Life

Another Random Blog

Shaun Bradford

Woke up a little while ago from a nap that lasted hours. Didn’t realize I was so exhausted. Only spent two nights with my mom and I could barely function when I got home. How did I make it those two months?

Laying here thinking about how she had bouts of emotional outbursts due to frustration. She couldn’t get comfortable and could barely hear. Yeah… her hearing is getting worse. Some of the nurses took their time caring for her, while others ignored her complaints. And the food! Hospital food should be somewhat enjoyable and at least warm. As a registered dietitian, this really irritated me because I know they can do better. Also, knowing that she kept requesting soup and it was available at the nurses station the entire time, really upset me.

Y’all, I hated leaving her. I know this sounds weird but I felt like I was leaving her in jail. Even though she’s in a facility for her physical healing, it seems to be doing more harm mentally. I remember when I had to remain in the hospital longer than I expected. My dad and stepmom stayed with me the entire time, but I still felt alone and confined. I just wanted to go home. So, I can only imagine how stressful this is for her.

Praying God sends her comfort and peace.♥️

** Random thought… Maybe I am supposed to create something from this experience. What can I do for patients in similar situations? My initial reason for becoming a registered dietitian was to improve the quality of patient meals. Is this one of those full circle moments?

Life

Easter Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Resurrection Sunday

Today is Resurrection Sunday, or Easter. All while growing up, and up until a few years ago, most people referred to today as Easter. Then, a few years ago, more people began to refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. Either way, today is the day we (all who believe) celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

This morning I am singing, “Rise Again.” Found this version on YouTube and found it to be one of the best renditions of the song. It’s very soulful – Rise Again by Larnell Harris.

Here are the lyrics from LyricFind:

Go ahead, drive the nails in My hands
Laugh at Me, where you stand
Go ahead, and say it isn’t Me
The day will come, when you will see

‘Cause I’ll rise, again
Ain’t no power on earth can tie Me down
Yes, I’ll rise, again
Death can’t keep Me in the ground

Go ahead, and mock My name
My love for you is still the same
Go ahead, and bury Me
But very soon, I will be free

‘Cause I’ll rise, again
Ain’t no power on earth can tie Me down
Yes, I’ll rise, again
Death can’t keep Me in the ground

Go ahead, and say I’m dead and gone
But you will see that you were wrong
Go ahead, try to hide the Son
But all will see that I’m the One

‘Cause I’ll come again
Ain’t no power on earth can keep me back
Yes, I’ll come again
Come to take My people back

For all who are reading and celebrating – Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Jesus is not dead. He’s very much alive. Grateful

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

Life

April’s Rambling

Shaun Bradford

It’s a little after 6:00 AM and I feel like writing. Yesterday, I drove up to spend a few days with my mom. She’s still in the hospital. They are thinking about sending her to a rehab/nursing facility until her wound (Stage 4 pressure ulcer) heals well enough for her to return home. The good news is, they believe all of the infected tissue has been removed and the antibiotics are working.

I haven’t slept much because she doesn’t really sleep much. She can never quite get comfortable. I really did not know what to expect during this stay. After spending over two months in the hospital with her several months ago, and not having a great experience, I arrived a little tense and expected to do more assisting than keeping her company. Unlike before, she’s actually calling the nurses to assist her, which kind of makes me feel useless. But she’s doing right. It is their job to assist her. I’m learning to stay in my place and be okay with it. I’m only here to be her daughter not nurse or caregiver.

On another note… Two of my friends are already celebrating our 50th year. Last year we decided we would celebrate the entire year. Well, they are actually doing it. Both attended concerts last night. One in Chicago and the other in Nashville. I’m not jealous. I love seeing them have a great time. They deserve it! Plus, my daughter has already gotten us tickets to see Beyoncé in New Orleans, so my fun is coming. I just feel like I have not had the chance to celebrate like I thought I would. Which means I have to be more intentional about making things happen because this year is supposed to be EPIC! Listen, you only turn 50 once! Smile

I will note one thing that is happening – I am actually becoming more and more comfortable in my own skin. I know I write about embracing all of me, often; however, I have never really felt it as much as I do now. I’m not as anxious as I used to be. I am no longer second guessing my decisions. I am also becoming less and less concerned about my flaws, or what others would consider flaws. Maybe this year is more about embracing and celebrating my truest self than creating photographical memories. The transformation that is taking place on the inside is far more important.

Well, I am going to end here. I need to find something to eat. Wishing all of you a great weekend.

Love You!♥️

Shaun