synonyms and antonyms

Today at the dr.s office I had to look away while they cleaned Bobby's hand. The doctor happened to look up at one point, chuckled, and asked me if I needed to step outside. And I could list numerous occasions when I almost grossed out (okay, I did gross out) at things.

I am Bobby's caregiver, as well as his wife, and I am asked about that every time we go to the hospital. Yet even though caregivers do some of the same things a nurse's aid would do, I AM NOT A NURSE!

I often get told by other nurses that I should consider it. In my opinion, that's about like people who can sing telling Bobby that he can sing, too. (And for the record, he's not quite as bad as he thinks he is.)

Caregiving and nursing, while the actions may be synonymous, are almost antonyms in my mind. I am a caregiver because I care about Bobby. Nurses are nurses because...? they enjoy what they do?!? I cannot fathom taking care of a sick person I don't know. There have been times it's been a struggle to take care of Bobby.

I am SO thankful for Dr.s and Nurses - mainly because they seem to handle with ease jobs that I can't. I think I'm going to have to find another stress reliever besides chocolate and Dr. Pepper, 'cause his hand has about pushed my weight and nerves to its limits!