Synchronicity

Sometimes we almost need a hammer to hit us over the head to get our attention. That is what happened to me years ago. I was in an accelerated program to get my Bachelor degree in nursing. My older 2 girls were in grade school and my youngest just entered Kindergarten. To say I was stressed about being back in school is an understatement. Clinicals and a term paper just about sent me over the edge. I think I lost 5 pounds in the first few weeks of class. Of course, looking back, this was all a colossal waste of my energy. Self-induced stress does nothing but induce illness. I realize that now.
Due to the stress, I would frequently talk to my mom. I never heard from her consciously, but in that state, of course I wouldn’t. One of the course requirements was to do a clinical rotation. I chose school nursing. I visited various elementary, middle and high school nursing offices. I learned so much about the different needs of each age group and also how hard school nursing really is. Children are arriving to school with more med requirements and disease management needs than ever before. I saw at least 3 children with indwelling insulin pumps at each school, even the elementary schools. During the semester, I was due to meet this one nurse at the middle school. We had multiple scheduling conflicts and I finally just said, “Oh well, if I am meant to meet her, I will”. So on the last day I could, I went to the middle school and met with Kathy. She has a beautiful smile that just lights up the room. She also looked very familiar. I told her so, but we couldn’t talk, it was a very busy time in the office. Finally, there was a reprieve from students and we chatted. I persisted telling her she looked familiar. After about 20 questions, we realized we had a friend in common. This friend, Margaret, was the nurse who coordinated the constant care my mother needed. I said to Kathy, “well if you knew Margaret, you must have heard her speak of Terry”. (Terry was my mother’s name.) She said, “I took care of Terry”. I still get chills when I think of this! I sat there incredulous and could only whisper. “Terry was my mom.” We were both shocked and then very happy to see one another again. Kathy worked with my mom in the evenings when I worked middle shift. I rarely saw her.
Well, my mom certainly got my attention that day. Thank you Mom! I promise the next time you want to communicate, I will be listening.