FINALLY!

A new post! No pics this time, just a recanting of my life over the past couple of weeks. Who would have thought that decompressing from a high (although it really didn't feel that way until recently) pressure job to a regular, day to day life would be such a welcome relief! WOW, I haven't done much of anything lately except cry during an orientation that showed films of the Department of Veteran's affairs. No, I wasn't the only one in tears, but I have come to realize just what the words "compassion" and "hug" mean to me. We were told to show compassion to the patients of the hospital. After 25 years of medical work in the private sector, I have not heard THAT word in years. Empathy, yes; compassion, never. HUG? OMG, I have had it drummed into me that people could press sexual harrassment charges; even patients. We were not to touch a patient unless we needed to for our jobs. sometimes, you know when folks just need a hug..... Yes, I do believe that those who defend our country deserve that from me...and so much more.........
Someone in my orientation class asked if I had someone overseas...no, just a dad that served in WWII as a bombadier in the air force, a brother that served in Viet Nam...he wouldn't come near me as a 4-5 yr old little kid because of what happened to those of the same age over there. I never understood until I grew up and heard the stories. Yes, I do appreciate those that were thrown into a war they didn't ask for. I also have a very dear friend who is now on active duty in the Air Force in Georgia. He's been in that state since 2001 or 2002, after 9/11. I remember he and I IM'ing on AOL, worried about what was going to happen to him after he was called to active duty from his 'safe' reserve duty. Luckily, he was able to stay in the states with his family in Warner Robins, an MP marching the flight line (of which I was given a personalized tour). I also have a friend from high school who I have found out spent time in the Army and is living in Huntsville Alabama. To each of you, and to the millions like you, I say a heartfelt "thank you" for keeping America the great country it is. Without the sacrifices you have made, no matter how big or how small, we would not be the country all others aspire to be. I am very proud to be a federal government employee; I'm only sorry I didn't realize what it meant a long time ago.......