Thank you for visiting today “Life and Random Thinking”.
I often wake up at four o’clock in the morning and do “random thinking.” I was remembering way back in the early 1980’s when I was doing hemodialysis at Vancouver General Hospital on a ward. The circumstances were not the nicest for the patients. It was a large ward, beds spaced out on both sides of a long rectangle shaped room. In between the beds were the large machines that were hooked up to the patients.
In all this noise, tubing and needles I was one of those patients. You can’t move around much when you are hooked up like that so I people watched and stayed awake the 5 hours or so that it took, thrice weekly.
I noticed the reaction that some patients had when certain nurses were working. A certain nurse, a favourite of mine also, caused heads to swivel when she walked into the ward. Ruth was an empathetic person, skillful inserting needles and a nice person.
Ruth was one of those people, a special nurse, who spread smiles while poking needles.
A nurse doing a difficult job the best she could, spreading understanding and kindness. ♥
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I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
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In January and the beginning of next month I have been tasked for my health to go through radiation treatments at the cancer clinic about an hour north in Kelowna, B.C.
I am fortunate to have such a scenic drive each way, and wonderful company and support from family. Next week I will be halfway completed my treatments and will await the good news.
I have to say my experience going to the Cancer Clinic has been very positive, and I am almost, almost enjoying myself. (I am weird, ha ha)
My doctor, my radiation therapists, the other patients, the receptionists and the health greeters are all positive and I smile walking in and out the doors. ♥♥♥
When I am done and no longer visit, I will not forget these special people.
These people are smile spreaders!
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It has been my observation that in life it makes sense to take it with some sweetness or at least some understanding.
My thinking out loud conclusion is this – spread smiles and appreciation – if you have to spread something, make it laughs, and good feelings. – Blessings ♥♥- David
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I guess that’s why I like this YouTube video – it’s playful and music helps the others (mostly) enjoy the rush-hour traffic.
If you are worried about getting a song in your head, an “ear-worm” LOL, then avoid this video but if you like me welcome a happy tune – join in!
HIGHWAY SING-a-LONG – THE BUTTER CUP EDITION
Life and Random Thinking 
Hi Dave, I enjoyed the read. Your positivity is inspiring! Thank you,
Ernie Sheridan http://www.LiveInTheOk.c om
On Tue, 25 Jan 2022 at 11:27, Life and Random Thinking wrote:
> dfolstad58 posted: ” Thank you for visiting today “Life and Random > Thinking”. I often wake up at four o’clock in the morning and do “random > thinking.” I was remembering way back in the early 1980’s when I was doing > hemodialysis at Vancouver General Hospital on a ward. ” >
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Thanks Ernie, I appreciate your kind words! Have a nice evening – Dave
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and demonstrating a glass-half-full approach to life, David. Showing gratitude. Please take good care.
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It was perfect timing also because I had to smile and bear it today with a two hour delay at the clinic – they warned me it could happen and it was beyond anyone’s control otherwise they would warned me to come later. All good, I even had a bald eagle fly over us when we drove north. ♥
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An eagle flying over, one of the best possible omens!
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I love seeing the bald eagles in the area. I have always felt it was good luck, kind of like if a whale splashes you. I remember visiting near 100 Mile House in BC, so many lakes in the area and a eagle with a fish in its talons flew just over my car. It gave me a huge smile. – Enjoy your day, thank you for chatting.
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I love that Maya Angelo quote. It’s my favourite. If you can choose between smiles or frowns, always choose smiles! Good luck with your treatment.
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I am glad you liked it Darlene. I changed it and am glad I did. I was originally going to do a quote from Oscar Wilde “Some bring pleasure wherever they go, others, whenever they go.” I think I made the right choice. (smile).
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My goodness, Dave, your year is off to an eventful start, but if anyone can make this a positive experience you can. Keep us posted as to how things are going, and keep those wonderful photos coming! The transition from winter to spring, even in its early phase is always an amazing time.
