"Through It All"

Have you ever felt like the world was against you no matter what you do? Have you ever been so fed up that no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to ever go your way? Do you feel that life has dealt you a shitty hand and there is no way for you to fold and get out of it? I'm hear to tell you about a family that has fought at every turn and is still standing with their heads held high!!!!!!!!!

This family is one that has stood together through some of the hardest times imaginable. There were times of no money, illness, death and even separation amongst them. I know that some of you will say "so what, everyone goes through hard times". What most of you don't understand is that no matter how hard it got and no matter the problems that arose, they always stood together. There are some that feel that was not the way it was, but if it came right down to the nitty gritty, they were behind each other no matter what.

This family started in the early 1950's. A beautiful young girl from a family of 6 and a motorcycle riding rock and roll drummer from a family of 4. Neither family was wealthy. They both came from meager beginnings. There was food, clothes and a home, but not much extra. They were brought up to respect others, think for yourself and survive no matter what is thrown in front of you, and that is what they did.

They married on Dec. 8, 1952. Very nice wedding with family and friends surrounding them for their beautiful day. Party with all and then off to the honeymoon. Back to work after the honeymoon was over. The young lady at Joiners furniture store and the young man at the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

About 11 months later, their first daughter arrived. 13 months later, their second daughter. 3 years later their third. Wow three little girls and all the fun that comes with them. Then came the big move.

The young man was offered a job in an area a thousand miles from his home. He took it. He moved out to set up his new life and move his family. Wow. Moving that far from everything and everyone they had ever known. The family came shortly after. They were sad to leave all they knew, but it was the move that was the right thing to do. Over the years the children grew. Friends were made and ever lasting relationships took root.

A house was bought and all moved to town to live in a beautiful solid stone house with a huge yard. Things were good. Jobs changed, schools changed, friends stayed the same. The children became teenagers. Then another child arrived. A boy. The one the father had always hoped for. A son to carry on the name. He was cute, but put a crimp in the relationship between the girls and their mom and especially their dad.  The focus had changed..... 

Things began to change. The girls got older and moved out of the house. Then married having children of their own. They moved far from home in every direction. Now the house was empty of the noise of children. The young man and young girl so many years ago were again on their own. Now what. Visit the children and grandkids. Travel, do what they wanted.

This seemed to be the things to do, but now comes the sad things. With age comes medical problems that take up time and so much energy. There is heart problems, cancer, as well as all the medical issues related to aging.   Multiple trips for medical care.  Also the loss of parents, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and others that have happened along the years, leaving a large hole in their hearts.

There was a day not so long ago, that this family was given more than what they thought they could handle. The young man, now in his 80's wrote something to his eldest daughter who thought she could not handle anymore and reached out to them. This is part of what he said.....

We tried and I think succeeded in teaching our family to, never give up no matter what the problem.. Losses in our family, fights for our children, and health issues. It seems like the good lord is trying to prove something to us. I think that probably it has done nothing but make us stronger and more determind to succeed, remember, though you have married and changed your names, deep down you are to mom and I still our family and we are pretty tough and don't give up. Remember that as you read this, our love for you is far greater than you can ever imagine. Fight with everything you got. 

 

As she read this, she sat back and thought of all the things that had happened throughout their lives.  The happy, sad, terrible and joyous things that come with everyones lives.  She decided that she could deal with the things that had been dealt to her.  Her heart was sad for only one reason,  the distance she had between her and her family.....  and the rift between her and her brother.... 

This family has been through some of the hardest times imaginable.  They have all persaveared.  They will continue and will take anything that gets thrown at them. That is because they are strong.  No matter what the world deals this family, they have stuck together.  There may be rifts that are deep and hard to close, but they all stand by each other, all day, everyday.  No one can ever take that from them.

 

This young man and woman, so many years ago made a promise to each other and have stood by each other for over 60 years.  Their family has grown and stays in touch.  Life has not always been good, but they have their family and friends in their lives to get through even the toughest of times.  They are strong and look forward to each day with the joy they give each other.

 

Though the days are short as age takes its toll.  The love of this family will never waver.  No matter what, they will make it "through it all", you see nothing can knock us down...... MY FAMILY, yes the best family on earth, Proud, Strong and Forever Together. 

