Yesterday was one of the most difficult and frustrating days on the unit. My preceptor was assigned a modified section, less patients who create MORE stress. Taking one patient was more than enough. It was one of those days where it felt like no matter how much I did it was never enough. One thing after another with the most particular, nonstop requests. Leaving the hospital, knowing that I had off today, Mother's Day, it had me thinking about her mom who was at the bedside. Sure I get to leave at the end of my shift but her mom has to go back home with her. I began to feel empathetic more towards the mother than the patient. As the mother is the sole caregiver I can only imagine how much time she actually has for herself, to take care of herself, to relax by herself. I can only hope that I was able to provide some slight sort of "put your feet up and relax" relaxation for this patient's mom throughout the day. Sometimes when I leave the hospital after a crazy day all I need is something sweet. Last night it was a splurge with warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream... for dinner. This morning I did an hour of cardio to attempt damage control. Then off to pick up flowers at Trader Joe's, lunch in Brooklyn with Bubby and now back to the island for Sunday dinner with the other side of the family. Every day I am thankful for my mother, my grandmother, my Bubby and all the other motherly figures in my life. I am becoming who I am because of you all.

*True but cheesy, but appropriate PSA; take care of your patients the way you want your mother, grandmother, aunt, and other motherly figures to be taken care of.