I don't think I've ever blogged about work before, not intentionally really, mostly because it doesn't move me much one way or the other. Today, both sides of the continuum occurred on the same day. Sometimes emotionally this job sucks if from you.
The Low: Whenever a baby doesn't make it, no matter how old they are, how much or little you interacted, it still feels devastating. I've had a knot in my stomach since Saturday, more debriefing the situation today, gaining more facts, not making it feel any better. HEAVY.
The High: 4 months ago a teenage mom with anorexia and a history of suicide decided to trust me and let me try to support her through the postpartum time. To watch her go from handing me pills she doesn't trust herself not to take to her shining, smiling face popping into my work today to say hi and show me her new "beater" car that is as dented as it is huge. Having her tell me that no one in her life has ever just sat with her and listened, her believing me when I told her she didn't have to be disrespected by her teenage boyfriend. That she didn't have to take it. It was like death and life visited today.
2 comments:
UGGGHHH....I forgot about those days (I had some similar in Public Health). I am so sorry about the baby passing, that is so devestating and so close to home for all of us Mothers. The relationship you have developed with the teen is such a great achievement, things that others may not notice as a big deal (her showing you her new car) are so huge! Hang in there, you are doing amazing work!
I second what she said.
That young lady's life changed for the better because of YOU! and not many of us get that chance.
You bring sunshine where ever you go.
xoxo
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