Healing


We sang our lungs out at choir tonight.
We are giving a mini concert at the village Hall next Tuesday and went through our repertoire
1940's moustached RAF Pilot Jamie was almost in tears in surprised shock
We did so well.

The choir sang a late happy birthday to me and a tenor and Alto
They congratulated me on my new job....in song
Hattie had spilled the beans

Oh , I didn't say did I?
I have a new job! .......I found out at tea time!!!!

My whole nursing career  has been centred around people dealing with catastrophic change
I have worked with devastating mental illness', paralysis after spinal cord injury and multi organ failure on intensive care and so it seemed quite natural for me to be drawn to work in a hospice.
Last Wednesday I had an interview for a full time post at St David's Hospice in Llandudno.
Today I was accepted.
I cried when I received the home call.
Good luck has been a long time coming.

I can't tell you just how I feel tonight.
But I can share just how much my brittle self esteem has started to repair itself at last.
For too long I have felt somewhat discarded and ashamed, bruised and just sad.
Now I feel some control has been returned to me

I stood in the centre of the choir as they sang to me tonight
And I felt............happy


304 comments:

  1. Congratulations, you will be so happy helping the wonderful people who work in hospices.

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  2. So delighted for you, congratulations and very best wishes from down under.

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  3. You deserve to be happy, you deserve all the best in the world and it will come.

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  4. Anonymous8:25 pm

    That is fantastic news! On your way!
    Congratulations!
    KJ

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  5. Fan in Seattle8:25 pm

    Hoorah, I must tell you John, just how much I enjoy your blog posts. I get a little zing of happiness when I see you have a new one up.
    The major life changes you have been experiencing are devastating, and you have been handling them with such grace and humor. Keep on Keeping On!

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    1. Thank you Seattle
      I love your city
      I once had to be led off the space needle observation deck near collapse

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    2. Fan in Seattle just expressed my sentiments exactly. You deserve so much better than you've had over the past year, and I'm very happy that you, George, Winnie, Mary and Albert will be embarking on a new life.

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  6. Congratulations! Well deserved. Not easy work, very complex medicine, but such great value.

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  7. They knew that to miss this opportunity to hire you, John, would be foolhardy. Congrats to you!!
    Now....away you go!

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  8. Oh John Brilliant news. Well done you deserve it. Being recognised as such a great nurse for them and to us. Ace.

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  9. So very happy for you, you deserve some good fortune and you will be a blessing in hospice work.

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    1. I do deserve some good news don't I

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  10. Close your eyes, I'm throwing confetti and glitter! So happy for you!

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  11. Oh John, I am so happy for you sweetie! xxx

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  12. Sitting in the pre-dawn light here in Australia feeling a tear-pricked shiver of relief for this news.

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    1. Thatmoved me too... I'm a silly sausage , I've cried too much today

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  13. Well done. I am so pleased for you and hope that you will be very happy in your new job x

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  14. Well done chap xx

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  15. Excellent news. I was sitting here thinking "I wonder if John heard yet" and I popped in and checked and yayayayayaya! Good for you :) I'm smiling across the pond.

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  16. That’s wonderful! Good for you!

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  17. Wonderful news and well deserved.

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  18. This is great news John...may you be happy and fulfilled in your new job x

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    Replies
    1. I'll be doing something I think I will be good at

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  19. great news!!!! i'm so glad you found out so fast. where is Llandudno? will that be where you will be moving? when do you start! i am SO happy for you!

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  20. I am over the moon for you John, you really deserve this. Big hugs x

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  21. so delighted for you , you will bring so much good to that role ... you so so deserve some good luck !

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  22. Well done John! Just what you needed. I am really pleased for you. Things are looking up again. I am so glad a turn has been taken. More of the same in the future. You now have a future.

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    1. I do.....and what's more important I feel I do xx

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    2. It is an important step and a good one.x

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    3. More importantly, that is one of the least offensive gifs you have inflicted on us. Well done.

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  23. Wonderful wonderful news. For you, and for the staff and the patients (and their families) at the hospice.

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  24. Wonderful news John. Really wonderful. Congratulations!Your luck is changing and you so deserve it!
    I hope you can stay in the choir - they love you and it clearly does you good.

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    1. I will stay I mentioned in my interview I need Tuesday nights off to sing

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  25. Hospice. Well, hope you do well there my friend. How do you feel about the end of life care....what should it consist of, being pain-free, a way to enjoy last days? I've never been comfortable with it, I never had anything to do with it except refer patients at the end of my abilities. It's interesting how my views on the subject have changed, not that I'm in my mid-seventies and have CHF, which will eventually do me in.

