The nativity left by my friend Ben at work
It is quiet in the hospice tonight. The staff ordered a Chinese meal for supper which we shared with one of our younger patients . The only patient who could manage to eat.
He was worried about his erratic blood sugars but the prospect of a sweet and Sour ball finally won him over.
He cleared his plate.
It’s a funny day Christmas Eve isn’t it? ...and to be honest most of mine will be in bed with a neurotic bulldog glued to my body. But if you are not busy with traditional preparations , the day tends to be a time for reflection and of memory.
I don’t want to be haunted by melancholy thoughts tonight, for it is still the night when I write this and only minutes ago I have just stroked the hair of someone muddled and restless until they fell asleep...
I miss my hair being stroked
Hey ho
Do you remember Christmas Eve last year ? I was working here, on the same shift and hadn’t been here long.
And at roughly this time, I stood and listened to a colleague singing with a patient .
The patient was sipping Sherry and my colleague had a voice worthy of any Welsh Chorister and the moment, in the dark of early morning, was as magical as anything Disney could have envisioned.
I am remembering those thoughts.
It’s a different Christmas for all of us, this year and it’s been a funny old 2020 all told too....and show girl that I am , Ive decided to listen to Judy sing as I sit in the dark.
She says it better than anyone
It’s such a lovely song
It’s worth repeating
This Christmas is much better for me. Last year I was in the hospital 3 times in 2 months, then in a nursing home for 3 weeks. Had been home a bit over 2 weeks when Christmas got here. Husband was having to wait on me literally hand and foot because I was so weak and I was having to use a walker to get around. The fact that cards got sent, there are some decorations up and I will be able to make a small but nice Christmas dinner this year are just magical to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely time
DeleteHappy Christmas John.
ReplyDeleteAnd to you Yale, be safe x
DeleteThat's an awesome nativity scene!
ReplyDeleteHave a good Christmas deArheart x
DeleteChristmas Eve has started well for me with your post here John and emails from blog friends to read. I have just woken up. All is not so bad. I remember your Christmas Eve last year and the singing. Happy Christmas X
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to be upbeat
DeleteOne of my favorite movies.
ReplyDeletePeace and calm to you this Christmas Eve.
Not one of mine but I love this clip xx happy Christmas to you deArheart x
DeleteOur Christmas Eve is drawing to a close.
ReplyDeleteI hope your Christmas and the year(s) to come are wonderful.
Ditto my friend x
DeleteI, too, remember your telling of the lovely singing during the late shift last year.
ReplyDeleteWonderful nativity. Ya gotta love the creativity that arises during a quiet 11p to 7a medical shift.
Merry Christmas, John!
Hugs!
Thanks babs
DeleteA hard Christmas it is.I'm trying not to think about I may not see my daughter or grandchildren even outside the house Christmas morning.My daughter is 42 and we have always seen each other on Christmas day.I know it's for the best. You stay safe over there in the village and we all will look to a brighter new year.
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling
DeleteSending all my best wishes to you, John.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find comfort and joy after such a hard year.
Christmas for two here instead of the usual twelve.
Less washing up though!
Let's hope 2021 is kind to us all.
Merry Christmas. Xx
Kinder is the right word
DeleteI do remember your Christmas last year. May your Christmas Eve and Christmas day be restful and peaceful for you. Merry Christmas dear friend.x
ReplyDeleteAnd to you deArheart x
DeleteIt's one thing to hear Judy sing that song, but it's another to watch her with that faraway look in her eyes. One of the things that made her such a great singer is that she was also such a great actress.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, John.
Yes it breaks your heart and miss o brien doesn’t steal the scene
DeleteLove the Nativity scene! Happy Christmas John. x
ReplyDeleteAnd to you sue x
DeleteFinished my shift at 4pm and should be doing chores but am on the couch drinking wine and watching comedy gala.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and the gang.
Xxx
And to you poppy x
DeleteSo much still to be thankful for this Christmas. Only 3 of us and the granddaughter's dog here for Christmas dinner but grateful for technology to see the rest of the family.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy Christmas and get some time to relax. Bless you and all carers, a couple of poignant comments on your blog today.
Yes xx chins up
DeleteI used to regularly work at Christmas when I was a social worker. We all used to argue over the dreaded Christmas rota but I think we'll all enjoyed it, really. I used to have an office with a bed in the corner for "sleep in" shifts. At night it was almost like you were on the outside of Christmas, looking in.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never liked working Christmas but when you are there you just get on with things
DeleteLove the simple nativity...your colleague is a genius!
ReplyDeleteYes, I miss my hair being stroked, too...though it must put it all into perspective a bit when you have stroked the hair of someone who is dying. Now I must do the traditional preparation bit...my 92 year old Mom still expects some things to be normal
I think he stole the idea but nevertheless it’s wonderful
DeleteHappy Christmas John xx
ReplyDeleteYou too sally
DeleteOne of my very greatest regrets regarding my mother [died 2005 aged 89] is that I never stroked her hair when I visited her in her final decline in hospice. As a young boy she regularly asked me to do it, which at that age I willingly did. But as I grew older and rebellious, despite her asking I refused. She never ever asked again. But at the end she shouldn't have needed to ask. It would have been so comforting for her.
