Journal Entry: Dec. 3, 2015
BACKGROUND:
I received therapy for my broken ankle while I was in the
nursing home. My only time out of my room each day (seven days a week) was to receive
therapy. I came to enjoy those who worked in that department.
Journal Entry:
One of
the male therapists here at the nursing home/rehab center said something
interesting today. His mother does not like to be called ‘honey’ or ‘hon.’ She
thinks it sounds demeaning.
This set
me to thinking. When I was in college, one of the guys on campus who worked for
the food service, part time, always called the girls in the dorm endearing
little names like ‘doll.’ He was in the same fraternity as my boyfriend. One
day one of my sorority sisters who also dated another guy from that fraternity
house and I asked him why he did that.
My friend
hit upon the idea that he did this because he did not know or could not
remember the names of the other girls on campus. However, he had to know our
names.
Here at
the rehab/nursing facility, the CAN’s, the nurses, and the therapists use the
little cute names because it is quick and easy. The environment can be somewhat
cold and daunting to the patients. The use of endearing terms breaks the ice
and is meant to put the patient at ease.
The
Bible says God has a special name for each of his children. Each of us will
find out what He calls us when we meet Him.
UPDATE:
Yesterday,
I underwent an evaluation for the possibility of continuing my physical
therapy. The young woman told me I was doing well, making progress. I could
have continued receiving therapy for 30 days. I explained something to her and
asked for two more weeks. She agreed to my suggestion.
I will see my regular PT woman three more times and then
this evaluator will come back to release me. I am so happy; I can see the light
at the end of the tunnel.
Linked to:enthusiasticallydawn.
Here in the south we hear all kinds of "terms of endearment", some not so dear as others, but usually I know the person means well when they say "honey", or "Darlin". There have been times when I have had to say out of necessity, "I'm NOT your darlin" to get my point across to someone a bit obnoxious. Thankfully, God's name for us is never obnoxious. He whispers words of love to us all the time...if we will just listen for His voice. Thank you for this reminder. So glad you are getting back up and around these days. I know you are happy to be back on your feet again.
ReplyDeletePam: I am reminded of a scene from "9 to 5." In it a secretary lectures her boss on the fact that she is not his 'girl'. We all have times when we don't feel it appropriate for those 'terms of endearment.' Then there are other times we feel complimented when we hear them. Blessings to you and yours. We had a busy afternoon today-a few important errands to run.
DeleteCecelia- So glad you are healing and love these thoughts about endearing names...it's funny because my son wrote a song called "I Don't Want to Call You Baby...it's a humorous poke at endearing epitaphs, and in the end the songs says, I just wanna call you by your given name. It's a fun song, but it also made me think about how Jesus knows us each by our given name! Great reflections here, my friend. Looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kel. This endearing name calling is all right with me. In my last job, I found myself calling the customers,"Sweetie."
DeleteWhat a beautiful post about how God knows us each by name. He also does call us by endearments too, don't you think? Like "My Daughter" and "Child" but never because he forgot our names! Ha! Blessings on your continued healing Dear One...oops I did it too! Ha1
ReplyDeleteSusie: It's all right with me that you called me Dear One. It doesn't matter what you call me as long as it's not late to dinner.:)
DeleteHi Cecelia, I am glad to hear that the end of the tunnel is near and you will be fully recovered. Somehow I haven't been on your blog for a long time, did I miss something or haven't you posted?
ReplyDeleteMarja: I was out of comission for three months due to a stay in an nursing home. I broke my ankle and had to have therapy. Then, I had to wait until our son came home for Christmas in order to be able to get into my computer. The three months were from The end of September until December 22.
DeleteHI Cecelia! I am so glad you brought your journal along to the nursing home. What a faithful little listening friend a journal can be! I am glad you are doing well and that the staff treated you well...and that you are moving along again! Please take care of yourself...I always enjoy the way you use minimal words, yet make a solid point based on Biblical Truth. THanks for being one of the core journal keepers who faithfully participated! Love and hugs. Good things ahead that will be inspiring...honest engine. ;) He makes everything new...
ReplyDeleteDawn: Thank you for your lovely comment. Blessings to you on your new ventures,
DeleteHi Cecelia! Congrats on the awesome progress you've made! I know how PT can be both boring, and live giving. But hey, it's nice to get back to 'real life'.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that waitresses calling me 'babe' and 'honey' bothers me. Maybe I don't think it's respectful? I don't correct them, because I don't think they mean to be demeaning, but that doesn't mean I like it!
Happy Sunday,
Ceil
Ceil: When we used to frequent a chain restaurant on the south end of town, one of the waitresses kept using those endearing terms in talking to my husband and ignoring me. I was getting uptight about it and finally told Hubby that the server could be thought of as harrassing him in an intimate way. (You know what I mean.)
DeleteHooray for light at the end of the tunnel! Glad to hear you are encouraged and making progress.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. It has been a long road. God has been with us each step of the way.
Delete