 

 

---

Turn Off Notifications for 30 days

The little faces

Do you have a friend that loves you unconditionally?  Are they there no matter what you do or say?   Do they greet you like its the first time no matter how long you have been apart?

Well if you don't, then you need to volunteer at your local shelter.  There is always a need.  I know that in the town we live in, you can go every Friday and walk the dogs that are in the shelter.  They allow them out to walk on leashes for two to three hours.  It is a wonderful way to allow the dogs and cats some human interaction.  It also allows everyone to see how the dogs interact with other dogs and kids.  The dogs have their pictures taken and put on the site for people to see.  It is a wonderful way for the dogs to get seen and adopted. 

I have over the past six months had three different dogs come and foster at our house.  First there was Tuti.... She was this beautiful little black and grey fireball.  She wanted to be the boss and tried to show everyone in the house that she was.  This did not go over very well.  The boys decided that she was not staying.  She is now living with a wonderful family, where she is the boss.  She is the only furbaby in the house.... happy, healthy and home..

Then there was Buddy.... he did not know what the word slow was.  He went from 90 to nothing in a split second.  He would run and play and jump and annoy and have fun, then he would flop and be asleep in seconds. 
I was at the sink doing dishes when a knock came on the door.  The police van was in the drive way.  The police at the door.  OMG what has happened.   The officer was very sympathetic when she told me that Buddy had been hit and did not make it.  I cried for hours.

We decided at that time, we would not have any other dogs than the two we had at home...
Bear, who has been with us for almost 8 years was found after being left in one of our rental houses and Rudy, who has been with us for just over 2 years after being found on the side of the road at, the age of (what we estimated to be) 4-5weeks.  Both were rescued by us and spoiled rotten.

Now, when you are sad and feeling rather unappreciated, do not go and volunteer at the shelter.   You are too vulnerable and want to take everone home with you.   Hhahaha.  All the dogs were so loving and willing to walk anywhere you wanted to take them.   I arrived and got a leash from the hanger.  We walked into the back where the dogs are held.   There were two that no one had walked yet.  A larger dog and a tiny little dog in a dirty, sweater that was full of holes.  The bigger dog jumped and barked while the little one just sat on the floor and shook.  That is my big problem.  I hate seeing dogs that are scared and cold. 

We walked outside and went over to the grass.  He walked on the grass for about 10 minutes then sat and stared up at me.  He had been shaved way to close, causing his skin to scab in some areas.  His ears were swollen and sore to touch.  I picked him up and he laid his head on my chest.  He wanted inside my coat.  It was cold and so was he.  I decided to foster at that point and we talked to the officer in charge.  I signed a paper and we got in the car and went directly to the vet clinic.  I needed to make sure he was ok before bringing him home. 

He was started on meds to clear up his ears and has been bathed and nails clipped.  Yesterday he became part of our permenant family.  He is the biggest cuddler I have ever been around and has very much taken to Michael.  They sit and cuddle every evening when he gets home.  Our new "Buddy" runs out to the car the minute Michael comes home. 

If you are sad, they make you smile.  If your need a hug, they are always willing to oblige with joy.  They greet you like you have been gone forever, no matter how long you have been gone.  Treat them with love and affection and the odd treat and they will give all they have.  You will never be alone again.  Dogs are a joy to have in your life.  They keep you young and alive.  I know our dogs have helped us through some really hard times.  They don't ask questions, just give you unconditional love and affection.  Make your day..... save a life and just look at the little faces. 

I hate when people are right....

Well, I guess someone can say "I told you so...".   You know who you are....   I laughed when I realized that my sister Deb was right.  She is so right lately.... People say that you need to get outside your head and go somewhere that you enjoy... This is what I decided to do today. 

I had something to do today that I despise.... PAINT.  We have been remodelling a house that we used to live in.  The people that had rented it were pigs of the worst kind.  Dirty and left everything you can think of behind after leaving in the middle of the night... Of course no rent paid.. just left.  Found a pig hole full of clothing and dirt... Dirt beyond anything you can imagine.  Decided to clean, paint and redo some things that need taking care of. 

