Christopher Dior Simon's Blog, page 10

It’s called life; it’s not convenient

Everything else being equal… But it is never equal, fair, or convenient. It’s how we respond to the challenges of surprise, incompetence, or the folk doing their best but who have no clue. I had an outstanding period of a few days of great care. However, this morning I have registry workers who only responded after my wife called on the phone. I’m close to one past my meal time and range of motion to protect against bed sores from not being moved. Had I known that there were not going to be people familiar with me or the routine, I would have stopped liquid consumption at midnight.

I’m listening to praise and upbeat music. I’m grateful Simon’s savior will try to come earlier- for those who don’t know, she is my wife. Oh, what a savior. Other times it is someone else who has time for me. I’m grateful. I’ll enjoy eating with remembrance that some people don’t have anyone to come to their assistance as I do.

I’m thinking, possibly I need to have the neighborhood canvassed for people who have the capability of coming to our rescue at the facility when much is not right.

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Albert Einstein. Life is hard and then we die. The trick is to develop coping skills to really live instead of just being alive. Working toward a meaningful life with purpose is worth it. Our life is the creation of our mind. Buddha. Let this mind be in you that says I am equal to every difficulty of this day, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – Aptly Living Strong.

Almost Made It

It’s great to belong to Hoopla, Cloud Library, Libby, Book Share, and others. Reading 35 books every month is quite an interesting experience of increased knowledge and awareness. It’s amazing how much is yet to be explored in topics. This is one of the benefits of spending time in bed 24/7; reading is uninterrupted. I minister to myself with trauma and drama-free days unending. Well, almost made it unending. ALS tried to shorten my days.

Purposeful days that are meaningful to me help me to wake up each day excited for what it will bring. There are monumental goals and tasty little treats to experiment with. I’ll include the Trader Joe’s Olives and Herbs Mixed Nuts into my potato and leeks Cup A Soup to try a new creation.

What I have done with my room satisfies my preferences and gives me scenic pleasure, surround sound enjoyment, lavender experiences with smells, and warmth and cuddling under my thematic bedspreads. I’ll add more whiteboards to reflect my targeted goals. Not every person can do all that I have. Do what you can to elevate living experiences.

Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve. ~ Marrianne Williamson Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness. John Dewey. My God, give me strength to live one day at a time, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – A Lasting Special. Thanks, Jilliane.

A Change has Come

I’m on my fourth book since midnight after my playlist music break. I’m thankful for the new hires and one shift rotation person.

Jennifer will restock me with goodies tomorrow. I will try some Trader Joe’s Olives and Herbs Mixed Nuts. I have not tried my bread machine, popcorn maker, or air fryer yet. I’ll be prepared for when I have the right person and circumstances. Life is still good, even with ALS.

I have a very nice room, and my care has been shaped to provide me with excellent care. What? Repeat that, Simon. I AM EXPERIENCING SOME EXCELLENT CARE. I am enjoying my Cup A Soup, oatmeal, Ritz Crackers or chips with dip, banana nut bread, lemon pound cake with or without blueberries, honey-roasted almonds, and yogurt-covered raisins.

Be not simply good – be good for something. Henry David Thoreau. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Shakespeare. Simplysaidbysimon how sweet it is. ALS – Awaited Lasting Sweetness.

Hilltop

I’m still elated about the new nurse and her care. I have also received a new morning shift person who is better suited to meet my needs. Simply awesome. Thanks for your thoughts, good wishes, and hopes. Some call them prayers.

Elsewhere in my one-room nucleus to my world, I had one ripe tomato and three new tomatoes. I asked Jennifer to transplant them into our backyard. It’s difficult for me to get what I need to keep my plants healthy, so while they were thriving, I sent them to a better place.

Yes, they look good. My daughter planted three tomato plants, and now Jennifer has added two more. We will have plenty of cherry tomatoes and some Romano or beef steak tomatoes.
Yes, they look good. Kayla planted three tomato plants, and Jennifer has added two more. We will have plenty of cherry tomatoes and some Romano or beef steak tomatoes.

I arranged the flowers. I’m pleased with Miracle Man. I’m finished reading one of the books. I’ll finish the second book today. I’ll get new allocations at midnight. I’m on target for today. If I don’t fall asleep, smile.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. Henry Ward Beecher. Rough diamonds are sometimes mistaken for worthless pebbles. Thomas Browne. Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. Saadi. I’m on the Pathway of Easy Street. Simplysaidbysimon, make it easy for yourself and ALS – After Loses Smile. A better day is coming.

Oh Wow

What a difference a person makes. My experience with one person can be very trying, but the next person may be very liberating. Last night, my nurse was a new hire and was outstanding. It was her first time caring for me on her own. I was professionally and proficiently cared for. She fed me through my G tube, did trachea and G tube care, allowed me to sprint (disconnect from the ventilator) for five minutes, fed me two pieces of chocolate, and even hummed some.

I’m completely comfortable with her. She’s a great nurse, no doubt. I can relax when I am in the care of people like this nurse. I’m very observant and quite expeditiously determine whether a person has the skills. I have to; my life has depended upon it more than a few times.