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Hi Debra, so nice to chat with you. As I sit at my desk I can see a neighbor’s black and white kitten escaping onto their roof again, he’s a rascal but he always comes back. He reminds me of my Errol Flynn – he was a rascal also. Thank you for your encouraging words! I soak them up!
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Your positive attitude is an inspiration for all of us! Stay well my friend.
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Thanks Lynn, always appreciate hearing from you and look forward to giving you good news when it arrives.
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The Highway Singalong is so much fun, and if I have Buttercup Baby in my head all day, then that is great because it will put a spring in my step! My neighbor in the mountains of New Mexico warned me about tulips and deer; she plants her in a closed off area, but in the little town near us where deer roam too, there is a house with about a quarter of the yard planted in tulips. It is an amazing sight, and I truly don’t understand how they survive! Yay for being (almost) half-way through with your treatments. I hope you get good news soon. I know you are thankful for the pleasant staff; that can make all the difference for patients already under stress. 🙏
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Thanks Linda (hug). You might like the Highway sing along – Valentine’s day edition also. My Dad loves the deer here also – his face lights up when he see them. Sometimes they almost put their faces up to the windows ! lol I think for the staff at the clinic it can be stressful also as they are nice people and it must sadden them when they have patients come for months of treatments and yet they can’t help them.
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Such an inspiring post that will help others. I love your photo’s too!
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Hi David,
I am glad that you are “enjoying” your treatment. In weird way, I get it. If you have to go through with it, why not try to make it enjoyable and notice the positive along the way.
I love your pictures. The deer reminded me of years ago, when I had a yard and they, and the squirrels, would come and eat all my sunflowers. I was mad at them, and yet happy to see them.
My you encounter only Ruths in your path to health.
and lastly, I cannot imagine getting up at 4am, why time are you going to bed?
Blessings to you! ♥♥
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You understand me well – if I have to go down this road I am going to look for flowers, not thorns!
Today I finished my 10th radiation – only ten to go! I am going to buy a cake February 10 !
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That is so true David. Remembering how someone makes you feel outshines all else. I am often up at 4 am every morning like clock work. The best part of the day to think 🙂
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In the winter 4 a.m. I am often tempted to go back to sleep to be honest, especially when its below zero and 30 km wind. If I do go back to bed I can’t sleep and if I get up I feel sleepy – ha ha.
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David, all the best for you as you go through your radiation therapy. With such a long drive, I’m glad that you have company to avert the tiredness. Don’t forget to take leave a little space for any emotions to come at the end of your treatment on February 10th, before you get out there enjoy that celebratory cake.
I can’t say everyone was spreading smiles during my treatment, but it didn’t stop me smiling at them to express my gratitude for their care. I suspect you’re the same.
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Thanks Deb. The first two weeks there has only been minor side effects other than fatigue. My treatment time goes very quickly and I admit I am bottled up inside about some of my feelings.
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It’s almost impossible not to be. I remember bursting into tears at the end of my radiation therapy. My mother was waiting to drive me home and I hid away as she’d have not been able to cope or to understand my tears.
Have a virtual hug for when your emotions hit. Take good care David.
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It is nice to know another person who understands. I like the virtual hug also. 🙂
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I’ve been catching up on reading blogs David. You’ve reminded me of our trip to Vancouver to visit relatives many years ago – such a beautiful part of the world. Your positivity is inspiring. I hope you enjoyed your cake on the 10th 😋
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I confess I opted instead for some Indian cuisine and my dear wife is making me (oops, us) cheesecake. 🙂 Vancouver has some nice spots definitely and being able to grow up there and live there from the 60’s to early 90’s was better than alright. I still like to visit but am glad I am out of the big city now. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to visit me and comment. – David
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I wish we could have a pandemic of joy. See, I’m just as weird as you. If something needs to be spread then smiles and good wishes are the best! Thank you for following my blog.
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I love the way you look at life in the best possible light! It’s a ray of hope for all of us! 💕C
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You are very encouraging, thank you. – David
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