Definitely almost threw up in the middle of a hospital lobby with a patient on the stretcher ready for transport to rehab.

I'd like to send my appreciation for today to dimenhydrinate, ibuprofen, and ice cubes.

Because sticking it out to the end of shift meant hearing a life story from an ex-heroin addict recently paralyzed patient who really needed to talk.

And who thanked me and my partner for our kindness and professionalism.

Because sometimes you just need someone else to hear your story, to orient yourself. And the more you tell it, the more you can put it in perspective. Sometimes you need to call for back-up, for someone to help you sort things out, when they get too complicated for you to sort out on your own.

Knowing yourself is seriously something to aspire to. Once you've got that down, you know where you want to go. And then you find a way to get there.

But sweetheart, you've made it this far. Keep going. Even if it's out of sheer orneriness, to show the universe that they can't hold you back for anything. You intend to live, and you intend to live well.

Go kick some ass. You'll make it through.

<3