Told my sister Deb that I hate to paint, she said to do something that will take you away from what your doing.  I used music.  I sang all day long while I accomplished my tasks for today.  I painted and painted, first the undercoat with Kilz then the final coat of paint, that by the grace of  the gods we had gotten for $15 and a rebate of $5 to boot.  I love the scratch and dent paint rack.  Beautiful tan paint that looks fantastic in the foyer of the house and will look fantastic in the living room.  Old wall paper that is from the 50's leaves something to be desired, not to understate the 5 layers that are under that...... I did not know anyone would put something so ugly on any wall anywhere.  Anyway, I painted and am going to paint more tomorrow and Sunday.

This house is going to be put on the market when we get done.  Not an expensive place, but one you could be proud to own.  It is the house that I bought by looking through the window.  Hardwood everwhere, pocket doors between the living and dining room.  Wonderful stair case going to the second floor.  I have loved this house for over 15 years, but moved to an area that has 12 acres.... much nicer for the fur kids that live in our house. 

OK, now to the I told you so..... My sister was right, yes I said it.....

 

Deb you were right.  It is so much easier to do something that you don't like to do, when you are doing something you like to do at the same time. 

Not sure that everyone in the neighbourhood feels as much about music as I do.... I sang everysong that was on the radio today.... Sweat, paint, sing....... sweat, paint, sing.... I had a ball and got a lot accomplished.  It is also something that I am very proud of.  I am hoping that the music keeps up tomorrow and I am able to get the living room started and close to finished.  Hope that I am as proud of the living room as I am of the foyer.  Wait for it.... Keep your fingers crossed.... Maybe work will go well also.... Wait for it.... again ..... Deb you were RIGHT.....

 OMG did I just say that...............gloat..... It actually worked.  Gloat, it may be the only time you get to..........hahahahaha......I love you tons and hope your ideas work tomorrow again.   

Paying attention to the little things

I have over the past four months begun to think of the things that make me pay attention.  These are things that happen in your daily life, or grind as some like to call it.   The things that make you smile, laugh, cry and gasp with both joy and fear. 

With the death of our son, Mikey, things have taken on a very different perspective.  People treat you differently when things like this happen.  Some want to hide and avoid you, while others want to be up in your buisness all the time.  Not sure why there is such a difference in reactions.  I know I really think about things like this now.

I have friends that let me ramble on as if we have not seen each other in years, while others stop you cold, stating that they do not want to listen to your uncontrolled jabbering.  hahahaha.  Me jabber!!!  Me, the one that everyone comes to for everything.  Now what should I think of this?  I love to talk.  Some people think I talk just to hear myself.  Really, I only do this when I am alone..... and the only ones there with me are the dogs.  I bet they get sick and tired of hearing me go on and on.... or sing with every song that I hear. 

I actually paid attention to the things that I do and say the other day while cleaning....you see I have decided to downsize my life.  I have been keeping shit (to some treasures) that for one reason or another, I thought I might need.  You know the things I am talking about..... the ball of string, the picture frame that needs just one nail, the shirt that needs a button that you will never sew on, the papers that someone gave you for something a few years back ( you just can't remember what for or why), the wedding favours that no one ever eats or does anything with....... well  it's time for them to go to a good home.  I have cleaned out the laundry room and now the Salvation Army has 3 huge bags of clothes.... some with the tags still on them.  Not sure why I bought them, or did not wear them, but they are now going to someone that needs them more than me. 

The next room will be the office and the store room.  That is going to be a horror show.  Boxes and boxes and boxes of paper that you need to keep for the IRS..... 7 long and tedious years of keeping things that no one ever wants to look at or see again.  Next year, I can throw away all the paper from our wonderful years as convenience store owners.... damn it's about time.  Can't wait.  Wish it was this year.  I have a room that is set aside just for this pile of unusable paper and rolls of register tape.  Anyone want to have a huge bonfire??????

After that it will be going through years of pictures and dating and writing where, when, and who on the backs of them..... People do not realize that 40 years down the road when they see these things, they will not be able to tell you who they are, where it was taken or why.   It will be neat to look at them and change out the pictures I have in the frames now..... Updating pictures of babies that are so old, I am not really sure who some of them are.  Need to do this now before we all forget.  Will be cool to see new pictures on my walls..... I started this past week... It was actually fun... I got some really cool pictures of the kids and grandkids while I was, in Canada for my niece's wedding.  Will be fun to see new shiney faces on my walls.

