God's Gift to Women

In my unit, we keep ativan vials locked in our medication refridgerator. It's a tranquilizer that's used only as a last resort if someone really needs to be sedated and they won't or can't swallow pills. Months can go by without our using any. Since we've had my favorite patient here, you know, the stinky de-tox guy, we've used 14 vials and still counting.

Of course, because he's my favorite, I got to take care of Mr. Ativan again. He's still in 5 point restraints, but now the tranquilizers are working, so he wasn't too much trouble to take care of tonight. Although several years younger than me, he looks old enough to be my father. As they say, it's not the years, but the miles.

I tried to feed him some dinner tonight, but he refused to open his mouth. I asked, "Wouldn't you like to eat something?"He answered, "No, but I'll have a slice of you." What a gentleman. When I walked out, I left the tray too close to his bed. Coming back later to check on him, I found him wearing his entire dinner. Despite the restraints, he managed to grab the tray and tip it upside down on himself. But that was my fault. I forgot what I was dealing with.

This great catch is unemployed and his girlfriend takes care of him. It's difficult for me to understand why a woman would do that, but I guess she figures that she couldn't get anyone else. She's missing teeth, looks haggard and worn, has tremors, bulging eyes and a big gut. Worse of all, she has that frightened, hesitant demeanor sometimes seen in battered women or abused, tail between-the-legs mutts.

It's hard not to feel sorry for her. As to her circumstances, I can only speculate, But I wish that I could tell her that being alone is not the worst thing that can happen to her. She might be much better off alone. I know I am.