Velma

Velma is retiring....today...sigh...I will miss her sooooooooo much.

 You see....Velma is 78 years young....with 50+ years of nursing under her belt.   She has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share, coupled with a big dose of diplomacy.   We have laughed and cried over the past 3 years...we've tried to keep each other in line.  It helps to bring her doughnut holes!  :)   She works three (and sometimes to her chagrin 4) days a week with the local physician, who has been said to have delivered half of this small town.  Granted she has not worked with him ALL that time, but she has dedicated herself to being a gatekeeper great nurse and liasion between physician and patient.   Velma is dependable and a woman of her word.

 For the rest of each week, she is my right hand nurse.   Friday afternoon I and D's (incision and drainage procedures) are our forte...we've got it down!  Betadine...check; gauze...check; lidocaine (would you like it with or without)....check; scalpel...check;...CTAs....check....on and on.  Of course, we would rather do them anytime other than a Friday afternoon, but sometimes that's just the luck of the draw.  She's the reassuring nurse to a frightened patient; she's the calmness in chaotic times and she's always in charge.  Velma always has a smile....but if you cross her up, it's best to just keep on walking....especially if the conversation begins with or contains..."I SAID" (with a big emphasis on SAID)!  We've shared Subway tuna sandwiches, corn dogs, fried chicken strip salads, chicken spaghetti and DQ Hawaiian blizzards (no bananas please).   And never ask her to eat the lettuce...."you know...they never wash that lettuce"!

Velma will be retiring to her front porch, drinking peach tea with her honey of who knows how many years, watching the bluebirds, wrens, cardinals, doves, hummers and whatever else flies through.  She'll now be able to keep up with the newest batch of baby squirrels and enjoy their crazy antics.   I will miss our conversations about birds, critters, families, recipes, plants, catching up on Glenda and Butch, hearing the latest about grandchildren LeeAnn, Keri, Jason, Daniel, great grandson Camden and especially about her soul mate,Glen and what he cooked for supper last night!

Velma....I wish you many bright and glorious days to enjoy with your family and friends.   I will always value our friendship and working relationship....it's been a "great ride"!   Thank you!!!