Some day, I will tackle the garage..... AAAGGGGHHHHHHH.  When you open the door, it is like the items inside attack.... they don't move actually, but there is so much stuff in there, it is overwhelming... Should be cool to see what I have packed away in the back corners.... besides spiders and bugs.  If anyone can figure out how to do this without the bugs...... hahahahahaha.  Guess they need a home too... just wish it was somewhere else.  I know that everytime I go in the garage for something, I find something that I have not seen in a long time.  Will be fun to find things I thought I had lost or given away. 

Now for those of you that have not been privey to this information before, when you come to my home, be prepared to leave with things.  No one is allowed at my house without taking something away with them.  Be it a small trinket, food, or something you may need for your home.... you will not be allowed to leave without your arms having a walmart bag slung over them.  I love to give.  I do not much like receiving.  I think sharing is a beautiful thing. 

Now, back to my original thought.  I am starting to pay attention like never before.  I watch, and listen(yes listen) even if you don't notice.  I hear things I have never noticed before.  I enjoy watching the things people do and listening to the things they say.   It is interesting to pay attention.  It is something I am having a really good time with.  Small things, big ideas, fun that was had, vacations in the works..... who cares..... I do.... I am paying attention....... not to the nasty talk..... that just makes people sad...... but to the normal everday things that people do and say..... it makes them smile, have fun, get excited and brings joy to all around..... Pay attention, it is fun and you may just learn something

Happiness, What is it?

I have sat for years and tried to figure out, "What makes me happy"?  I think that I will probably spend my lifetime trying to come up with an answer.  However, lately there are some really small things that seem to catch my eye and make me smile.  As most know I have not had a lot to smile about lately.  Things just happen for a reason.

I was sitting at the corner of here and there a bit ago in the winter and around the corner comes this very smart young man with his female cohort in crime sitting beside him.  Does he not look cool in his car?  Well he did for a time.  Then, he started to turn the corner which was ice covered, and ended up with his car high centered over the median cement block that was surrounding the traffic lights.  I thought I would pee my pants I was laughing so hard.  You see, it is really hard to be cool, or look cool when your car is parked up a light pole. HAHAHAHAHa.  He reminded me of the commercial about insurance when the guy put his car up a pole.  Bet he thinks twice before speeding around a corner again. 

Then there is "BOB", or so we call it.  This is the "Big Orange Bridge" that crosses the lake that my home town is built on.  I could never figure out why anyone in their right mind would paint a bridge orange!!!! 

It is funny the questions that come to mind.  More than one of us has thought about painting it a different colour, only problem being, it is against the law.  Now that we, or most of us, are law abiding citizens it is probably never going to happen.  I laugh at us talking about taking spray paint and going at the bridge during my reunion two years ago.  Lots of talk, lots of alcohol and very little action.

I have a vacation coming.  I have a friend of mine going with me.  This is the first time I have not travelled by myself when going home to Canada.  This really makes me more scared than smiling.  Hahaha.  My family is the most wonderful group of people in the world, but they are my family and we can be a bit overwhelming when taken in large doses.  We love water fights, drinking, being around people and eating great food.  We love to travel, do fun things and spend time around each other.  We fight, hug, cuss and love each other.  I have warned my friend that the family can make you crazy, and she is still wanting to go.

 Hang on Kath, its going to be wild a wild ride.  She called yesterday and told me she got her hair cut and is taking easy wear and fast dry clothing, just in case.  At least she will be ready for anything.  Hahahahaha.  Hope she survives the onslot. 

I talk to my sister Deb and Char often.  Char is getting ready for my niece Angela's wedding to her long time love Mike.  I am going to be lucky enough to be there for the wedding, yipppeeee another reason to have a good time.   I will get to spend a couple of days with my sisters while I'm there.  I hope we get to go and do something together for at least one evening.   It has been a long time since we have all been together in one spot.  The weekend of the wedding will be crazy, so hope we find at least a bit of time.  So there will be a ton of smiles and hugs that happen.  It is something that we are all looking forward to.  Family is the best of the best, and mine is way better than that. 

As my sister Deb says, "to the moon and back".  Love you both.

