Memos of a Current Travel Nurse -Louisiana-

I arrived in LA with this feeling of going backward. Then I thought: One person’s backward is another person’s forward. And maybe there really is no backward, only a continuum. Backward was something created by those on the upper rungs. Those from the moment the watch was invented, setting the timelines for us from Birth to Death.(though Death was never discussed) Many that are drinking the kool-aide, are yet to see the costs. Rather, we bought into the dream, like wide eyed kids playing with Barbie and Ken; bodies pale — until 1980. Shaped like no man or woman, in reality is — until one could buy the plastic with the dream. For most, climbing the rungs was and is the drive to live; Bandaids and Barbie Doll Houses, covering over, the holes in our hearts.  

Almost a year into a Pandemic, we’re witnessing what is beneath the bandages. I have experienced images this year of not recovery, but surgery. Bandaids are no longer working — it’s a heart transplant that is underway.  And transplants take time, steadiness and a team of beating hearts. One must be comfortable with a little mess and know when to take the right next steps. Maybe with our new hearts we’ll realize there is so much Love to go around. Perhaps in our next Global crisis we will recognize the importance of community, for Richer or Poorer. Black or White. Red or Blue. Looking at blood we know not what belongs to who. 

With our new hearts in recovery may we renew our relationship with Mother Nature — knowing our health depends on it. Lastly, as we exit the hospital may we feel a sense of aliveness, compassion, and humility and offer these qualities to all those on our path…whether straight, curvy, backward, forward or on the continuum. 

May we dare to dream our own dreams – Be well,

H.

Letter to our youth

Please keep your head high while your heart is low. Your spirit — stirring, broken. I understand what it’s like to mend pieces back together again.To make something Whole. I know it has been hard to see what you’re seeing. Hearing — Feeling. The hate. Grief, anger, confusion, violence, fear, death — outside. I can imagine what is going on… inside. 

You my dears are the Golden Thread. It may not feel this way, but there is a reason for your Being. Here. Now. I don’t want to tell you these moments will make you stronger. Maybe not at first — The World needs a new perception of strength. As you sew this New Earth — with your Love. Vision. Action. Kindness. As we unthread. Because, what we created is losing Life — Breath.   

You are here to ask the questions. How did we get to where we are? Why? And what do I imagine? It will not be easy, but you were made for this, even in all your broken houses — the talking heads. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you are about to Become. Transform. YOU ARE The MEDICINE.  It will take time. Rest when you need to. Take a day off school.(yes, homeschool) Take care of your Self.  And please, see the beauty still. Tell the world your truth — call out that which doesn’t sit, right and left. Continue to un-label this life. This or that. Invite everyone to take a seat at your table. 

Walk with your head high even when your heart is low.