Yes, its a job. During each shift, I pass meds, chart, assess and perform a dozen other monotonous task. But tonight, this is what its all about, the reason I wanted to be a nurse. My CNA asked me to speak with my charming but defiant resident about the necessity of his continuous oxygen use. I sat down, gave my most stern plea, hoping to gain his compliance. He cut me off pretty quickly and let me know he was 90 years old and would do as he pleased. Only offering the possibility of a negotiation if I were to provide and have a drink with him. 😜 When I shook my head and laughed, he looked at me with a mischievous and victorious grin and began to sing que sera sera sera, what will be... Inspired, I pulled out my iPhone typed in the lyrics and soon, Doris day began to sing in her crystal clear one of a kind voice. With a look of surprise he smiled, closed his eyes and tilted his head back slightly while singing along in his raspy frail voice. Before the song was finished, he peered down at my lil screen and asked, Are they all on there? Can you listen to any of them? he rephrased hopefully. I smiled and nodded towards the nasal cannula in his lap, he cut his eyes at me but still all grins and quickly placed the tubing properly in his nose. I asked him what hed like to hear and he hurriedly said, I dont know, I cant think of---how about ole Bing Crosby? He didnt spend much time looking at the screen. Mostly he sat there with his eyes closed humming, and murmuring lyrics or laughing at the banter of the Rat pack. With each new artist or recording, I watched him travel back over the decades of his life; while he recounted memories of first dances, naughty women, ole running buddies, jobs and various travels. Beneath the wrinkled, worn skin and weak voice, I caught shadowy glimpses of life, love, youth, his chances taken, and even a few regrets. I was able to cross the barriers of nearly 1/2 a century and connect with him... Why? Music... Beautiful, magical, unforgettable and most of all priceless...
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 12:44:02 +0000
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