There has been something this week that really made me grin.  I took my husband to the doctor for the shots that have been recommended.  Now don't get me wrong, I was not happy that he was going for the shots, but was happy that maybe he would finally feel better. 
We arrived at the ortho doc and he recommended that he have an injection in each knee with a new gel that gives your joint the help it needs to move more easily because it lubricates it.  Now the amount of gel is quite a bit.  The needle is small but long.  The nurse came in and did the normal cleaning.  Then came the doctor.  Wish he had done the left leg first.  It smarted a bit, but not like the right.  OMG I don't think I have ever seen Michael almost come off a table.  Scar tissue is not easy to go through we found out.  I sat there cringing.  The shots over, he moved the knees with ease.   No clicking as of today, 3 days later, no swelling and decreased pain.  It is suppose to help within the next month and is suppose to work for 6 months.... Hope it does its thing.
Then off to the hospital for the back shot.  This is the one that I was concerned about.  Hell he was in and out in less than 10 minutes.  NO stiffness, sorness or pain when getting up and down.  No more 80 year old movements in the morning or when he sits for any length of time.  I do believe it worked.  YYYEEEEHHHAAAA.  This makes me smile more than you know.  It would upset me just watching him get out of bed or a chair.  Now he gets up and down, with a lot more ease.  SMILING big now.

There was another thing that made me smile this week.  My house is clean.  Hahahahaha.  It has been a while since I wanted to do any cleaning.  Hell yesterday I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned.  Still not done, but WOW what a difference.  The house smells better, looks better and it makes me very proud.  Love to walk in and see a clean and neat place.

I know i have been all over the map with this.  I just find things that made me smile.  Nothing that is wonderful or fantastic or outlandish.  Just things that made me smile lately.  Take a day and sit down and think of the things that make you smile.  It make your heart sing.  Have fun, smile, giggle, play, do stupid things that you did as a kid, or just sit down and have a cup of tea.  Find a smiley thing. 

Now to pack. 
Going to see my family, smiling, giggling, smiling, singing.  Been a while.  This is what I call happiness. 

Tomorrow may never come

The following notes are my way of getting through what is happening in my life. Writing my feelings down help me work through my feelings and it is something that I would like to share with my friends and family.  All of you have been there to help me and the family through one of the most horrific things that could ever happen to a family. 


There are different types of pain.  There is the pain of a broken bone, birth of a child, breakups, loss and heartache.  I have found that there is one pain that is so bad that some never regain composure after it happens.  The loss of a child. 

The car drove into the yard. Out gets our daughter-in-law. We have not seen her in some time.  The last time she was at our home, was with Mikey to bury our grandson Brennen's dog Duke a few weeks before.  She comes to the door with a woman (her mother) whom I have not met.  Her face is long and eyes puffy.  I open the door to a statement of " I have something to tell you, but let's wait till Mike gets home".  "No what is going on"? I yell.  "He is gone, Mike jr. is gone. What do you mean he is gone? I say.  "He is dead, they found him this morning", she told me.

At that point I don't remember what was said or done.  I can remember being on the floor sitting staring at the garbage can.  Numbness is all I could feel.  I had been crying, don't know for how long.  I heard the truck drive in the yard.  I went out to meet my husband.  He got out of the truck and came over to me.  Mikey is gone, I said.  Gone where, he said.  He died I said.  Then our world stopped, everything became a blur of emotions, people calling, messages, family, visitors, appointments, flower arrangements, visitation and funeral services

Friends with prayers and well wishes.  Beautiful arrangements and plants.  People arriving from out of town.  Mikey's kids arriving.  Then the day came.  Not one anyone every wanted to have come.

We arrived at the funeral parlor before visitation, so we could spend some time with him, before the casket was closed.  I have never had such a rush of emotions and sadness.  Seeing my son laying there all quiet, made me think of all the times I had wished he was quiet.  Right now all I wanted was for him to jump up and yell surprise mom.  He always did have a very sick sense of humor.  I would give anything for him to call me and say, "Ha, I got you mom".  I cry daily.  I look at my phone hoping for a phone call.  Some days are worse than others. 

