Three years ago I spent a week at Double H Ranch. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. Sadly its taken me 3 years to get back here but last night I checked in for the week. To say that I was nervous and anxious would be an understatement. I'm a nurse, but not an active nurse. Yes, its like riding a bike, and for the most part you remember the minute your back in this environment. But knowing that 9 little girls age 6-8 are depending on me to be sure that they get the medicine and care they need to enjoy this experience is a bit daunting. The other nurses here are super supportive and will answer any questions you have. Even the ones that sound dumb. But sometimes you don't want to be that nurse that asks the questions. For me it feels like I'm a failure if I don't know the answer. ( I struggle with this in almost every aspect of my life).
Then I take a step back and think about what I'm worrying about. I'm worried about perception and feeling sorry for myself. Really? I'm at a camp with kids dealing with life threatening illnesses. Kids whose lives are ruled by the medications that they take, the constant concern with the temperature to be sure they don't go into a crises and the aches & pains of chronic disease. But when these kids get to camp they don't worry about feeling sorry for themselves. They simply enjoy being here. They get as much as they can out of every minute. And they forget that they are sick.
I am learning so much from the nurses and staff around me but mostly I am learning from the kids. This place is like no other and I am so glad to be here.
