“I can’t believe it!”
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I had been using different test strips and alternating the
machines as I checked the morning blood sugars of the inmates whose names I had
already given to the unit so they could be waken up and be ready when I got
there. Every minute was valuable and not to be wasted as everyone’s “chow”
carts (breakfasts) got delivered early. Oftentimes, two or more units getting
their rations at the same time. For some reason, the inmate’s blood sugar kept
registering “Error”. Battery surely wasn’t running low. I just opened that
bottlewith fifty test strips so I knew that was a fresh batch.
“Let me go to the Clinic real quick and change my machine
and the strips!” I advised to the inmates, still yawning and dragging
themselves for those who were housed in the top tier, to come down and wait
behind the bars that stood between us. I could hear silent protests but
remained a “hush-hush” as the deputy had been escorting me the whole time. I
apologized and they didn’t expect that. Used to harsh words amongst themselves
and with Custody staff, my apology brought a surprising reaction from each
woman’s face.
“Are you coming back right away?” they all asked as I took steps in a fast pace…I never
answered.
Almost running, I was sure the north control was watching my
moves. In a couple of minutes, I was back in that particular unit and the
women, who patiently waited was grateful that it didn’t take a long time for me
to return.
“You’re fast, Nurse,” came from a middle-aged diabetic woman
who sometimes, gave me a hard time if I came too early and always refused her
insulin even if the chow cart was already in the unit. Despite me explaining it
could be given half an hour before, she was always persistent and always gave
me that attitude that I couldn’t win over her argument.
She didn’t know. I remained calm and allowed her to refuse
one time. It wasn’t because I was scared of her but because I knew…she had all
the rights to do so. And I was sure she knew that. Like others who would use
that “right” to play games or manipulate situations. For their selfish
advantages.
To see her smile and even read her own sugar level back to
me, seeing I was recording it with my pen, was surely an extra-ordinary gesture
for me. To top it all, to hear her say “Thank You” wiped away the onset of
weariness that came from working all night long which was a busy night and always
had been short of staff. Like that moment, I was just helping the LVN’s do
their accuchecks because they had many bodies to follow up each and every day.
Some requiring sugar checks four times a day.
She opened her right palm to receive the insulin syringe
with the right dose she needed before eating her breakfast. With slightly dim
surroundings, I could see her clearly injecting it to her abdomen. She handed
it right back and thanked me again. The smile lingered as the figure with white
t-shirt and orange pants turned away.
I knew…she would never forget that I rushed back. I hoped
she would never give anyone a problem not just me during Accuchecks. Because she
knew…it wasn’t only her waiting. There were many others lined up, like her, in
each segment. In each unit.
Yeah…I learned it before. Manipulating with my own effort to
get what I wanted. There are others out there, too. Not happy when things ended
up not on my terms. But one thing was sure…
God is never slow to
answer. He is quick to reach out His arm and save those who needs help.Anytime…Anywhere…And if He doesn't answer, it doesn't mean He's not doing anything...Maybe the "doing" needs to start within that person's heart...
The question is… “Has anyone asked Him???”
The question is… “Has anyone asked Him???”
I lift my hands in prayer to you. I am waiting for your help, like a dry land waiting for rain. Hurry
and answer me, Lord! I have lost my courage. Don’t turn away from me. Don’t let me die
and become like the people lying in the grave. Show me
your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. – Psalm 143:6-8 (ERV)