Our worst day since, was the day of the services.  We rounded the corner and saw The Patriot Guard
(about 25 motorcycles) lined up with large American flags.  All the riders were standing at attention with a flag in their hand and saluting.  That is when the tears started and would not stop.  People came and paid their respects.  The service was very nice.  Shelley, Mikey's wife, held up better than expected, after losing her husband.  Her family, by her side the whole time.  Chris, one of Mikey's children got up and said some wonderful things about his dad.  The boys were devastated.  I was so proud of how they acted during and after the service.  I had not realized how grown up they had become.

After the service was over, we all got in our cars and had a motorcycle and police escort to the cemetery.  On the way, there were cars stopped on side roads and on overpasses, with men and women standing at attention or with their hands over their hearts, paying their respects for the service Mikey gave to his country.  It was so overwhelming to see the outpouring from others. 

There was a small final service at the cemetery.  The Patriot Guard(motorcycle riders) had an honor guard for us when we arrived and left.  The uncontrollable rush of tears happened when the service men and women did the 21 gun salute and played taps.  This was the final sound that fallen soldiers are given.

After the service, we all left and went to a local restaurant where some friends had a dinner for anyone that wanted to come by and say hello or pay their respects.  It was wonderful to just sit down and not have to think.  Many came and we spoke of all the wonderful things that had happened throughout his life.  Today was the saddest day of our lives.

No wife should have to bury their husband a week after his 44th birthday.  Mikey and Shelley had been married for just a short 6 months.  To short a married life for anyone. 

NO mother should ever have to bury their child.  Mikey and I had been at odds for a short time before this tragedy.  We were just starting to speak again.  We had not resolved all our differences, and that is what has eaten at me since.  I have thought about what we could have done differently.  I know everyone says that you should never go through the what ifs, but when something like this happens it is hard not to.  What if I had just....... 

Remember that no matter what happens, never never never say things you can't take back.  Stop and think before you speak.  You never know what will happen till you get to speak to that person again.  Don't think that you will appologize tomorrow.  Just remember that, in my case, I did not get the chance to tell Mikey that I was sorry and that I loved him.  I will forever wonder what he thought the day he died.  I will forever wonder all the thing most people will have a chance to rectify.  Always remember that "tomorrow may never come".

You are not alone...just ask

Have you ever felt horrible, hopeless and helpless?  Has the thought of disappearing ever entered your mind?  Has your life ever made you ask yourself  "Why am I here or what am I here for?  Believe me when I say, depression is terrifying and not something to be taken lightly. 

There are many people that you know and love going through this right now.  You may not know it, but there are more than you may think.  This little feeling can be as small as being sad about breaking a special dish to the ultimate in sadness that takes a life and destroys it.  It can be as disabling as not being able to function, to the end, which is the thoughts of suicide. 

I know that many people say they are depressed, and never do anything about it, then there are those who are truely depressed and flirt with the thoughts of ending life.  I have been from one point on that scale to the other.  I have over the years come to terms with my life and all the things in it.  I have had sadness that no man, woman or child should have to endure.  I have had the sadness that happens with the loss of a child.   I have been alienated by my children.  I have been through divorce.  I have lived through my children being taken.  My love has been put to the test so many times, I can no longer count them.  I have moved thousands of miles away from my family and friends to a different country. 

Now you may think that this is a lot for any one person to endure.  You are right.  NO person should have to go through this.  I am very lucky in that I have my family to lean on and a wonderful husband that is behind me no matter what.  He has been through hell and back with me.  Then there was menopause. OMG.  Not sure how he put up with me through that.  Now my life has changed.  People look at me and say how strong I am, if they only knew.  I am not as strong as everyone thinks.  I hurt like them, I love like them and I need like they do.  For years I have been the one that everyone comes to in times of sadness, sorrow, and hurt.  It is funny how when you have done this for so long, when it comes to yourself, there is very few people you can turn to.  I have a couple of wonderful friends that I can go to for comfort.  It is hard for me to ask.  Somehow they just know when something is wrong and they call or just show up. 

I cherish my friends and want to tell everyone that has or is in the same predicament as me, look for someone that can hold your hand.  As they say "this too shall pass", or as my dad and mom told me "god never gives you more than you can handle".

Life is so precious.  Depression can be overcome.  Take the time to find someone that will hold your hand and get you through the rough stuff.  If you cannot find anyone like that, just ask.  I have been there and will help you through it.  Just ask.  You are not alone.. Just ask.. 

