Goodbyeeee...

At my regular dialysis sessions we are a fairly close knot community, as you would expect, as we spend upwards of 12 hours a week in each others company. Some, like myself spend the time on our electronic gadgets, some read, others watch TV whilst quite a few doze and chat to their neighbours. As you would imagine bonds develop and a sense of great fellowship develops, akin to the dwarves and hobbits following Gandalf, with perhaps less wizards.
Therefore when some one goes from the unit it can be a great sense of loss and we have to adjust to new faces and a change in the routine. The same familiar faces, who have occupied the same chairs, in the same places for perhaps months or years even become like established buildings in a city: part of the landscape, dependable,  solid, perhaps not loved, but would be missed if they were not there.

So imagine the disruption and bemusement when two of the nurses said their farewells on Monday.  Kun is moving off to pastures new as a trainee doctor, and Edna the Nurse Manager is transferring to another renal unit to be part of their management. A small party was held and we were showered with goodies...perhaps not the best treats for a host of diabetics, but enjoyable all the same.

The chief Charge Nurse made a  special trip out to see us, speeches were given and drinks/nibbles quaffed. Much to the embarrassment of the 2 staff members , who are the kindest and gentlest caring souls possible, . Their care and attention and more importantly their sense of fun will be missed. It is not often that we think to appreciate our nursing team, rushing out the door after 4 hours of being strapped to a machine, not unlike being manacled to a toaster, desperate to get away and away back home to normality. Sometimes people leave suddenly for all the wrong reasons, but when it is a happy event like this,we all feel cheered and glad to have been part of their journey, as well as having them being part of ours, helping us along our road. Three cheers for Kun and Edna!