Medical Animation - Heal: ghOst Production's 2009 Orthopedic Demo Reel

How about orthopaedics as a specialty, anyone?  I'd always heard it referenced to as 'medical carpentry', and now I completely see why that reference is valid!  It is simply fascinating to see what orthopaedic surgeons can do, and how they can help injured people.  (And even Michaelangelo knew better than to paint the Sistine Chapel without using an elaborate scaffolding system!!!)

ghOst Productions have a whole series of animated shorts, on various medical specialties and body systems.  It is so well done!!!



On a completely unrelated note, I just want to say that I received some shocking medical news about somebody I indirectly know.  I won't go into any details here, but she is in intensive care right this minute, fighting for her life.  Her loving husband and two young daughters are waiting for her full and complete recovery, as is a very special little boy. 

I have great hope for her full recovery, given that she was able to communicate after she was revived by paramedics, and because she was breathing on her own. That tells me key parts of the brain (that we studied in such detail in neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology classes!) were still functioning.  Time will tell, but I truly believe in her full recovery.

Life is so precious and fragile.  Tell someone you care about what you appreciate about them Hug them.  Reach out.  Don't put it off.  Life's too unpredictable to put it off.  Be grateful.  Show your love.

Future Nurse Kate

Happy Mother's Day

I want to wish all Moms everywhere, (nurses or not!), a very Happy Mother's Day.

Mothers fill a special, unique and irreplacable role, unlike any other.

On this day that I am celebrating Motherhood, sharing a most special day with my three precious children, my heart goes out to the some 150,000,000 (or more) orphans around the world.

Education. Awareness. Compassion. Love.

Please check out the following sites, and let your hearts and souls be touched by their plight.

http://www.projecthopeful.org/

http://reecesrainbow.org/

http://theblessingofverity.com/

These sites don't even begin to skim the surface of the orphan crisis, but at least it is a start.

To quote Mother Teresa, someone whom I greatly admire and respect:

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
Mother Teresa

That's all it takes.  Do a little bit to help.  Help change one life.  I know I cannot save the world.  But I know I can do my part to help out.

And I know for certain that when I am finally a nurse, I will be volunteering my time and my medical skills, in Eastern Europe with these precious children.  Yet another reason to be making this career change.

Friday's inspirational words

Today's quote(s!) -- yes, 3 of them -- all come from Mother Teresa. 

 

She is a person whom I greatly admire.  I was priviledged enough to hear speak, and see in person from a very close distance, when she visited Canada many years ago.  I couldn't believe how tiny she was!!!  From the images I'd seen on TV, I knew she wasn't a tall woman, but when I actually stood a few people away from her, she was positively miniscule.  It still amazes me how one (tiny) person could accomplish such great things.  She did it all from the love she had for everyone.

 

I have read many of her quotes over the years, and always, the themes that underscore her work and life, are 'love' and 'peace'. 

 

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"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."
— Mother Teresa

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." ..."
— Mother Teresa

"Peace begins with a smile."
— Mother Teresa