The kingdom of commodes

How many of you have actually had the opportunity to use a commode, either by putting someone else on it or using it yourself?  Have you see anyone else on one?  Well I am here to give you some of the do's and don'ts of commode etiquette. 

My day started like any other.  Up at 5pm to get ready for work, of course not knowing what tonight was going to bring.  I am a firm believer that if you work in the medical field at all, you should never go without a spare set of scrubs hiding in your locker (or where ever you stash things)....

The normal fun stuff happened throughout the night, changing beds, getting linens, walking people, passing meds and getting ice.  OMG who would of thought getting ice would become such a big deal..... Before I go on, I want to give you a little background on the use of commodes and the types that are available.

1.  Normal size commodes come in a array of colors and most adjust to different heights for comfort.  The pail can be removed and the seat itself moved over a toilet for better comfort and stability.

2.  Large commodes accommodate people who are a little more robust in size and girth.  All of the above applies to them as well.

3.  Big Boy commodes will handle most everyone else.  These commodes are for the extremely robust in size and girth.  These wonders will handle people that are well over the 300 lb. mark with ease and dignity. 

Now before you go to put anyone on a commode, you are suppose to give an educated guess as to whether they need size # 1, 2 or 3..... This particular night I will describe, that was not done as accurately as it might have been. 

I was walking down the hall to retrieve a large glass of ice for one of my patients.  This is done on a regular basis throughout the day and night.  On this particular night, while walking past the last room on the way to the sun room,(where everything related to food is kept) I did somewhat of a double take when walking past that particular room.  As a matter of safety, I tend to look into each and every room when I walk down the halls.  Not to be nosey, (well maybe a little) but to check on each patient to make sure no one has fallen or is needing anything.

Now I have seen some strange, and or funny things in my long years of nursing, but what I saw this night made me do a double take and stand and stare.  I stood outside this particular room and while looking in, I saw the curtain just slightly open.  Behind the partially open curtain I could see a rather rotund gentleman sitting or should I say jammed onto a bedside commode.  Now I usually have a fairly mild demeanor, but this picture made me burst out laughing.(of course, I had moved my laughing jiggling butt to the room next door).  This poor soul had wedged himself into the rails of the commode chair, making himself look as though someone had use a shoe horn to get him there.   There were roles pushing out of every open area on the commode, and what was not poking through was spilling over the top rail.    As one person put it, "trying to put 40 pounds of s**t in a 10 pound bag.   We all giggled rather loudly after that statement.

Then came the really tough part.  How do we get him off of it.  I was not there for that part, but from what we were told, it took some rather fancy finagling to de-wedge the poor guy.  Thing was, we laughed about the whole thing, because he was not one of the most pleasant of characters to begin with.  I guess there is that thing called Karma that come back to bite you in the ass when your nasty to someone.  His Karma, was getting his fat ass stuck on the commode.  Took three tries to get up off of it.  Luckily we found a big boy commode for his use from then on. (don't think any of us could have kept a straight face if we would have had to go through that again.)

Now the bad thing about commodes is (and this is why you should always have a change of scrubs), they can tip and spill all over the floor, you , your shoes, and your clothes.  It is hard to get a set of scrubs from hospitals now.  I guess because people have absconded with them for so long, now you have to sign your life away to get a set.  I just keep one in my car or in my locker.  We were lucky this particular night.  No spillage happened, thank god.  He did however try to hit one of my favorite techs shoes while transferring from the bed to the commode.  OMG she would have thrown them away had that happened.  She is a farm girl, but cow crap is wayyyyy different than people poop.  Love ya girl, nights are not the same without you!!!!

Anyway, you have to keep a stiff upper lip when people use the commode.  No giggling allowed.  No scrunching your nose.  No yucky faces due to smell.  You just go in, deal with the job that has to be done and leave.  Laughing is not allowed, unless you are out of ear shot of the user.  Life deals us so little to make us happy.  Funny how something as mundane as sitting on a chair can leave you rolling on the floor laughing.  You do have to remember though, us night people are a different crew.  We have sick senses of humor and really warped ideas of what is funny and what isn't.  Give us a fat boy on a commode and you will keep us happy for hours.  We are sick, but fun.   Welcome to the kingdom of the commode.