ReplyDeleteHave as joyful a Christmas as circumstances allow, JayGee.
And to you my friend Raymondo x
DeleteSending my very best wishes to you John. Hope your Christmas is full of peace and love. (I sound like Ringo Starr!). xx
ReplyDeleteAt least you don’t look like him xx
DeleteMerry Christmas John and all. I just got back from leading carol singing with my sister at her church. She a modern shepherd, me a ridiculous pink fairy from the top of a Christmas tree. we are so fecking lucky to be able to congregate and do this, I do not take it for granted and hope you all get to do such things soon in the new year <3
ReplyDeleteWay to go xx
DeleteBen's nativity scene is a winner. Judy Garland was so much more than her beautiful voice, which is what is needed to be a great singer.
ReplyDeleteYou and G have a lovely dayvx
DeleteOne of the best nativity scenes ever. Merry Christmas, John. Big hugs to the animals. xx
ReplyDeleteThank u x
DeleteHappy Christmas John to you and your animal family and all your readers and hoping for a better new year for everyone xx
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope so x
DeleteA happy and peaceful Christmas to you
ReplyDeleteAnd to you Yorkshire lady x
DeleteHappy Christmas John xx
ReplyDelete👍😇😘
DeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBe safe x
DeleteHa!
ReplyDeleteLove the Nativity!
Have a great one, Dearhart!
XOXO
P.S. kisses to the pets, too!
And right back at ya x
DeleteThat nativity scene would have won first prize in your Summer veg competition. It made me laugh anyway. Perhaps you should have a Winter one? Have a happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSimple and clever
DeleteHave a peaceful day x
The simple ones were always the best! x
DeleteChristmas is an endurance for me to be honest. Having had some terrible Christmases in life. I much prefer the quiet unstructured ones I have now. Dinner when it's ready, plates made up for the dogs (and cats). My daughter drifting in and out.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is for children and the happy ones. We just try our best otherwise!!
Chin up
DeleteTits out !
We try
DeletePoignant lyrics for this particular Christmas...and if she were still with us, it would seem Judy were singing it with just this year in mind. Happy Christmas, John. Give your furry ones an extra pet from here. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYou too Mary x
DeleteI remember that post. I can't believe it's been a year now. Quite the year. I adore the nativity scene at your workplace. Merry Christmas to you, John, and to all your furry friends as well. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteYes. The year has passed in a blink
DeleteHave a wonderful Christmas, John xo
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Nativity! So clever! Have a very Merry Christmas, John!!!
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteMerry Christmas and a bright new year to you, John.
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
You too bonnie xx
Deletebest nativity EVAH. LOVED speaking with you on the phone! SMOOCHES!
ReplyDeleteYou are a star , as always my friend x
DeletePeace be with you sweet prince.
ReplyDeletePatty
Xxx and to you
DeleteMerry Christmas from small town Kansas USA! What a clever nativity.
ReplyDeleteAnd hugs from small town wales
DeleteLove the Nativity scene, as well ... just a little nuts ... 'tis the Season! LOL
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS and a much happier NEW YEAR!!
Love & Hugs from S. Colorado!!
Nothing like nuts on your birthday
DeleteAh, to have someone stroke our hair. Sometimes when I read books to my grandson, he sits up on the back of the couch above me, his legs draped on either side of my shoulders and he strokes my hair. I think that may be my definition of heaven. Be well, John Gray. I hope that you have a merry little Christmas, one way or another.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope the same for you deArheart
DeleteMerry Christmas, John and all of the lovely animals. A special warm virtual hug for dear Dorothy - I do feel for her and her anxiety.
ReplyDeleteI hope that 2021 will be a much brighter and more hopeful year.
She’s terrible at present
DeleteHappy Christmas, John and fur kids. Out with the old (2020) and in with the new (2021). It can't happen soon enough. Merry and bright in Massachusetts.
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteNuts make everything better, except for Mars arse allergy ridden lightweights.
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful time darling x
You too my foul mouthed dearone
DeleteThat song tugged at my heart, such a lovely voice.. happy Christmas John and hope 2021 might bring you that magical person who will light up your life. Mine found me age 63!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you! Always a very melancholy time for me. Hoping for us all that 2021 finds us healthy and maybe someone special around to share with. Trying to stay positive name “ tits out “ as you say!
ReplyDeleteTits out!
DeleteWishing you peace and love, John, and hoping that 2021 brings and end to the sorrow and sadness that Covid has created. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteHooker ..may 2021 bring you lots of rich clients x
DeleteYes, this is a different Christmas, one that proves how adaptable we humans can be. Wishing you and your animals a better year than 2020.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave, it will be a better year for all of usx
Deletelast Christmas Eve, my brother passed away unexpectedly and just last month my dear basset hound Beatrix passed all too soon and so it is with a sad heart I have on this day. I want to wish you peace and love - i look forward to your posts each day. I never got a card out to you, but you can hang my good and happy thoughts up on your wall without a thumbtack. take care of yourself and here's to a peaceful and healthy 2021!
