Dear Heart,

In one of my healthcare management classes about a year or so ago, we had a guest lecturer. She was a former director of nursing and a current hospital administrator. I gleaned many nuggets of wisdom from her oration, but as with most anything, one key point stuck in my mind regarding dealing with employee issues.

"With enough effort," she informed us, "you can find a positive characteristic in everyone. Whatever the good quality is, capitalize on this when confronting them with a problem."

To take her advice, let me begin with what I appreciate about you, Heart. You give me the compassion that has helped so many people. In it's extension I have a vast amount of patience and caring for those around me. This makes me the daughter, the sister, the aunt, the friend and the nurse I am today.

I am so thankful for the ability to handle irritable people with a level of composure my co-workers envy. And to be able to hold one of the children I take care of when they are crying or screaming and not feel the frustration most people experience when hearing an upset child.
Most of all, I cherish my deep capacity for love.

However, all these points, especially the last one, has gotten me into trouble. I have been hurt and sometimes quite badly.

I can tell that I am standing on that precipice again. As is the tendency in love, I can't tell exactly what is over this edge, but I'm confident it's not going to be good this time. I need to tread carefully, preferably in the opposite direction.

So, Heart, stand firm. Be strong. Don't let me do this. Again.

Thanks A Bunch,
B