rewarding.

As I was leaving work today, something pushed me to check my work mailbox (something which I never do). Part of the reason I was probably wanting to check it was in hopes to see that little white sheet of paper decorated with palm trees around the edges (my vacation request form)...hoping it would be signed and approved by my manager. Well, I got the paper back and my vacation is approved! I also got 3 other surprises. One, an evaluation on CHLA from a student nurse at West Coast University who had clinicals on my floor. She complimented me specifically and I guess my manager made me a copy and stuck it in my box so I could see it. Another, a thank you note and school picture from the single mom and her 15 year old son (who has cystic fibrosis) that my friend Laurel and I "adopted" through our "Holiday's From the Heart" program. It was a heart felt letter thanking my friend Laurel and I for the warm clothes we provided them at Christmas time. And last, a letter from "R's" family -- the boy I wrote about a couple of posts down, the boy who bit me and whose brain shunt failed on my shift. I thought I would share the note with you, since I shared the details and experiences of my nights caring for him.

"Sydney,
We can't imagine how difficult & frightening it must have been trying to care for R. After all the clawing & biting, you stood firmly beside him. We really appreciate what you have done for R. You truly have made our experience much easier & gratifying for all of us. My wife wants to thank you especially for your effort trying to advocate for us. Thanks a mil!!!
- R's Family"

How awesome is that?! It brought me to tears, and then I felt a little guilty for secretly getting really mad at R when he bit me during the CT scan. I'm so glad they felt like I was a good nurse to their child. What a great feeling!!

I also won some really beautiful flowers at work last night. It was "Mary Duque Day" so the hospital held an ice cream social and I put my name in a drawing for one of the prizes. Mary Duque played a pivotal role in the hospital's history by greatly enlarging the support of CHLA, so they have a day honoring her every year. Here's a picture of my flowers!

So, my vacay got approved and I plan on coming home May 3rd-10th, so mark your calendars! 7 nights in Illinois, folks. I can't wait to meet the 2 new male additions to our family!!