I want to tell you about one of my passions...
Then there's the not so perfect ones... But I can't help but care for them, too. How else to care for a person's soul (pun intended :) than to wash the feet that carry them through the troubles and joys of life?
I used to sit up late and do foot care for my dad while we watched the Irish Rovers on TV. Those are some of my best memories.
A couple of years ago, the unit where I was working offered a VON FootCare Advanced Training Course for the RN's. Only a handful of us were interested (surprisingly? LOL), but those of us who did had a blast practicing on each other.
Now that I work in End-of-Life Care, I'm finding this skill to be invaluable. My favorite part of care is when I'm able to get my kit out and spend an hour cleaning, massaging, cutting nails, and filing. I hear every story in the book while I'm working. I get a much bigger picture and assessment of my patients when they feel relaxed in a non-threatening therapeutic moment. It's a blessing for us both, and for the families as well. I get more thanks for this simple care than for all the challenging, mind-numbing skills and decisions that I perform each shift.
The picture below is not for the faint-of-heart. I didn't take it.
But, yes, I do cut nails like this, and often! Can you imagine walking on these feet? Or trying to pull up socks or blankets without snagging?!
These are the tools of my trade. I feel like part dentist, part woodsman :)
HAH! Just kidding.
Any volunteers? I promise not to tickle!
15 comments:
A chain saw?!? Hmmm...why didn't I think of that for my own feet?? LOL
I imagine you are providing such a wonderful comfort for those in your care.
Linda D. in Seattle
Oh, pick me--pick me!!!!
Waving my hand in the air here :)
I love getting pedicures, it is so relaxing. Had reflexology once and it was nice but it seemed to take a long time.
I hve considered a saw...my 2 big toes...still grow up not out, so I can chisel them down? Might they fall off and it that ok? I am sick of paying foot specialist $350, they are pink, soft, and normal except for this...
I'd love to be your next subject...and tickling is fine too.
My dad used to rub my feet as I was growing up. Such a relaxing a stimulating event. I would lay face-down on the floor and place my feet on his knees. Then he would have great leverage for some really deep pressure. No other boyfriend has been able to duplicate.
And thinking of toenails. My sweetie's mom had her big toe nails removed last year in an attempt to solve some problems. Ouch!!!
God Bless You!! I've worked forever in ICU's and while we would love to fix the pinkies we can barely get the rest of the body to fly right. So happy know that someone somewhere is doing the footwork when you can. I bet those patients feel a lot better after you see them. :>)
I had almost forgotten about the Irish Rovers. God that brought back a flood of family memories
I volunteer...never had a pedicure but as an adult I love to get my feet rubbed. couldn't handle it as a kid...seem to have lost some ticklishness though.
I like to pick at gross things. I think I would enjoy your footcare job too. My grandmother really needs your services.
Oh wow ... could I ever use skills like yours! After breaking a toe or two and the cracked skin and wart removal the tootsies are in a world of hurt. But I amble on, in steel toe boots no less.
Linda: LOL and thank you. Surely your feet aren't hairy enough to need a chainsaw to get through the forest?
Bear naked: I like bear feet but you'll have to hide that bear butt first ;-)
Diane: Go for it. File those suckers down. You won't hurt a thing, and if you lose one, it's no big deal. They usually grow back, and as stupid as ever.
Lisa: Dads give the best massages, don't they. I still run to my dad whenever I get a tension headache. Know one else knows how to find the right spots!
Distracted: Welcome, and thanks for commenting! I'm glad to have you here :) I'm also glad that there are nurses who thrive in the ICU -- that's too much of a rush for me. We are like an ICU of Palliative Units and that's about enough for me.
(Wow, this is like the Oscars... someone's gonna move the mike down soon...)
David: The Irish Rovers were my favorite. I loved how they made them small like Leprechauns! The magic of TV...
Shauna: I bet I could find the ticklish spots!
Pa: I feel sorry for your tootsies. You do give them a work-out! And the stress in your life. Go for a pedicure, Dude! You'd love it (and you'd look like the hairy fellow on my blog there!)
Do you know, I hate my feet. They are sore and not what I think of as normal. But my nails have never been that bad!!
If anyone would be allowed to touch my feet, I would have said it would be you... until I saw the chainsaw! lol
I bet it is very rewarding to give this care. When I do pluck up the courage to let some one near my feet, I usually enjoy it.
Thank you, Cath! I guess I'd have to promise to leave my chainsaw at home in the closet :)
Okay, I know I'm being insensitive, but WOW. I almost barfed when I saw that photo. You need some warnings or something...
As for me. My feet are perfect. I've never had a pedicure where the pedicurist(?) didn't tell me so. I know I sound arrogant, but sadly, it's the only part of my body I think is model-worthy so brag I will!!
Enough about me. Kudos to you for doing such kind work.
ps - That last picture could seriously be my feet...
Male age 43, in NY. Where in Canada are you? I travel to Niagara sometimes. I would love for you to strap me down and give me a tickling pedicure....it was cute when you told Shauna you could find her ticklish spots, sounds like you enjoy tickling as much as I do. Maybe you could let me know if this would be possible. feetandtickling@aol.com
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