult
Self Advocate
Caregiver
OK, so you get the point. Those just give you a "small taste" of the person I am. But there's a lot more to it than that. Case in point, if you knew all of the stuff that has happened to me in the past year, you would also learn more. So as not to put myself completely out there and vulnerable, I will just give you an idea. Only a glimpse.
This man, one of the most important/influential/inspirational people in my life left this earth November 1st. All Saints Day. Incredibly fitting. He suffered from Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's Disease for about fifteen years. Also, he was dependent on a ventilator for survival for twelve of those years. Never did he let himself get swallowed in self-pity. Yes, he was frustrated with his illness. It was incredibly difficult for him and his family and the struggle is finally over. He was ready to be completely free and whole in Heaven. A part of my heart went with him. Every day I think of him and miss him. It hurts so much sometimes to think about it. I know he is looking down on me from heaven. That does help a little. But, until I see him again, I will hold him in my heart. This man was a wonderful father figure to me. I could talk to him about anything. I miss seeing him and watching scary movies (even though I HATE scary movies). Watching them with him was the only time I would ever watch them.
And then, there's Aleia. This girl stole my heart from the moment I met her. Aleia had Ideopathic and Intracable Seizures. I helped her family care for her periodically and became her first and best friend. She struggled from the time she was three months old with serious seizures that threatened to take her life numerous times. Her mother referred to her as an "Angel on Loan from God". She couldn't have been more correct. Aleia brought joy to all who knew and loved her. On November 14, Aleia passed away at the very young age of eleven. That fateful morning, a piece of my heart went to Heaven, again.
In addition, one of my residents had passed away on October 11. It just felt like life was overwhelming me. In just about a month, I lost three of the most important people in my life. I loved all of them so very much. Of course, loving is not a difficult thing for me to do. I care for people immensely. This is why I enjoy being a caregiver. And, why I have chosen the field I did.
I thought a lot about doing something with activities and music, and am still contemplating it. I truly enjoy music and interacting with the residents in the Long Term Care facility where I work. The residents are my family. I love them very much.
That just gives you a bit of an idea of who I am. I suppose I will be able to post again sometime. Maybe soon. Maybe not.
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