Many of you may not know that “Growing Nurse Debi” actually began in this tiny potting shed in my backyard. At that stressful time when I first became a nurse, my husband Continue reading
On redefining normal and scraping the burnt off your toast.
Nurses see some pretty awful things. I love what I do, but this is the honest truth. On a daily basis we watch as the ravages of disease take hold and Continue reading
On the Saturday of loving a promise keeper.
Early morning garden … new beauty unfolding … promises of new life abundant in the morning’s coolness. Continue reading
When nobody’s looking at you today.
As a nurse, when I step onto that unit in the morning, I know without the slightest bit of doubt that there will be people looking at me that day. Actually, it’s more than that. They won’t just be looking “at” me, they’re going to be looking “to” me, as well. All day long. Continue reading
When you just can’t believe how good today is.
I woke up this morning so much better than yesterday. Yesterday was one of those random sucker-punch days where you absolutely have no idea why you woke up so sick. And then today, for some reason, I have absolutely no idea why I woke up so much better. I seriously cannot figure this Lupus life out. I just can’t. Continue reading
When you think your hands just aren’t doing anything.
As a nursing student, I learned all about the unbelievably complicated physiology involved in every simple movement we make. Truly fascinating stuff. In classic Debi fashion, though, Continue reading
When not very pleasant finally quits.
I saw him watching me in the hallway a few months ago. I smiled at him as I hurried past, busy trying to finish up before shift change. For some reason, I felt compelled to stop and look back at him again. He was still standing there, still smiling. His gaze was knowing. Familiar. And his eyes were twinkling as he watched the recognition struggling within me. Continue reading
When your sleep just gets weird.
You’re lying there and a slow awareness slips in. That pit has enveloped you again. It’s not comfortable here. Nor is it restful. Or healing. At all. This is not that delicious place where you want to stretch and linger as the morning dawns. Continue reading
On fighting with my pointy, little elbow.
Recliner days made better with Ruby snuggles.
I don’t know why, but I feel this need to protect people from this side of me. I struggle to put on a smile and keep my groans to myself, not burdening anyone with my whining. It wouldn’t do any good, anyways. Continue reading
On nursing and the unrelenting peck of addiction.
I’m a walking contradiction. I’m an extroverted introvert who has an internal compulsion to Continue reading
