#separationaxiety

I am leaving for a psychiatric nursing affiliation this Saturday.

"There is no place like home." It's been over used in the movies, songs, etc., but I like to think it's true. Going out of town was never really hard especially when I have the most important people with me. But leaving the place I call home for two weeks is a different story. Thinking of it now makes me miss these people whom I have been with for my 19 years of existence.

A day before yesterday, my mother and I went to a mall to buy the stuffs I needed for the trip. My mother, who bought me a baggage, was also the one who arranged the things and garments in there. Because she wanted everything to be organized so she volunteered to arrange my things in my baggage, an offer that I definitely accepted. Hehe.

My father, on the other hand, was always been so concern about the method of our communication. He always remind us to contact them from time to time for updates of what's happening. He even asked me to show him the address of the hospital we are affiliated and the dormitory we'll be staying. He said he might visit me there especially he knows a place where he can stay there. Being protective is so like him :)

My sister, who's always been my supporter and savior, lend me her savings to buy me swim wear on an online shop in which I might be needing for swimming later during the stay. But the real deal was to pay her back once I arrive home from the trip. Promise!

My brother's act was directed towards my snacks (baon) that mother brought. He's always that one person who loves to eat next to me. Hehe. But tell you what, being the eldest amongst the siblings, he makes sure my sister and I are safe especially when mom and dad are out for a business trip.

And this would not be possible if without the help of my ever supportive aunt. She offered to pay for the affiliation fee and other payments similar to that. She told me I have to graduate as soon as possible to pursue whatever I planned to be so that I can help them, my family.

So, yeah it's going to be iffy for me. Being able to travel alone and stay in a place I haven't been all for the first time bring me to mixed emotions. Yes, there's going to be separation anxiety like what I am feeling right now. And yes, there's also excitement for what the experience in there awaits. What's it gonna be? I guess I just have to go see it for myself.

Bonnie Harris that is. She was excited to get here but then got the anxiety after her Pa left. Her separation anxiety from him is substantial but it's gonna be ok. She's been here about 45 mins and it's taken her that long to stop crying. Thing is that crying unto itself isn't the problem. It's what it leads to. Which is why she is here. As I started to write this, I noticed that she had stopped crying so I went to her and gave her a small pet on the head and a tiny kiss. Feed the dog attention, get a best friend. Feed the wolf attention, get a monster.  When she had come in she was crying pretty intensely I did what I sometimes am accustomed to trying first--I tell her in a rather surprising and intense tone, "QUIET." It did nothing. With her, as I originally suspected, it's really about nurturing the calm. I suppose that is really the case with them all. It is crucial that I give her no negative feedback this week. When she is wining or crying I have to ignore that. When she is calm, I will send her warmth and love. This way, she will naturally veer from the crying to the calming and we will be developing a solid and loving friendship in the meantime.