Love.

As I went through a typical Monday (which seems to be extra chaotic at this job due to having a 7 day work week. By the time I return after a weekend off, things have not stopped and I always feel like I have a heap to catch up on) with this feeling of genuine love for my days. For whatever reason, every time I turned around something else was going hay wire at work and yet, I found something endearing about these moments. This is not typical. I work in what many call a 'thankless' field. Some days are simply draining. Physically and emotionally, even. But I have been wrestling with the idea of finding Thank You's when I am least expecting. Perhaps, Thank You's don't look the way we expect.

-While a resident was having an awful behavior, she came to curl up in my lap. Although most of the time I was thinking 'please don't pee on me... again.' The reality was that as her world was crushing her, she felt safe in my lap. "Thank you."

-As I came in this morning I found that something had gone wrong with one of my residents. This is something that falls on me. No matter the fact that I had told people a hundred times or more about this. There was a list of questions I had to answer to my boss. I had them all. Done correctly. "Thank you."

-A resident, who is non-verbal, was whining for attention. When I went over to chat with this resident he began to smile. And giggle even. "Thank you"

-One of my little friends is only soothed by Barney. I had an extra in my secret stash of calming devices... just in time before a major meltdown (which often leads to seizures). "Thank you."

My job makes me smile and makes me laugh more than I could have ever imagined. I am so blessed. And the picture my cousin drew me to make me feel at home, is sweet.

I didnt have to use delete today.