It’s my last week of work and it doesn’t feel real. I’ve been here for almost 2 years now. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. I’ve met so many wonderful people and heard so many amazing stories. These guys are like family now. They hear all about my dating experiences. They hear about my family and how they’re doing. They hear all about my mission updates. I tell them a lot. Sometimes those are the last times I tell them about my life.
I do cartwheels for them. I turn on the radio and dance for them. I tell them jokes to make them laugh. I tell them they look nice to make them smile. I hug them and tell them I love them. I tell them I’ll miss them every time they leave. Sometimes that is the last time I talk to them.
I’ve held their hands when they’re sad. I’ve covered them with blankets when they’re cold. I listen to their stories even if it’s the 12th time. I take them food when they’re sick. Sometimes those are the last times I see them.
I’ve lost a lot of people here and it never gets easier. Nobody told me that they would become like family. Nobody told me this wouldn’t be just a normal job. Nobody told me that the worst thing is not being able to help them through the pain or to help them grieve when they lose a spouse. The most I can do is smile and maybe dance for them.
they are my friends. they are my family. I tease a lot of them, but that’s because I love them. I’ve learned a lot working here like how important it is just to love and be loved. I’ve learned that family is everything and sometimes you don’t have family so others step in. I’ve learned that life is too short to stress the little things. sometimes it’s hard that they don’t remember me or they don’t know my name. sometimes it’s hard when I lose of them and there’s nothing I can do except move on. it’s been a strange 2 years, but I’m more than grateful for them. in honor of a chapter closing, here a few of my favorite quotes or things that have happened here with no context.
“I just got some new hearing aids.” “Oh wonderful! Where did you get them from?” “What did you say?”
“I think you just need to get over yourself.”
“You look like you’re having boy troubles.”
“He asked me for my number and do you know what I told him? *looks around* heeeckkk no!”
“Hey Claire? Can I get a second opinion on this? Is that poop under the table?” To this day, we’re still not sure what it was
“Hey kid, where are my pills?” “I’m not sure. I just work in the kitchen.” “Haha alright. You don’t know. Funny.”
“My last name was Strong because I was a strong woman. I don’t take crap from anybody.” That lady was my role model.
“Sweetheart, I’m 93. I’m too old for this. I need a nap.” It was 6 PM
“I can’t hear what y’all are saying, but I know I want to be involved with the gossip.”
“I’ve got a problem. I can’t find my underwear.” She regularly lost her bra too.
“what’s the matta kid? Aye kid! What’s the matta?”
“You wanna make out?”
“Let me see if the girls want some dinner. Do you want some dinner? *looks at wall* No, they’re fine.”
“I’ve got so many bugs in here! Look, I just killed another!” *holds up a cake crumb*
*after eating frozen chicken strips* “That was the best meal I’ve had since I’ve been here!”
“He just wanted the money. And you know what he did? He was driving and just went, money. I want the money.”
that’s all. thank for reading. hope you had a laugh because I sure have
Claire's blog 