Today is one of those days when I really look forward to going to work. One of the neighbors, a marine who has been in Afghanistan for the past eight months (his third tour) has returned home all in one piece (thank God!) and is coming in for some bodywork. He is a really nice person, lovely actually. He's not one of those soldiers who sits at a desk; he always "sees action." I can't imagine how anyone musters the courage to do that. It will be, as it always is, an honor and a pleasure to work with him.
Another client on today's schedule is a pregnant woman whose fertility doctor told her (before she got pregnant) that her eggs were "inferior." Why would anyone say such a thing? It's rude, hurtful and demeaning - and - he was WRONG!
And I'll see a friend/client who exchanges gift certificates from his fabulous housewares store for massage, plus a neighbor who doesn't care what kind of music I play while I work on him, so we always crank up the ipod and rock out during his sessions.
It's a good day to work for so many reasons. The snow continues to melt in spite of today's howling wind and chilly temperatures. While the blustery day unfolds, my clients and I will be warm and snug, inhaling the sweet smell of essential oils, listening to music, breathing, oh yeah. Life is good and I am grateful. Happy Friday, y'all!
20 comments:
Happy Friday to you too, Reya. I like the variety in your clients! As here in our lab, there's a BIG difference in what you say among colleagues (and in a technical sense, eggs may indeed be of differing quality, though that doesn't mean that one cannot ever get pregnant) and what you say to others.
Over the years the things I've heard that doctors say to patients is astonishing. What the hell are they thinking?
To a 32 year old with a bulging lumbar disc: "You have the spine of a 60 year old." Huh?? As I explained to her, she actually has the spine of a 32 year old - with a bulging lumbar disc.
To a 40-ish man suffering from lung cancer: "You'll be dead before your next birthday." That's SO cruel!
To a woman who had just given birth: "You'll never look the same down here ever again!" And that was a midwife talking!
Manners and mindful speech should be taught at med school. For heaven's sake.
We've been in mid-blizzard since yesterday. I'm envious of your windy March-ish day with a dusting of snow. We're back to full-blown winter here. The world's a surprising place, isn't it?
Yes, there is a lot of insensitivity in the medical profession...if they deign to talk to you at all. I don't really care for MDs and rarely go to one. they are good for some things though. The one I do go see when necessary is very nice, listens and talks to you as if you are intelligent and he is not opposed to alternate forms of healing. took me a long time to find him though.
That's such a nice job you have Reya.
Just read your last 4 blogs. Love them. Plus, it's so interesting to hear about your OTHER clients.
Also, I LOVED DeLillo's White Noise. I remember the grocery store best. I should read it again.
Reya, your clients are so lucky to have found you. I have been to insensitive massage therapists, feeling shame as i put my clothes back on instead of healing. I don't go to anybody anymore unless I am seriously ill, like can't breathe , turning gray, ill.
Physicians are the worst, judgmental and pesimistic usually with about five minutes to tell you to ride it out- and by the way, here are some steroids to help you...YIKES!
Love what you are doing for people!
Actually, it`s the ONLY thing people really need! To be listened to and cheered up and told all will be fine. Even if the KNOW it`s not always true they love to hear it. Yes, and massage and maybe some drugs if you have a real bad bladder infection, but for the most part your body knows how to heal itself, if you give them the faith. Cheers Reya, I wish you could come to do some massage on me (though I don`t need it, just for the fun of it.) I`d pay you in cake and wine, or do you like a home-made veggie soup?
I, too, have been to insensitive massage therapists who say stupid things like, "I've never felt such tight shoulders!" Or talk about their own lives extensively. Who cares? And how does it help to think I have the tightest shoulders on earth?? Sheesh.
Even when they deliver bad news, doctors could do it with compassion. Instead of "you'll be dead before your next birthday," how about, "You are very ill, but let's see what we can do to help."
I do have a great job. People are always happy to see me and most of the time, we're quiet, so there's not too many chances that I'll say something stupid. When in doubt, as a health care worker, stay quiet.
Wow, talk about up-beat, positive, optimistic. I LOVE IT!! Lower NY is getting SOCKED w/ another snow strom. Yipee!!!!!!!!! Happy Friday and Cheers Reya!!
Shabbat
Shalom
sweet sister
I will put "massage" on the list of things to try before I die. Never had one. Though, just listening to you makes me want to have one.
What a great line up you have today. Mine is nice too! Here it is stormy and pouring rain...a great day to snuggle down and listen to good music.
Cheers!
I want to come see you! I could use some quiet and relaxation.
I suppose I've been fortunate, medically speaking. I've never encountered the insensitive clod. Of course, I've often come across the harried health care worker.
I enjoy seeing you at work, Reya. What a great profession - your clients are lucky to have you. I'm sure that they bask in the good energy around you as much as in the warmth of your space and the comfort of your hands.
"Snaps" for the new header!
Not knowing it's about your work, that title looked a bit misleading... it's probably jut me, right? So now i should be embarassed :D
sounds like a great day - wish i was in the line up!
sounds like a great day - wish i was in the line up!
Val I wish you were, too, and thanks Ronda.
Minka I meant to make the title funny, thanks for noticing!
Great to find you in such a good mood. But then I had a pretty good Friday too!
And I'm looking forward to an even better Saturday.
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