Jeremy

I just want to talk about a guy I work with. His name is Jeremy. I have never had a better staff member on my ward. I just can't say enough good about this guy. I've only worked with him for 3 nights now but he is amazing. First of all... I must have "PICK ON ME" tattooed on my forehead because it is an automatic response when people meet me. And Jeremy's no exception. But it's all good. I take it then give it right back. And he takes it, too. And he always gives me food. Every day. The very first day he gave me one of those Christmas tree snack cake things. You know what I'm talking about? Anyway... that's not the reason I love him. But he is very generous all the time. He kept teasing me all day and then said, "Stewardess! Can I please have my complimentary peanuts?!" So then next night we worked together I brought him peanuts and a Dr. Pepper (his favorite pop). You shoulda seen the look on his face! Actually, at first he couldn't figure out why I brought him peanuts. They were so random. Then when I told him why, he started laughing hysterically! It was awesome! Then as we were leaving he bumped into me and we were teasing each other and so to make up for it he gave me his other Christmas tree snack cake. I won't go into detail about the rest of the picking on each other thing but I will continue to tell you about him. Last night when I got to work, I went to the break room and I was FUMING because someone at BOTH OF MY PIZZA POCKETS! OH I was MAD! And HUNGRY! Not a good combination! I wrote that on a note and left it on the freezer. What does Jeremy do automatically? Give me a snack cake and Reese's AND one of his corndogs! This guy's got a big heart, man. He's got a rough past, but he survived. He pushed through and now he's doing something good with his life. He's a great guy. We've got one client on our ward; he's 19 years old. Other people would say he was a "trouble client." I always said he was a misunderstood client. Because he is. He doesn't get treated well, none of the staff like him, but none of the staff will even give him a chance. ESPECIALLY the other two shifts. Night shift isn't bad anymore now that we're on a different ward. But, man! Jeremy walks in, this client had a great night. He got up in the morning. Didn't cause any problems. The second night, things started escalating, Jeremy and I were able to talk him down. All he needs is someone to talk to him. Not AT him. Reason with him. At least TRY to understand him! He's 19 years old and locked up in a mental institution! That's enough to make anyone act out. And what he asks for isn't unreasonable. Nothing any 19 year old guy anywhere wouldn't ask for. No one else just wants to give him the time of day. They just restrain him and give him meds. He don't need them meds like that, man. They mess him up pretty bad! And no staff member has ever listened to me on this. Ever. They always refute what I say. Until Jeremy showed up. And you know? The funny thing is... not only did he listen to me... he pulled me in and told me exactly what I've been saying since I started there. Before I even had a chance to bring it up and talk with him about it. Jeremy really cares about his patients. He wants them to get better. He wants to HELP them get better. Now, I'm not saying that client is perfect. Because he's not. None of us are. And we'll "get mean" if we have to. But people just gotta give him a little time of their day. And Jeremy doesn't just care about that patient. He cares about them all. No matter how trying they may be. And MAN! Jeremy likes to WORK! The first night we had EVERYTHING done within 2 hours! That never happens! I get stuck doing lots of jobs! But Jeremy's a worker! He just gets it all done. But poor Jeremy! I thought he was gonna jump outta his skin the first night he was there! He's been working in the two higher security buildings and isn't used to the... relaxed environment. Every time he heard something he was jumping up ready to run and see what was wrong. Never let anyone down the hall by themself. I always felt safe with him, though I never really felt in danger without him there. But I always knew if something were to happen, Jeremy was there to have my back. He was so animated when he was talking and I think it's just because he isn't used to just sitting there. And OK... I just have to say... the one thing that just really made me "fall in love" (PLEASE notice the quotation marks!)with Jeremy? He calls me "Syd." He is the only one at work that ever calls me Syd. I just... I got this thing with being called by name. And not only by name but by a nickname. Now... he does also call me "stewardess" as I said before, and the ever-endearing "biscuit head." I have to say that may be my favorite. ;-) And he does this little "shut your mouth" thing and I do this funny face back and we just have a good time. He gives me a pat on the shoulder as he walks by, and he always pulls me back to talk to me. Like I really do matter. Like I am important. Always swapping thoughts and ideas with each other. Really gives me a self-esteem boost. He's just so passionate about his work and cares about everyone. He even stood out in the below freezing temperature to help me with my car and make sure I'd make it home OK. Jeremy just totally changed the work environment for me. I look forward to going to work pretty much every day anyway 'cause I love my job. But working with Jeremy gets me excited about work! Makes me smile and laugh at random times throughout the day when I think of something he said or did. I just wish more people could be like him and have a Jeremy in their life.

I hadn't had anything worthwhile to write about lately, but as I was sitting at work, I realized that Jeremy was definitely blog-worthy. Thanks, Jeremy! It'll be a sad day when I can no longer work with you! But whoever gets you next is very lucky! Best of luck to you, man!