WHERE HAVE ALL THE NURSES AND DOCTORS GONE?

 

George Henry Slightam 1843-1920

I became alarmed the other day when our daughter could not find a new doctor.  Her doctor left the clinic where she received care to become a medical school teacher.  The clinic informed our daughter that she would have to go elsewhere to find a doctor as they were not hiring new doctors at this time. The current doctors were not accepting new patients either. This was even worse news then what I received when we moved to this area 18 months ago.  I had to wait months and months to get a doctor's appointment.  Then my new doctor left the clinic to become a hospitalist. I was given a new doctor but I had to wait months to get an appointment.  This shortage is widely prevalent throughout the nation. 

There were and are many events leading to this problem.  One problem is the aging of the population.  There are many more retired people to treat. Then there was the "Affordable Care Act." Some doctors and nurses were working 80 hours a week for less money.  Some decided that working part time made for a better life/work balance.  Others chose different careers such as high tech instead of going to medical school. One cause could be that medical providers got burned out due to Covid and decided to retire early. There are probably many more reasons.

But I was pleased to learn that our family contributed many nurses to the cause of medicine. Grandpa Slightam served as a nurse during the Civil War--George Henry Slightam (aka Henry Slightam) was a Union Soldier in Company A Nebraska 2nd Cavalry and Company B Nebraska 1st Cavalry. See the grave marker above.

Aunt Ruth

My aunt Ruth served as a Registered Nurse from college to retirement. She worked in several hospitals and was a school nurse for a number of years. My 1st cousin once removed, was a medic in the Army reserve and was an occupational therapist Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and continued as one after the army. Another 1st cousin once removed, is a registered dental assistant. 

My two 1st cousins are both RN's.  My next to the youngest brother is an LVN.

I'm praying that our young people will be called to the medical profession.  But in times of struggle when we don't have medical help we have the hope that some day a place like the Garden of Eden will be a reality.

Ezekiel 47:12 "And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

THE FATHER'S DAY COMMITTEE IN SPOKANE

 

Newspaper clipping from 1960

My grandmother, Isabel, supported Mrs. Dodd in her  Father's Day movement. Isabel was the secretary for the International Father’s Day Association in Spokane, WA for many years.  The first Father's Day was observed in Spokane in 1910. It wasn't until 1922 that the day was observed nationally. 

The committee kept meeting even after the goal of a national Father's Day had been achieved. I scanned some of Grandma's notes she took for the years 1959 to 1963. In reading through her minutes for many of the meetings, it appeared that usually 9 to 12 women would attend the meetings, held at a local hotel.  The first meeting I have the notes for was in 1959.  The earliest meetings were at the Desert Hotel.  Later they moved to the Coeur ‘d Alene Hotel.     The last gathering she recorded was in May of 1963.

Mrs. Dodd is not mentioned very often in the minutes.  She was cited at the May meeting in 1960.  “Mrs. Dodd’s idea in regard to the June Father’s Day luncheon was given.”

The officers were elected each February.  Some of the names mentioned are Margaret Brown, Jessie Gibson, Freda Carpenter, Mae Masecar, and Lydia Himes.  The meetings were opened with prayer and the flag salute.  The meetings closed with a prayer or the Mizpah.

Genesis 39: 49 and Mizpah, for he said, "May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.

Afterward they adjourned to the dining room for lunch.  Now I know where I get my preference for going out to eat! 

Grandma’s notes are succinct.  In one page she covers everything accomplished. I also prefer writing this way.  No excess words for me!

Only one time was any controversy mentioned.  “A resolution from the City Federation favoring the proposed civic center was read.  The Father’s Day Assn. tabled the proposition as it is a controversial subject.”

These records remind me of a Norman Rockwell town.  Such peaceful precious lives they all seemed to live.

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

 

Spokane will be referred to in a cartoon strip. The cartoon is drawn by Stephan Pastis.  To learn more about the cartoonist click here. In the strip coming up in the future the cartoon animals are discussing how to pronounce Spokane.  To learn more click  Here to go to the link.

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOFTBALL-- CULTURE OF JOY

 

Andrew, semi-pro baseball player and grandson, stated that, "Patty Gasso, OU women's softball coach, was old school until about 2 years ago. Then the women's softball team at OU began celebrating everything." 

The team has much to celebrate.  Oklahoma ends the 2023 season with a stunning 61-1 record – the Sooners' only loss this season was to Baylor, 4-3 on Feb. 19 – and further cements Patty Gasso as one of the greatest coaches in softball history. Gasso's seventh championship as head coach moved her into a tie for second all time with UCLA Hall of Fame coach Sharon Backus and one behind the all-time record held by Arizona Hall of Fame coach Mike Candrea.

The team members not only appreciate their coach but they give all the glory to Jesus. The above You Tube is an interview of three of the gals.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

NEW TIANANMEN MUSEUM OPENS IN NEW YORK

 

A few years ago our son Jes, and his wife, Jessica visited China during a work trip.  My cousin, Chuck, and his wife, Kathy, visited China also.  I enjoyed hearing about their trips.  My brother, Jay, was stationed with the Army in Taipei, Taiwan in the 1960's. He could still speak Mandarin 40 years later.  When I attended Bible Study Fellowship I met a women from Taipei.  This all to say that I have a soft spot for the Chinese people and the people of Taiwan.  

I was surprised that some do not know what the Tiananmen Square massacre was all about.  The people and especially the students wanted democracy rather than a dictatorship. They wanted freedom of speech and freedom of the press.  They were killed for their beliefs. Now there is a museum in New York explaining the history behind the Chinese government's murder of their own citizens.  Here is the story.

In opposition to the government Hong Kongers refuse to forget the Tiananmen massacre.  Click here to read the article. Chinese Christians are fleeing China.  Here is the saga of one escape.

Many are seeking freedom. The only way to be truly free is to know the truth.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”