Since June I have been a Purple Angel. That is what we are known as as a member of our local hospital's auxiliary. Our ER is on a very small scale compared to the famous TV ER, but we do have our moments of drama, laughter, tears, heartache and the list goes on. I have already made some incredible friendships with some outstanding health workers.
Our town is small, boasting of less than 5,000 population, but probably that many who do not live within the city limits, of which I fall within the latter. Our whole school district from early childhood through 12th grade consists of around 2,000 students.
Every time I have volunteered at the hospital, someone I know comes in. They are either the patient or a family member or friend of the patient. I know a lot of people since I have worked at the school for the last 22 years and the local video store for the last 12 years. Yes, I am a people person and enjoy meeting new people and remaining friends with many of the ones I have known for years.
Tonight was one of those times in the ER that I knew almost everyone who came in for treatment or a member of their family. It was unbelievable how many people were there that I knew. Some of the students I work with this year, their parents who were my students oh so many years ago, many of my fellow co-workers from school, etc.
I thought we should have a party in the waiting room and call in some pizza orders, get some soda and of course cake and ice cream. But alas, hospitals are supposed to be serious places, but you know what it usually turns out to be? A gathering of family and friends to give support in trying times. To share the laughter, the pain, the heartache and those precious memories that are so important in this uncertain world.
I know of a lot of people who hate hospitals, but I for one, have always been intrigued by them. They don't frighten me, even when a loved one is there. I really don't know why I ever thought I couldn't be in the health work force. Many tell me I should get some training for some kind of job there. Funny, for years the same thing has been said to me about why didn't I go back to school to get a teaching degree?
I have thought about it a lot and of course one of the reasons is I will be 60 years old in March. Another is of course, the money issue. It seems too often it comes down to the money factor. I think however, the real reason I like being the Aide, the helper, the servant, the volunteer is because we have so much freedom to move around and meet new people and have much more of an opportunity to be of help to others. I love the Bible, God's Word. God loves the servant, and who doesn't want to be loved by God? Well, the one's who believe in Him.
Why am I writing this particular post? Just to get my thoughts and feelings down about what I have been up to lately. A lot of my friends don't even know I have been volunteering until they or a loved one ends up in the ER. Tonight was a good example of that. One young lady is about to have her second child. Her little girl is in kinder and in the classroom I am in more than any other this year. She fed my ego a bit by saying I never change. I look just the same as when she was in school. She made the observation that it is probably because I stay so busy that it keeps me young. Too bad my old bones sometimes protests in this not so young body under this skin.
I have a theory about me having the Fountain of Youth! Oh Sure! But in reality, the kids keep me young. Laughter is supposed to be the best medicine in the world and if that's the case, I have many doses throughout the day. I know of so many people who tell me they could never work with children and ask how I can do it and have the patience to do it? I pray daily for God's help. That is the foremost reason. Pure and simple. He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. I am so rich in children. My own, my sibling's children, the hundreds, now thousands I have come in contact with throughout the years. I look at them with love in my heart. Yes, it sometimes is a very difficult path to walk, oh but the beautiful scenery along the way. There is truly nothing like it in the world. The sounds and sights of children are amazing and sometimes can be totally exasperating, but the beauty and wonderment of children is that within a moment's time, things can change for the better.
I have to get to bed and get some sleep. It is almost 1:30 AM and that doesn't make for much sleep from now till 6 AM when I have to get up and be at school by 7:30.
God's Blessings to anyone who has the urge to read my post. And to those who do not.
Karen
. Oops, one just professed she was saving herself for marriage and Dear Prince said he had NEVER dated a virgin before! What a revelation! So what does that tell us about the two of them? 
