Tuesday, November 8, 2016
I have been thinking about Betty, alot, since hearing of her passing.
I had known Betty for the 6 years that she dialysed in our Goderich unit. She was usually ready with a smile when she saw me. I was immediately impressed with the courage this woman was showing. Few people can imagine adjusting to this life prolonging treatment, but this was not Betty's first, or greatest, hurdle in life. She took it in stride and continued to make her own choices for her healthcare, pretty much until the end.
Betty was very aware of what was going on around her, she didn't miss much.
Food & reading still brought enjoyment, so Betty ran with it. I wish more could take pleasure in what we do have, as opposed to what we do not have. Betty was a great example of that.
A funny story I wish to share. A colleague of ours had brought in a couple of bags of paperbacks. Inadvertently, both bags were given to Betty to take back & share with her home. It was discovered, later, that one bag was not intended for her, but when asked about them the next treatment day, Betty's response was an emphatic "NO". As it turned out, the second bag of books contatined the trilogy of "Fifty Shades of Grey". Betty read them all, and quite quickly I must add..
As in the words of Henry David Thoreau,
"It's Not What You Look At That Matters, It's What You See"
condolences on the loss of a strong woman and role model
I will remember Betty all of my life
regards
Mary Ellen Thatcher Rn
