Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Getting ready is the worst part!

 Hi everyone!  I have made a little more progress on the latest String quilt.  The prep work is quite time consuming, but otherwise it is all fun.  I think I am going to put some little something in the black diamonds too.
 Another view...
And I finished hand quilting and binding this one...so it is all good!!



********************Nurse's notes********************************

I did something the other day...something I felt pretty dang good about!  I had a patient, 89 years old, who was just lingering in the hospital.  Her kidneys really were not working well, she had congestive heart failure, and so on and so forth.  So the doctors were just keeping her there!  When I went in to do my AM assessment, she told me, "Darlin...I am leaving and going home today!"  She told me that she was 89 years old, that we were not going to fix just every little thing wrong with her, and that she wanted to go home to her own food and her own water in her own fridge, where she could get strong again! And, she works a full time job and wanted to get back at it!! Her family came in a few minutes later and told me, "WE are taking her home."  Now usually, you need a doctor's order to discharge a patient, but she signed out on her own against medical advice and away she went!  When that sunshine hit her face, she gave me the biggest hug and most beautiful smile...why I felt as if I had helped her break out of jail!!  Yippee for escapes!!!  (in this case...)  I called later and checked up on her...she said she already felt better!!

*****************************************************************



Julie

17 comments:

regan said...

I'm loving that string quilt with the fancy sashing! Can't wait to see what you do in the cornerstones! And the 4 patch is sweet! I'm so glad your patient was feeling better at home.....sometimes that makes all the difference. I have a friend, 86, and she still lives at home....and just being surrounded by all her lovely handwork and things makes her feel good. She's been in the hospital a few times in the last year, and said she felt so much better the minute she came home, among her things. I think at that age, it's a comfort that no medicine can match!

Of course, getting a call from you to see how she was doing was a pick-me-up as well, I'll bet!

Angie said...

Julie, I absolutely love this string quilt. I do think it's my favorite of all the ones you've done. :) And the story about your patient going home brings a huge smile to my face. My sister-in-law 'went home' today, to another plane. I'm relieved for her and worried about how my brother will cope now that he's been released from taking care of her. Hugs of love and light, sugar girl.

WoolenSails said...

I love your quilt, beautiful fabrics and details.
That sounds like me, they wouldn't let me leave, so I left, lol. I cannot stand hospitals or people taking care of me;)

Debbie

Nancy said...

The applique makes the string blocks more dressy, and I love that. Can't wait to see what your are going to put in the black diamonds.

Sometimes, the health care system misses the mark. I am glad the lady is home where she is comfortable. God Bless her.

Sharon said...

Love the applique. As for your N.Notes, she did it on her own terms. My mother would have done the same thing if she had the strength! Good for you!

Stephanie D said...

This is one beautiful string quilt! The black diamonds make the strings just sparkle and the applique elevates string quilts to a whole new level! Great design!

Hurray for the little old lady! Sometimes we healthcare folks are just lacking in common sense. Good for her and her family for recognizing that!

Kim said...

What a great story. So many strong people out there, it was ladies like this that made the job so worthwhile.

Love your newest string quilt.......the applique is just lovely, it is sure to be a heirloom.

Happy Sewing and keep smiling at those patients.

Janet O. said...

The appliqued sashing is such a special addition to your already pretty quilt. What will you put in the black squares?
Love that little mini!
Beautiful story--good for you calling her to check up.
BTW, the pattern came yesterday--thanks!!

Anne Heidi said...

I really love your new string quilt, it looks wonderful!
The story about your patient going home is so sweet, and I am sure she feels better at home. My grandmother was in the hospital a few years ago, and told us she was going to run away and go home. When we asked her how she would get home, she said she'd find a bicycle..... She didn't have a drivers licence, and she lived an hours drive from the hospital..... She did feel better when she got home though. I think she was around 90 years old at the time.

Leeanne said...

You are an angel under cover as a nurse! You sweet heart......giving always gives back....you got yours in a smile & a hug & a warm fuzzie feeling!
I love this new string quilt......I have to start one!!!!

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

The new quilt is a stunner...

Deb said...

Love your strings and the garden you have surrounded them in. I don`t think you need to put anything in the black, once it is quilted that will add your interest. It looks lovely
Love your story it is wonderful the lady wanted to go home rather than try to get everything fixed.
Got another one for ya. Patient in PACU resting RN and I talking retiring with more time to quilt. Patient wakes out of her anesthitic sleep says `did I hear quilting?` it was adorable. Next question on Patient chart should say passionate hobby this seems to arouse them...LOL

Lori said...

Great applique on the border!!! And when do I not like a lovely 4 patch?!

Good for the woman for taking charge of her own health!! And for you helping!!

Lois Arnold said...

Julie, that quilt is going to be something beautiful to behold! I love it. I also loved the story about the 89 year old. My mother would have done the same thing as her. When she was supposed to be on complete bed rest between surgeries, she sneaked downstairs while my Dad was gone to start a load of laundry. no keeping her down!

Linda O said...

Your beautiful quilt is really coming along! The prep does take a lot of time, but the result is stunning. Darling little 4P too! Way to go to your patient making a break! Nothing like being at home for recovery.

Mary said...

This is your best string quilt yet! I just love it! I loved your story too! That's what I would want too. I'm glad she got to go home. Sometimes I think the hospital just sucks the life out of folks.

I'm finishing up my twister quilt. I sure need to update my blog! Been busy with kids/grandkids though. Aiden started kindergarden and Angela college. Had to take her car shopping today. I'm beat! Think I'm going to kick back and work on my twister for a wile! Wonder how a twister with alternate strings blocks would look?

Nicky said...

Intrigued to know what is going in those black diamonds! It is looking fabulous so far - well worth your hard work Julie!

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...