To some, it may seem I'm not "into" the Holidays.
Well, here's why is appears that way.
Well, here's why is appears that way.
I was a nurse for ten years, and on top of that an Army nurse for four. So it didn't matter what day it happened to be, if you were scheduled to work, you worked. No complaints. As a new LT, I worked all those holidays, and yes I mean all of them. I didn't complain, I didn't have kids then. I didn't have family near by. It was NO BIG DEAL. I learned attitude was everything. I slapped a smile on my face and went to work, chatting with the patients when I could, and felt contentment at the fact my co workers with little ones at home were where they should be-- at home.
I find all the commercialism annoying and false. Black Friday is the most appalling day I can imagine in the free world. We have everything- food, freedom, and shelter--but people will fight over an Xbox? Are you effing kidding me? I remember in 2003 giving a kid in Iraq some candy, you would've thought I gave him an iPhone/computer/Xbox/whatever..... It made me cry inside.
Am I the only person with awkward family members? Let's leave it there...
For people suffering from illness the Holidays induce more stress and can make them even more ill. Just remember that. It is hell to be sick, don't forget that.
Christmas time is tough on nurses, because you see all the most lonely and troubled souls filing into the ER. I won't go into details, but let's just say it's scarred me for life. I cannot "not" think about those people out there with no one to lean on. No one to cuddle. No one to say "Hey man, I love you."
So there's my rant. I hope you will understand me now a little bit better.
Love to you and yours this Holiday Season, and remember to smile at a stranger on the street, it could make all the difference in their day.
Aww I hope you find some enjoyment. I completely ignore the commercialism and do things which mean something to me. And I will remember to smile at a stranger!
ReplyDeleteI smile at everyone, people must think I'm nuts! I can only imagine the experiences you've had and it makes me all the more thankful for all the blessings in my life. Some people will never 'get it'.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel, I stay out of the stores during the sales and weekends, it is too depressing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my family and the blessings we have and the rest doesn't matter.
Debbie
Yep. And don't get me started on all the stores now starting their Black Friday sales Thanksgiving Day. It's horrific that because of people, and the stores, greed their will be thousands more people who won't be able to be with family (weather that is the one you grew up with or the one you've chosen.) It used to bother me so much when I had to work say Christmas and over and over people would come up to me and say man, it sucks you have to be here on Christmas. I'd smile on the outside and on the inside say, I wouldn't HAVE to be here if you weren't here you hypocritical idjit.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I also appreciate holidays as a time for retrospection and find things I'm thankful and grateful for. I also check in with people and make sure they know that someone loves them and appreciates them.
Thanks for sharing this-- what a thoughtful post.
ReplyDelete