The last of our Dominican Republic patients left the unit Friday a.m. They were a gregarious and grateful bunch! The precious 5 yr. old girl had been with us for all week, as she had had a an old leg fracture become badly infected. After surgical revision and heavy duty antibiotics she was ready to dance!! The various patients (and their escorts) often bonded and soon became each other's new best friend, so the environment of the unit was often very social (actually a little wild at times!) And of course, everyone wanted their pictures taken. We set sail for Antigua Saturday morning and today rendezvoused with another huge Navy ship for refueling and taking on new supplies. It was quite exciting to watch the rather complicated maneuver--connecting enormous fuel lines between two moving vessels (we took on 500,000 gallons of diesel for the ship and 15,000 gallons of jet fuel for the helos!), then watching the helos lift many pallets from their deck to ours. There was a major change out of staff--many reservists and a few from the NGOs--before we left DomRep, so we spent the rest of the day in a couple of classes and orienting the new staff that will be working on the unit with us. Tomorrow, while we are still at sea, will be a day of R&R---a yoga class on deck, brunch, followed by a "Steel Beach Picnic"......fun in the sun without the sand!!
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteWell, it sounds like you are enjoying your adventure. Nothing like doing for others to make someone feel good. I have enjoyed your photos and your blog.
I am sorry I haven't written more. I have been swamped with working and company. But, life is good. I worked Mothers Day weekend at the Assisted Living at the Summit and it was so much fun watching our much older women getting their Mothers day due in many, many forms. It was like a flower parade for 3 days. Then, on Sunday, the woman were going by on the arms of their sons and daughters or loved ones and were dressed to the nines. Big smiles were planted on their faces as they introduced us to their loved one. It was all so sweet to watch.
I am finally in a mode of a little less work and I am thoroughly enjoying puttering around our courtyard and front side yard. As you know, gardening is an obsession with me. The heat has come and I think it is here to stay. Fortunately, the humidity that hovered here after our rains has finally gone and we are happy. Heat I can handle, humidity, I cannot.
When you get back, DO give me a call and I will have you over for a nice lunch and some good conversation. I hope all is well. You look great in the photos.
Love and Hugs to you,
Juanita