As a Nurse I worked this Pandemic till two weeks ago when I felt like I couldn't breathe.  I took a week off hoping it would be enough because I want to be there for my patients.  I've been a RN for over 30 yrs caring for the dying child, the suicidal teen, the grandma with dementia.  I've been attacked by violent patients and devastated as an empath as I put cream on the burns of a child who's house burned down.  I'm not one to back away from a challenge.  It's hard for me to not be a hero right now, but I need to take a deeper breath and to let others be there for me.   Just a few weeks ago I was running miles at the Y, 3xweek and now I have symptoms of Covid and struggle to breathe, am exhausted, ache, and just want to feel ok again.

As I'm facing the reality of having a few hundred in the bank, the stimulus check not being here, and my Healthcare Co. not providing paid sick time or vacation, I'm concerned.  This makes it harder to breathe. As an essential worker I might not qualify for unemployment either.  

I love my job and work 40 hours/week, all three shifts, yes nightshift!  Because I wanted to give support to the families I care for, I worked Christmas Eve/Day, New Years Eve/Day this winter.   This was significant b/c my kids recently lost their Dad to pancreatic cancer.  I'm their rock as we have a small family.   

If there's ever been a Nurse who was there for you, who made a difference, this is a chance to pay it forward.  Much love and gratitude and know your support means the world and gives a deeper breath.  You're helping this Nurse keep her two bedroom home, have healthy meals, and an inhaler.