Reflections and thank yous

On what is my last night shift as a Principle Health Care Support Worker, I am sat at 4am in the (finally) quiet stillness reflecting on the past (almost) seven years. 

Over the years I have had the opportunity to watch and care for some amazing little people. I've been welcomed into some of the most loving and devoted families, that you could ever wish for. 

I've had the opportunity to share first with many of them, all the things we take for granted - from first steps, to nursery/school. I still get a rush of emotions, when I remember the first child learning to say my name - the pride on their little face as they said it as loud as they could, having practised so hard with their siblings to surprise me and the pure happiness on their siblings faces knowing they'd helped.

I have had the opportunity to learn and work with the best and I have had my eyes opened to the complexities of life with a sick child. 

It is obsurd now to think how much I would worry when I was in retail management, if we hadn't made target. Especially, when compared to the true worry I have felt since - if one of my wards is in hospital. 

I have grown professionally and personally. Each family has touched my life and I believe along with role models of my own parents have enabled me to be a better parent (and human) myself. 

So it is to them along with my colleagues (though the chances of them ever reading and recognising themselves in this is very rare), I say thank you.