It's weird that you have to pay for an obituary. The newspapers should be doing feature articles or some shit. It's fucking ita.

Allyson, your hair is flippin' glorious.

As mandated reporter, I wholeheartedly encourage people in hospitals (or their loved ones) to make a report for neglect regarding any nurse who will not bring one's properly prescribed medications. If reporting internally at the hospital does not yield immediate results, or you fear retalliation, report externally to local social services, adult protective services, or the like. I know it may take more spoons than you have, but it IS neglect of a vulnerable adult. If you would kick up a fuss to find your elderly, diabetic neighbor had a nurse who refused to give her insulin as ordered by her doctor, understand that you also deserve to advocate for yourself. Or, you know, slip me enough info that I become legally obligated to report it. (I can't really report if I don't know where it happened, but you betcha if I know the patient's real name and location, I have to make the call.)

You are so awesome WS. Sing it!

Cashmere: Thanks to Connie, I can discuss this here. DH wants to take a picture of Owen in a roasting pan, naked, surrounded by potatoes and carrots. Is this wronger than a thing that's wrong, parental photography run amok or a way to make Anne Geddes swallow her own tongue?

billytea: Susan should do it! She can title the picture "Annabel Lecter".

Allyson, you have beautiful hair. I'll send what I can via Paypal shortly!

but if they'd cut her pain meds off after the first day I'd be participating in this conversation via a prison pen pals program.

This made me crack up! My horrible hospital experience was 5 years ago here in Belgium, WindSparrow. I should have reported it, but I was new here then and scared of everything. We now refer to that horrible woman as Nurse Ratchet. That wasn't even the worst of her treatment of me. I recently spent a night in the same hospital and I was seriously worried she'd have migrated from the maternity ward into regular patient care! I was so relieved to have a sweet and caring nurse who not only gave me my pain meds but also brought me ice packs and popsicles.

So, I am not trying to be all mememe, because all of our mind's are with ita's family right now. And also, so many of you have lived through WAY worse situations then I will (hopefully) ever be near. But there are some scary terrorist things happening here in Belgium. Threat levels have been raised to 3 out of 4 and CNN is reporting that despite raids last night, terror activities are still "imminent" here. I'm from rural Maine, where we are still able to pretend the world is a nice place. This is scaring the crap out of me. Last night's big raid was in a town only 40 miles from me.

For the record, its not any easier to get pain meds in Belgium.

Nor in the UK. I have a terrible time getting tramadol every month, and I have EDS. And that's just the regular thing - it's horrendous when I dislocate things and have to beg for oramorph or something at Accident and Emergency. Which never goes well. This used to be better, but the UK has decided to follow the US model of the 'war on drugs'. Sigh.

Wishing you a more peaceful and safer time over there in Belgium, Callaluna. The weirdest things are going on here in Europe regarding immigration panic and terrorism and fascism and radicalisation, and I can't begin to sort out the government hype and media confusion from the reality. :(

Hey there, Callaluna and Seska. European morning shift present and awake.

Sadly, we are living in interesting times. Normally personal stuff is an escape from harsh realities. Not this week, though.

Stay safe, everyone.

I can't begin to sort out the government hype and media confusion from the reality.

Same here. Particularly as I've taken the "head in the sand" approach to world events recently. I saw a very disturbing picture in the paper on the train one day about 6 weeks ago and it upset me so much that I had nightmares for days. I've been studiously avoiding news outlets since. But I have CNN on right now.

Hi Fiona!

Normally personal stuff is an escape from harsh realities. Not this week, though.

Indeed.

Does anyone have any idea what Eve we are talking about here?

Eve

Allyson, I sent the money with the words "thank you" before I saw the post asking us not to thank you.

Allyson has hair that shines with the brightness of a million suns, hair that has often been a color I've envied.