My Funny Valentine
The first client I met on my caseload was A. He's an 80-yr old man with Schizoaffective d/o, Personality d/o NOS and a multitude of medical problems. Within the 6 months working with him he has had hernia surgery and currently has a leg wound infection, blood clot, and Acute Myeloblastic Anemia aka Pre-Leukemia(form of Leukemia). He needs regular blood transfusions and is constantly in the hospital. I meet with him everyday to monitor his meds. I have been with him through surgery and transfusions and have listened to his hour long grandiose tales of heroism. My supervisor often asks "How's your baby?". I have become a case manager/ nurse/ mother to this man. Silly as it sounds I feel connected to A. We share the same b-day and I met him about 20 minutes after arriving on the job. Even with all this I never really felt the feeling was mutual. I got the impression that to him I was just another person who takes up his day. Well, Friday during our team meeting he knocks on the office door (we are closed for meetings- sign says so). My supervisor opens up and tells him we are in a meeting. He asks if he could just see me for one second. No one can refuse A. You feel sorry for him, so sick, old, and he's just so darn sweet. So he comes to me and hands me a bag saying "It's a holiday y'know". He apologized for not being able to buy anything nice. He has been home ill with severe diarrhea (amongst other problems). He hands me 2 boxes of chocolates and then attempts to hand me 4$, still apologizing. My heart melted. Of course my supervisor explains to him I cannot accept the $, but he can give me the chocolates. I was overcome with emotion and thanked him, insisting that he shouldn't have. Nonetheless I was glad that he did. I was blown away by this gesture, exp coming from A who I didn't think acknowledged my existance. My supervisor was shocked too, because in the past he never responded to outreach. That was just the first of unexpected Valentine's, but by far one of the sweetest (not counting my kids). Later the same day the front desk calls to inform me I have flowers waiting. I did not think Husband would send anything, but who else could it possibly be from? Turns out my friend, thinking I would be upset on this day (due to relationship status) sent them to me. He also sent a stuffed puppy for my daughter because he constantly hears her asking for a real one (he knows that's not an option right now). Radiumhead called me a few times, but I missed the first few due to team meeting. Luckily I caught up with him in the evening and he was meeting up with someone. He's such a sweetie ;) Finally, my son's friend too shy to hand it to me directly, nudges my son to give me a stuffed Snoopy w/ chocolate heart(another Hallmark moment). Old men and little boys. I have a way with the opposite gender ;) Even with all of this I hate to admit it but I was kinda sad. Husband called on Thursday 1am talking sentimental stuff. I didn't hear from him after that until I called Saturday to arrange weekend plans. He didn't call M either. It's okay though because even with the sentimental talk I guess I knew Friday would pass without us speaking. I suppose it's just habit even after you quit smoking there are times when ya kinda miss having a cigarette. I am bad analogy girl. This is okay though it's part of what makes me ..me.. well that and being so darn corny.