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    1. Mike,
      I have had little experience of palliative care but I have had considerable experience in dealing with people facing catastrophic change ...I need to feel my way x

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  26. Sarah Jones8:56 pm

    Brilliant news. Well done and well deserved xx

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  27. Absolutely brilliant news. Well done you, you are perfectly suited to hospice work. As someone who has worked for a hospice I know the wonderful staff that work in every section of hospices and the wonderful calming air that permeates in the buildings. Llandudno would be a brilliant place to live too!!

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  28. Congratulation. Right time, right place - all our experiences inform what we do, and you sound ideally suited to this work. I hope you're going to be very happy there. This is the start of a new chapter for you.

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  29. Heidi9:01 pm

    Well done John, they obviously knew what they were doing when they chose you. Only special people work in a hospice.
    Does this mean you'll be able to stay in your lovely cottage?

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  30. Wish I could give you a hug. That's wonderful news x

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  31. I am so pleased for you. Things are on the up!

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  32. Congrats on the new job. You'll do well in Palliative, you genuinely enjoy people.

    New job, new interest, new outlook on life.

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    1. New friends, new learning, new place

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  33. Congratulations. I am so happy for you. You have so many people here who care about you. Please try not to feel so horrible about yourself. You are loved. xx

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    1. I feel it andi
      I felt it today with my friends and family messages
      I felt it at choir and I feel it now with you all

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  34. Yesss! So very happy for you.
    Palliative care nurses are extraordinary humans who support us through our darkest hours with compassion and strength. The hospice certainly hired the right person.

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  35. Awww John so glad to hear your news and the profound positive impact it has had on your well being. You take care and....onwards 'c buckle cheeks' ☺ xx

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  36. when you said you were waiting to hear about the job, and how important it was to you, the first thing I thought is I bet it is at an hospice. I think it will be a perfect fit. Congrats

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  37. .....'chuckle cheeks'..... Julie x

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    1. A blast from york's past xxx thank u

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  38. Congratulations John,about time the skies brightened for you

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  39. Anonymous9:18 pm

    What wonderful news John. I'm so happy for you.

    Sandra R.
    x

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  40. Very well done. I am so happy for you. xxx

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  41. I see a phoenix rising from ashes and what a phoenix it is!
    Congratulations John

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  42. How wonderful John! Of course you were hired. We all know how wonderful you are. Congratulations!

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    1. I was up against some stiff competition

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    2. I previously worked with hospice nurses and you show the characteristics of one who will treat the patients with dignity and respect. That would have come through in your interview. So happy for you.

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  43. Wonderful news John,congratulations, very well deserved xx

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  44. Well done, so pleased for you :)

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  45. If I needed hospice, or anyone in my family needed hospice, I cannot imagine a more caring, devoted person than you to help me! Congratulations, they sure picked the right guy!

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  46. Anonymous9:30 pm

    John, I don't often comment but I check in with you daily - - this is marvelous news and I'm sure it's just the sort of positive change that will help sort you out. Best of all however, is that this Hospice is VERY lucky to have someone like you join their team! I'll look forward to following your progress. Congratulations!!

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  47. Fabulous news, onwards and upwards xx

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  48. That’s wonderful news! Congratulations and wishing you the very best.

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  49. John, that is great news. We all feel that we "know" you, but only through your blog, however I think hospice care would be something you would be very good at. They must have known that had a good one when they interviewed you! (Any chance you can bring one of the pets as a therapy animal?!) I'm so glad you've had a positive turn. All the best! -Jenn

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    1. Winnie is already waiting in Bluebell

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  50. Oh well done! So happy for you xxxx

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  51. "Way to go" dear John - so happy for you!
    You deserve much happiness from here on out - so proud of you.

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    1. I'm proud of me too...and that's a new feeling this past year

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  52. When you held your postcard competition, I sent you one with a road sign pointing to a place called 'Happy'.Looks like you are heading there.Congratulations on your new job.x

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    1. I have it still in my bathroom above the shaving mirror so I can see it

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  53. Ian so happy for you, well deserved you star xxxx

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  54. Wonderful news John, you deserve the happiness.
    Hugs
    Jo

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  55. Joan (Devon)9:58 pm

    Wonderful news! With all your nursing experience I should think hospice work is ideal for you. I'm so happy for you.

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  56. ❤️ - you just made me smile - long may this new feeling continue, you deserve it xx

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  57. How wonderful. Just popped in here before bed time, now I am happy for you. xxx

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  58. CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! You rock, John.