ReplyDeleteYes I too have a sad heart
DeleteBut it’s been sadder
SO CHIN Up
Tits out!
This has been such a strange and hard year for so many of us. Finding Jesus in a peanut is a fitting finale 😄🤣
ReplyDeleteHe would be pleased
DeleteHe would be pleased
DeleteThe last time it was just the two of us for Christmas was 46 years ago. I’m hoping for a quiet day doing a jigsaw puzzle.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a lovely sleep and peaceful, safe weeks to come.
You too
DeleteSpending Christmas Eve with a neurotic bulldog actually sounds quite cozy. I love the peanut nativity! I have gotten such a kick out of seeing all the nativity scenes online that people have created out of random objects. Have a great Christmas, John, and fingers crossed that 2021 is a much better year all around!
ReplyDeleteI shall be leaving her shortly Togo to work, an activity filled with separation anxiety and stress for her x
DeleteJohn, like you I'll be alone with the fur baby this Christmas. Good thing we like each other's company.
ReplyDeleteYour coworker is a card! That's a fantastic Nativity scene.
Have a happy and peaceful holiday, friend...
Yes I are a kindred spirit x
DeleteSending Christmas wishes your way John, I remember last years post very well, comfort and joy comes to mind that's what you give to your patients everyday it doesn't get better than that.
ReplyDeletecheers Margo
Have a good Christmas deArheart x
DeleteWishing you and your fur family a very happy and peaceful Christmas John. I remember your story from last year well, it sounds so poignant. I hope you and the animals get a lovely present from Santa. My dog is hunting high and low - he knows its soon, the tree is up! x
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteAt Christmas I feel sad since 1991 when my parents left.My dogs keep me busy though with their antics-today 2 muddy dog walks and baths(8 baths)and doorstop deliveries.I hope you have a gentle shift-and I love your monkey nuts John xx
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day my mad friend
DeleteThanks for sharing the clip from one of my all-time fav movies...loved Judy.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Merry and lovely Christmas, John.
Merry Christmas John
ReplyDeleteHave a great day x
DeleteMerry Christmas and thank you for posts. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading x
DeleteWishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas John xxx
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteWishing you a very Merry Christmas John. X
ReplyDeleteThank you deArheartx
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours. Love, DG
ReplyDeleteDavid my love to you and your lovely hubster
Delete
ReplyDeleteSending love xx
Thank you anon x
DeleteMerry Christmas, John.
ReplyDeleteJimbo sending my love to you and Ron x
DeleteMerry Christmas, John, and wishing you a Happy New Year. Thank you for your blog which has kept us going especially through the hard times. Much love to you and your Furrs. Louise xxx
ReplyDeleteXxx Louise x
DeleteMay your neurotic bulldog be a bit less neurotic in 2021!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas, John.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you John. We have followed your blog for so many years that you feel like a real friend. From Wendy & Tom x
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
Thank you deArheart
DeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year John. Let's hope 2021 fares better than this crappy year. AND stay safe!
ReplyDeleteYou too Ben xx
DeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteA perfect song to sum up this holiday season. Thanks for this post.
Remember the words mick xxx
DeleteMerry Christmas John, lets hope New Yera will be better.
ReplyDeleteSo happy I found your blog all those years ago.
cheers, gayle and the square ones
Happy Christmas to you John and your fur babies. We remember you post from last Christmas too xxx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas John...
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays to you!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
You write so beautifully John...this year has been hard on everyone in so many ways. Merry Christmas to you, sending you love and light from across the pond!
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend x
DeleteHappy Christmas John.
ReplyDeleteThank uP
DeleteMerry/happy christmas to you and the furry ones!
ReplyDeleteAnd to u xx
DeleteThe year gone in a flash, and Christmas all but done here. A Happy Christmas to you, John. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy memories, 50 years ago I was a student nurse at Kings College Hospital, away from home at Christmas for the first time. Home being a small prairie town, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, where it is expected that snow is present from November to April. Well, nothing on the ground in London so did my best snow dance and around 11pm beautiful soft, fluffy flakes started falling. Happy little nurse.....next morning walking to the hospital it was evident that nothing was moving except little bitty panda cars that the police drove sideways and slipping down hilly roads. Got to the hospital to find only a ward aid and myself for 20 patients. With a little help from next wars Sister Cherry we got everyone medicated and treatments done. Christmas dinner was served from the dietary cart and the surgeons came in and carved the turkeys. On the side ward was a table full of treats, candy and a lovely bottle of scotch. I had just decided to take a break and poured a glass when through the door walked MATRON! She had stopped by to thank us for managing with very short staff. It was a pretty good Christmas for a lonely student nurse away from home for the holidays....
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