You and I

[KeniRN]

"You and I"

I am a resident. You reside.

I am admitted. You move in.

I am aggressive. You are assertive.

I have behavior problems. You are rude.

I am non-compliant. You don't like being told what to do.

When I ask you out for dinner, its an outing.

When you ask someone out, its a date.

I don't know how many people have read the progress notes people write

about me. I don't even know what is in there.

You didn't speak to your best friend for a month after they read your

journal.

I make mistakes during my check-writing program. Someday I might get a

bank account. You forgot to record some withdrawls from you account. The

bank called to remind you.

I wanted to talk with the nice looking person behind us at the grocery

store. I was told that it was inappropriate to talk to strangers. You met

your spouse in the produce department. They couldn't find the bean

sprouts.

I celebrated my birthday yesterday with five other residents and two staff

members. I hope my family sends a card. Your family threw you a

surprise party. Your brother couldn't make it from out of state. It sounded

wonderful.

My case manager sends a report every month to my guardian.

It says everything I did wrong and some things I did right.

You are still mad at your sister for calling your mom after you got that

speeding ticket.

I am on a special diet because I am five pounds over my ideal body

weight. Your doctor gave up telling you. I am learning household skills.

You hate housework. I am learning leisure skills. Your shirt says you are a

"couch potato."

After I do my budget program tonight, I might get to go to McDonalds if I

have enough money. You were glad the new french restaurant took your

charge card.

My Case Manager, Psychologist, R.N., Occupational Therapist, Physical

Therapist, Nutritionist and house staff set goals for me for the next year.

You haven't decided what you want out of life.

Someday I will be discharged - maybe.

You will move onward and upward!

author unknown

[Heather R.N.]

That was very touching, thanks for the reminder about how lucky we all are and what we often see past.