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  59. Hurray John, the tide has turned in your favor now and in future, and this job in hospice sounds a perfect match for you.

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  60. How wonderful! You deserve a good break and a change. Onwards and upwards you dear loving soul!

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  61. Congratulations John So happy for you. Xx

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  62. What a difference from your earlier blog. Never doubt your gifts John. They will always bring you what you need x

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    1. Yes mave. The fickle finger of fate eh?

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  63. Fantastic news. Well done. This is the beginnings that you so need, and deserve.

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  64. At last! The best news ever. A new exciting chapter, about blooming time.

    LXX

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  65. Congratulations! So happy for you.

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  66. Congratulations John. They are very lucky to have you and i know you will be fantastic!!

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    1. Thank you dearheart...i miss u and spines

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  67. Over here, madly clapping and cheering! Congrats!!!
    Cat

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  68. I am so happy to hear you sounding so happy and positive. It’s been quite a while. It seems sincere. Your patients and families will be so lucky to have a nurse with your experience, knowledge and kind heart. I hope this is just the beginning in a new and wonderful chapter of your life. Is it a full time position? It will be different for you not to work night shifts! Much luck and love to you.

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    1. This is the very first time in a year that ive felt on top of things

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  69. My heart shares in your happiness, John. They have made a very wise decision, indeed. How lucky they are to have you on board. Hugs, Elaine

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  70. Congrats to you. It is nice that you have something good to celebrate.

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  71. Congratulations John. Onwards and upwards xx

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  72. WOO HOO! FAR OUT! CONGRATULATIONS! WELL DONE!

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  73. Anonymous10:42 pm

    Couldn't happen to a nicer guy,I'm crying with happiness for you. Love Margaret x

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  74. I cannot think of anyone I know who would be more suitable for working in a hospice than you. You will bring compassion, understanding and tactfulness to the job. Does this mean you can hang on to the cottage or will you be moving to Llandudno?

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    1. Lots of logistics to sort...but things are hopeful. Thank you for your continued support old friend xx

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  75. So very happy for you. I was worried when you took a few days off... I am thankful that you are back & got that job.

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  76. A hearty congratulations, John!! What good news. No more shift work, I hope? Your warmth, compassion and good sense of humour will be find the perfect outlet in your new job.

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  77. If I ever need hospice care, I want you to be my nurse. No one I would trust more.

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  78. This is the best news today! You will be perfect in that job and I think you will be very happy. What a day!

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  79. God Bless You!!!! You'll go on my prayer list--people who do this wonderful work need to be tended to. Congrats!!

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  80. Congratulations! Lovely news! Good for you!
    Kathy in Ontario, Canada

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  81. John, I am so very happy for you. You deserve this lift to your life. I hope and pray this means you can keep your cottage and that your life continues to even out.
    Keep looking up
    Much love and many hugs to you
    Joyce in Indiana

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  82. Anonymous11:33 pm

    Congratulations! Although I know you only through your blog, I can't think of a better "fit" than you and hospice nursing. And the emotional self-care skills you've been forced to learn this last year will stand you in good stead with your new job. Carol - a reader in Philadelphia

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  83. What wonderful news today you put a spring in my step! A new job to make you sing and sing from the heart!

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  84. About fucking time! You deserve this! Your nursing skills, compassion and more importantly your humor will be a gift to your patients and their families. Having worked with hospice through the deaths of my husband, mother and mother-in-law I met many great nurses, and I bet you will be awesome! Will this involve shift work? Active nursing or admin?

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  85. I'm so late responding...you're probably tucked into your jimjams and hopefully, fast asleep by now. But I am so very happy and excited for you John. Congratulations! X

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  86. Anne V11:58 pm

    Beautiful, just beautiful.

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  87. Anonymous12:01 am

    So happy for you John, I know you will do a great job. May this be the beginning of wonderful changes for you. susan Hamilton




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  88. Oh how wonderful John!!! Don't forget that they are lucky to be getting you!

    Now is the time for your luck to turn around and for all sorts of good things to come your way--I feel it in my heart for you. Your new life is just beginning, my friend! ❤🍷

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  89. Barbara Anne12:09 am

    Halleulajah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll be perfect in the hospice setting as you're a wonderfully caring person with a good sense of humor, too. So needed by all.

    Well done to you and the entire choir as you all sang your hearts out at choir tonight. Would love to have heard y'all (always a plural says this life-long Southerner!).

    Happy dancing for you!!

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  90. Happy happy joy joy to you.