I’m blessed to have the choice to eat orally or through my G-tube. Though not life-threatening, when I am assigned an unskilled or incompetent CNA, I can minimize their impact and just have the nurse feed me through the G-tube. I’d rather have maple oatmeal with yogurt-covered raisins and almonds. However, I prefer non frustrating and noncomplicated food over good-tasting food.

So, that is my day sometimes. Either wax on, or it’s wax off. I’m the Captain of my journey, and I make judgment calls frequently to ensure smooth sailing through each day. When and where possible, I help people gain the ability and skills necessary to be good at their jobs. When it’s just a matter of preference, I try to give them autonomy to do what and how they are comfortable. I’m all for appreciating people.

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. Alexander the Great. Simplysaidbysimon be a committee of one making this world a better place where you can with ALS – Afresh Loving Spectacularly.

Amazon and Kindle author of ALS: A Life Surrendered, Flowers of the Heart, Prayers: Simply Said By Simon, and Imminent Death: Living with a Terminal Disease. Audiobooks are on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.

This is how it works

You may have heard that the squeaky wheel gets attention. Too often, in my healthcare experience, I have found that if I am quiet and accepting, I will receive the worst care. How so?

What actually happens is the nice guy finishes last. The residents that quietly try to exist get looked over and are served last, least, and by the worst skilled staff. Why is this so? Let me explain the reality of what happens. If you exemplify your willingness to work with anyone, you’ll most often receive care from the least desirable staff. Why? Because the squeaky wheel complains and refuses the care of unskilled staff members.

Management does a disservice to the residents and the other staff members who give valuable information during the probation period of a nonperformance issue with new hires. I was labeled as one who gets people fired. I retort; no, I am the advocate who reports unacceptable job performance. It’s your actions, behavior, and attitude that get you fired.

There is no influence like the influence of habit. Gilbert Parker. An effort made for the happiness of others lifts above ourselves. Lydia M. Child. Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay. Simone de Beauvoir. For sure, it takes people who love people to make the needed positive changes. To do nothing in the face and presence of injustice, Simplysaidbysimon, reflects who I am. Be the type of person who is ALS – Alleviating Lasting Suffering.

It’s a good day

Tapestries Tuesday of God’s goodness and mercy to us. I’m enjoying His blessings already, and I expect a day overrun with His presence and precious promises. Prayers and praises, playlists of uplifting songs, and good books filled my early morning. I began to write and think about future works.

For those who have asked how I stay happy, mentally encouraged, and spiritually strong – this is a great portion of my routine. I’ll add that I begin as early as possible to give thanks and share encouragement and positive outlooks. Though I may reference my experience in the “I” often, it is my reality to include the “whosoever will” of my day. My mindset is, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever” in my life. Amen, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – Always Learning Service. Thanks, Vee.

Amazon and Kindle author of ALS: A Life Surrendered, Flowers of the Heart, Prayers: Simply Said By Simon, and Imminent Death: Living with a Terminal Disease. Audiobooks are on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.

Work it, work it

It’s 1:50 in the morning. I have been napping off and on since yesterday, around four in the afternoon. I’m doing well. It is great when everything lines up, and there are people who know and do their jobs.

It is nice in my room with my additional items for convenience, pleasure, and enjoyment. Hopefully, things will continue to go as well as they have. I can’t always overcome the unskilled or the uncaring, but I have made good strides toward making people know that I appreciate good care and service.

I now have animal themes for my curtains, bedspreads, and throw pillows. The pillowcases double as storage for blankets and towels.

Better remain silent, better not even think, if you are not prepared to act. Annie Besant. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” A will finds a way. Orison Swett. I’ve got the power and freedom of choice and choose to be happy.

Simplysaidbysimon, make each difficult situation the best that it can be. Be the best you can be with ALS – Alternative Living Solutions.

Most Memorable

What memory stands out in your mind? Far too often, it’s something that has scarred us for life. Something so negative, though part of the tapestry of what shaped us, need not define us.

It markedly impacted the day I watched my daughter being born. The Miracle of Life was not lost on me that morning. Another day stamped on my mind is a recollection of how peacefully a former missionary died with me holding his hand. And, of course, I remember that diagnosis day manifestations. It revealed not only what was wrong with me physically, but that day stands out as when I learned it was well with my soul.

It is something special to have possibly the most horrible news given to you, and it is not received in horror. In fact, I laughed and told my Neurosurgeon doctor, “At least I don’t have to have surgery.” Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well. Josh Billings. Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human. Viktor E Frankl. When receiving overwhelming information, it’s human to be on an emotional roller coaster. It’s divine to have peace at the end of the ride, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – Achieving Life Successfully. Thanks, Jilliane.

I’m Amazed

Symposia of Saints Sunday and my special spousal sensations. We have been ten days apart, building the excitement of seeing each other again.

I’m watching old football games before I begin writing and listening to books. I’ll do more audio proofing after there are more in the queue. I have plenty to keep me busy. That is one thing I don’t worry about. Finding things to do as an author and publisher is almost endless.

I’m thinking I will begin making a variety of bread types with my bread machine. If you have used a bread machine, please let me know what some of the tastes you enjoy. Also, let me know where you bought the packages, please.

I’m always attempting to increase my excitement about being alive and enjoying what I can. As we well know, quite a few things and sometimes people work against us. Simplysaidbysimon, be more than conquerors with your inner and outer strength with ALS: Affirmation Lauded Superiority.