Beauty in Death

When I first applied to work at an Assisted Living Facility, I was focused on two things: 1) the job would give me healthcare experience for PA programs, and 2) it would pay enough to start combatting my student loans. After talking with a former employee and listening to Becca's stories about working as a CNA, I was prepared to deal with poop, stories that started with, "when I was your age...," helping people get dressed, etc. The thing I was not prepared for was death, and how quickly a person can go from doing their own laundry to being bed ridden. Thinking back, I find it really strange that I didn't consider that the residents I work with may die. In my first month or so at work, 7 residents passed away. At that point, I wasn't too connected with the residents who passed - I did not work with them closely or did not form a relationship with them. I sympathized with the families who lost a loved one, and the other caregivers who really knew them, but the deaths didn't really effect me.

Now that I've worked for almost 4 months, I've built relationships with the patients, and some of them are very close. One of the ladies I worked with (let's call her Daisy) recently passed away and her death hit me pretty hard. I worked closely with the nursing staff the first day Daisy started hospice care and was amazed by how they thought of every detail to ensure that Daisy's pain was minimal and she was comfortable. Daisy passed away 4 days later and I am so thankful that I listened to my heart and visited her during my lunch break on Saturday, instead of waiting until after work (she passed away a few minutes before my shift ended). Daisy found her way into my heart because she enjoyed life and thought everyone was beautiful and wasn't afraid to tell them.

Daisy reminded me why my work is valuable and worth dealing with the poop explosions, inappropriate comments and other frustrations at work. When life happens and one of our residents is nearing the end of his/her journey, I have the opportunity to provide peace to a family by taking care of their loved one. Hospice is beautiful, and I never thought about it before. Daisy passed away peacefully surrounded by family and staff that loved her. This is the highlight of my job. I am praising God for the gift of life and the people who come into my life, if only for a brief amount of time. All interactions are purposeful, whether we realize it are not.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 John 14:27 

She loved the color pink :) 

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Muffins

It's pumpkin season! I've never done much with pumpkin before, besides baking the seeds after carving them. But I found a fantastic pumpkin muffin recipe that I had to try. (Matt is so proud of himself for getting me interested in food blogs and actually making the recipes I find).

  

The recipe is from a blog called Pinch of Yum. You can find the recipe here: http://pinchofyum.com/healthy-maple-glazed-pumpkin-muffins

These muffins are quick to make (I used canned pumpkin) and the maple glaze is amazing. These muffins are the perfect compliment to a cup of coffee. I usually take one to work to eat it during break.

P.S. Thank you Becca and Michelle for the matching plate (pictured here) and bowl! They are being put to use :)

Peters's Bed & Breakfast

Over the past month we've had Matt's mom and sister, my parents and Becca (PLU BFF) come and visit for a few days. Lately, it almost seems like we're running a Bed & Breakfast. Guests had the option to sleep on the fabulous craigslist futon or on the 3in memory foam pad in the guest bedroom/office/costco warehouse. Not to mention the variety of childhood blankets we have available to snuggle with. Our special amenities include a freezer with at least one type of ice cream, individual heaters in each room and an abundance of chocolate. Don't you want to come visit? ;)

I loved having everyone visit because it broke up the monotony of work and school. Plus, spending time with family is the best, especially when your visits are limited. Visitors also give Matt and I an excuse to branch out and experience something new. With ever changing class and work schedules to navigate, sometimes it's too easy to wear sweats and just stay at home.  Not that I don't love relaxing in sweats at home, but it's good for us to explore the Palouse since we'll only be here for a year.

So come visit us! Especially if you told me you would.. you know who you are.
We'd love to have you :)

This blogging thing...

After moving to Moscow, ID I decided to try out this blogging thing. I am not a great writer, nor do I really enjoy it. But when I'm living in a new community where I have yet to build a close support system outside of my husband, I need a new outlet. I need a way to communicate with family and friends that doesn't involve a dozen hour long phone or skype conversations (because I unfortunately don't have the time for it).

And so began this blog: Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust. One of the memorable quotes from Disney's Peter Pan, I picked this blog title out of our wedding book. Katie is a good friend from Pacific Lutheran University (Go Lutes!) and she wrote this advice for Matt and I:

Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust

Keep these things in mind on this new journey. Faith: always keep Jesus first. Have faith in each other and the bond you have created through God's grace. Trust: Trust each other. Trust God. Trust the love you have for each other. Pixie Dust: keep each and every day and each and every moment magical. 

Not always easy, but the perfect ingredients to FLY! 

Love you both, Katie Bednark  

I really loved this message. It's simple, yet completely sums up how I view our marriage. Besides, I couldn't resist the Disney ties. :) 

So here we go. This is a new adventure for me and I hope you'll join me on it! 

Best, 

Sam 

P.S. Any blogging tips (especially on the design aspect would be much appreciated!)