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  91. It is not luck. This is what you have been working toward all your life! You will be perfect! Hospice was a lifesaver (not literally) but you know what I mean...with my dad they helped us ...they prepared us and towards the end we did it all by ourselves. It was such a blessing and I don't hardly ever use that word.

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  92. How fanbloodytastic is that John, woohoo, well done. What a great lift to your spirits and hopefully fortunes. I couldn't think of anyone I know who would suit this role better than you (despite not ACTUALLY knowing you) Compassion and care I am sure are your middle names. A hearty Congrats from my small village to yours!!

    Jo in Auckland

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  93. I rarely comment but read you every day. What a brilliant change for you. With your big heart you will be incredible.
    My heart is so much lighter today. You have so many good people that feel the same.
    Abundant blessings to you.

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  94. This made me so happy. I know you will be great at this job, you will make a real difference in people at that stage of life. Love you.

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  95. This is such wonderful news. Congratulations to you.

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  96. Very please for you John, I know it's late, you fit to this job like a glove, me personally would not be able to do, the things you do and the way you ,do it , well done 🌸🌸🌸

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  97. Hearty congratulations - I am so very happy for you! Your talents are sorely needed. God go with you!

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  98. this made me feel so good. not that you got the job but yes of course that but that you are healing. feeling/felt happy.

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  99. Wow. How brave you are. I'm so happy for you. And for the hospice patients, family and staff. They've landed themselves a good one!

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  100. so so happy for you- a huge Texas-sized 'yeehaw' your way- enjoy-
    regards as always-
    barb

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  101. I'm smiling and pleased from ear to ear and head to toe. This is so good.

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  102. I wouldn't be happier if I'd gotten the job myself!
    Lynn

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  103. OMG, I'm so so so happy for you. Not long ago I had thought that you would be a perfect fit for the patients in a hospice. It sounds like on this long and winding road you have finally turned a corner. Brighter days ahead I'm thinking!!

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  104. Hey, what a happy post. I need this kind of positivity in my life.

    Congratulations. Seriously. How fantastic that positive change is happening.

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  105. Wonderful news! Congratulations, John.

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  106. Congratulations! What wonderful news! So glad you didn't have to wait longer to find out. It takes a special person to do hospice work, and I'm sure they recognized that you are that special person.

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  107. Congratulations - you are certainly due for a change in luck and I am sure they will be very lucky to have you!

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  108. Congratulation, John! I am so happy for you.

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  109. I must add my congratulations to all the other wishes.
    I am just so happy for you.
    Now I have to look yo where you will work.
    parsnip xx

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  110. I don't often comment, but I am so happy for you tonight. And I feel your success is completely well deserved!

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  111. Anonymous2:31 am

    Your a fighter, congratulations, Jo

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  112. Congratulations! So glad to hear your good news. Best of wishes for you.

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  113. We all have known how wonderful you are, glad to know that you know now too. Congratulations. :)

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  114. Wonderful news! Congratulations!

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  115. Congratulations John. When I was getting divorced I needed a full time job and the perfect one finally came along. I glad it did for you as well. I think you will make an amazing hospice nurse. You're a kind man John and someone who is leaving this earth needs kindness. I think they made the right choice with you.

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  116. How wonderful!!! How perfect!!! I am so very happy for you. Congratulations dear friend. Everything is, indeed, looking up for you. Another door has opened!

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  117. YAY!! I'm so happy for you! Compassionate end of life care is such a comfort to both patient and family. All the best in this new beginning.

    And I'm even happier to hear that you feel some deep happiness again. That is huge. You brought tears to my eyes with that statement. xx

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  118. Now that's great news, John! Congratulations from Perth WA, I'm very glad for you!

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  119. A new job, a new beginning. Yippee!

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  120. Anonymous3:21 am

    I read that you were waiting to hear the results of a new job and then read that you had gotten the job right after. I am very happy for you, John, and others have already said, much deserved. It took my breath away. Finally, something that can get you going forward and feeling much more positive - well done. I just don't have the words to say how much this made me smile and gave my heart a happy burst. I believe this is just the beginning. Ranee (MN) USA

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  121. Such wonderful news John, congratulations indeed.
    What a perfect match, you will be much loved in your new job, just as you are here.
    Pam in Texas.xx

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  122. Anonymous3:38 am

    How wonderful .You will be the right person for the job.Iam so pleased for you .A big step in the right direction .When do you start?
    Liz in corte

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  123. Congratulations!! You totally deserve it!

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  124. Well done, they are lucky to have you.

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  125. Wonderful. Just wonderful. Xx

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