This Beautiful Princess


Daisy at Hofburg Palace in Vienna at the SugarBaker Ball January 2026
   
Another picture at the palace - she is so splendid!
 

And then there's these two - silly and serious and inseparable!

January started with a positive vibe. I worked on New Year's Day and despite terrible staffing at work
 and a confrontational and uncomfortable Union quarterly leadership meeting in mid-December, work has had "moments of glory." Sitting with patients as they are unburdening their souls and their hearts, sitting with them in that painful processing of difficult emotions and painful realities of their mental illness burden and all that means for them. Holding space and letting them have a safe "landing pad" - a listening ear and comforting spirit has been marvelous to behold. I am able to provide words of wisdom and encouragement and kindness. I feel that there are moments when I am talking with and listening to patients where I feel the presence of God lighting down to touch their troubled hearts and bring comfort and illumination - "the word that sustains the weary." I am walking in the calling which God has placed upon my life. Then there are moments when I patiently persuade and encourage a patient to take medications, to follow directions or to attend a group or a deck break and see them follow my encouragement. Or, the patients who need assistance dressing, or showering, or wound care. I love those moments when help is so tangibly provided; the gratification is so affirming and joyful. I am paid well to help people! This amazing and steady reality everytime I go to work is so gratifying. God is good and I am grateful.

And yet, the issues at work remain "pending." The request for a Step 1 grievance meeting regarding my blocked promotion has been made so many times and somany dates provided. As of now, no firm date has been set. I gave a date in early March, the soonest I had available. My union has done other things to hold the university responsible for their retaliatory actions against me, but that issue is has been extended as well and so, things are "pending" on all fronts. So, I wait and pray and show up for work cheerful and committed to my patients and reliable and encouraging to my coworkers. My advocacy presses forward in observing and considering the best strategy forward as I lead the other two co-reps to bring issues front and center and "fight the good fight" for patient and staff safety.

God, continue to grant me peace and strength and wisdom and self-control. This is your battle and I am your soldier.


                                        


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