A New Routine

I started my new job on Tuesday. It is for a senior care company, which I love being a part of supporting older adults. It will be a busy job...I am a client care coordinator, so I talk to all inquiring potential clients about our services. I also maintain the thoroughness of each client's chart and keep all the paperwork and packets completed and up to date. All of this is in theory, as my week of training has been shadowing people and some classroom training. I will probably start taking calls and learning all the processes from A to Z later this week. I like my co-workers and really like the owners of the company. It is a company with integrity and high quality of service, which I believe in as a social worker. So far so good!

I have to say, working again an 8-5 schedule will take a little getting used to. It is the kind of job where, unless I have planned otherwise with co-workers, I have to be at the office until the clock hits 5:01. Sometimes I stay later if I am on the phone or finishing a task, or come in earlier if need be. A good rule of thumb I suppose to be considered a "good employee" is come 5 minutes early and stay 5 minutes late. It is a good rule that I intend to stick to. I do get an hour lunch which is a total treat. I have been driving around the area to see what is near the office and how long it takes to get from point A to B. I can probably go home, even, if I just needed a change of scenery. Bible Park isn't far away; Cook Park is close by. I can walk at lunch and grab a Starbucks. Fairmount Cemetery is close by so I can visit Mikey and the boys whenever I feel like it. I have been really trying to work out as often during the week as possible, so I could possibly get in a trip to the YMCA for a quick treadmill visit if I put my mind to it.

Speaking of Fairmount Cemetery and The Boys...they are now snugly one with the earth around Mike's grave so I can visit all my boys in one place. Last Sunday our good friend Pam met me at the cemetery. We did the spreading around Mike's grave and read a short story given to me by a friend when the boys died called "The Rainbow Bridge." It brought a tear to my eye-Pam and I felt good that the boys and Mike have reunited, but also chuckled that he will forever be tied to Stanley, who often frustrated Mike more so than Chester did!

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.