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“You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw

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Love and Lice: A School Nurse Story

2/27/2015

20 Comments

 
new beginnings photo: In Your Hands s0708.gif
Hello and thank you for taking the time to check out my new blog! I will be posting on the 15th of every month, but since this is my very first post, I  was too excited to wait. A precious friend helped me re-design my blog, making it much simpler, with less pages so I could keep up a bit better. I will be sharing some oldies but goodies, plus new posts along the way. I have many passions so the future blogs will cover many topics to ageing, family, children, animals, sharing other authors work, poems, and short stories. I hope this will be a place to rest your mind, if only for a short time.

I searched through  many of my old posts and this story seemed to jump out at me, begging me to share once more. Sometimes in our lives we feel over whelmed and burdened down. We feel we cannot help or do for others for the lack of time or energy. Our plates are over flowing at such a rate that if we are asked to do one more thing, we may just lose any sanity we think we have left.
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I am here to share with you a great truth. If God places a challenge in front of you, He will definitely give you the strength to see it through. I know...I have lived it and even now, when I get over burdened, I have to remind myself of this very sentiment.
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Sometimes life calls us to do things that we are not comfortable with. It does not look fun or feel enjoyable, but with a slight change of heart, we can reach out to others in the most unlikely places, do some incredible things, and yes... do the impossible! 



Working as a School Nurse, I witnessed many lice cases. Our school policy was to send them home if they had live lice. The school district had a 'No Live Lice' policy, but the children could attend school if they had nits.

At one time the school did "mass" head checks, but they  found through the years this was not productive and demeaning to the children who had lice throughout the year. By having mass head checks this meant going from classroom to classroom and checking heads. The children who had chronic lice were separated from the other children and parents were called to pick up their child.

Sadly, this meant that many of the same children had lice and was targeted time and again. For some parents this was proactive, as they did not want their children to get lice. Most parents who diligently took care of their children's hair were not so understanding of parents who neglected their children over and over. I can see their point, but on the other hand, there was a whole other side to this scenario.

Most children will get lice at least once in their school experience. Children are always hugging, sharing things, and sitting close during story time, in the cafeteria, and on the bus. It is unavoidable.

Most parents are mortified when their child gets lice. They are scared of what others will think of them. I used to receive a phone call at least once a day from a concerned parent stating their child had came home with lice.

The fact that lice love clean hair really disproves the theory that only dirty people get lice. That simply is not true. Lice do not fly or jump. One louse can lay one hundred eggs or more at one time. The best treatment is to pull all the nits out. You may use over the counter lice products, but unless you become a "nitpicker" most likely, they will hatch and the cycle will start again.

Sometimes a parent will treat their child and are horrified to find lice in their child's hair one month later; thinking their child has acquired lice once again. They storm the school swearing their child caught lice once more.

It is very possible that all the nits were not removed, thus starting the cycle again. All nits need to be removed! It is a daunting task, but it is the only sure cure. Some lice are resistant to over the counter treatments.


A Natural Treatment for Lice

A natural treatment does not kill the lice, but it does help with the removal of those little pests. 

Vinegar and Olive Oil for the Removal of Lice and Nits


Mix one-half Vinegar and one-half water in a spray bottle.
Saturate the hair. This will loosen the nits on the hair shaft.
Separate the hair into little sections, using a wire nit comb.
Start at the base of the scalp and run down the piece of hair.
Wipe the comb on a paper towel each time and go to the next section of hair.
Then spray Olive oil on the hair and start the removal the same way.

This may take a while so do not get discouraged.
You do not have to cut the hair when you remove the nits.
Make sure you run the lice comb through the hair every day for a couple weeks.
Put the hair up for school if you are able.
Instruct your child about sharing hats and combs.
Place all stuffed animals in your child's room in a plastic bag and keep closed for a few days and then wash them.
Vacuum rugs and wash all bedding.


WARNING! 
Recently it was on the news about a young child who was left unattended and suffocated from a needless tragedy. 
Never leave a young child unattended!
Never place a plastic bag over the child's scalp.

Please stay tuned and continue to read, the story of Love and Lice is below!
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I am sure you would never fathom that "love and lice" could ever co-exist in the same environment or even in the same sentence in a million years, but I believe as you read this, you will be surprised at the impossible things that can go together when love is the binding element.

As you know, lice control became part of my nursing duties every day. I can safely say I became an expert in this endeavor. Did I enjoy removing lice? Surely not! That would just be plain weird. However, when I focused on the little one affected by these pesky bugs, I saw a need that had to be met. My heart instantly changed. It no longer was something I dreaded, but almost a calling. Calling one nurse to remove lice...never would I believe "nit picking and lice removing" to be part of my nursing duties until coming into a school environment.


God gave me the Grace to move forward.

There was this little girl in Kindergarten who taught me about love and lice. I will forever remember this sweet angel. She came into the nurse office on a regular basis. She kept lice. I would send her home repeatedly, only for her to return to school with live lice still in her hair. 

Her attendance was atrocious and she was failing. She had sores on her head from scratching so badly. Her scalp would bleed. My heart broke for her. I called CPS, after trying to talk with the parents many times, sending her home, and even buying lice supplies for the family. This went on year after year but nothing changed.  

Sadly, this is the bottom of the CPS "to do" list. There are a lot more pressing situations involving life and death concerning children. 

I usually saw sixty to seventy children a day in the clinic so sending her home was the only thing I felt I could handle at the time. I would tell myself there was no way I can clean this child's hair and run a clinic. I am only one nurse!

She was sent down by her teachers daily, the same little girl, scratching her head in class until it would bleed. One day I looked at her hair to once again see tons of bugs crawling on her bloody scalp. I felt this raging anger building up inside of me. I was tired of watching this baby go through this. 


If not me...who?

I said to myself, "This is it! I do not care how busy I am, I am going to help this little one!" 

I attempted to call mom, but as usual I could not get an answer. I wanted to get her permission to use the natural hair care method in removing the lice. Without having any choice but to pull the bugs from her hair, I began to do the unthinkable.

I began to comb her hair, saturating her hair with Olive oil. With each stroke, the lice fell out. It took me two long hours of constant combing the first day to remove all the live bugs. The children would come in for other problems and I would wash my hands, take care of them, and then get back to work on removing the lice.

Teachers would peak in and shake their heads in disbelief. Other students would come in and ask questions. Children are naturally curious and do not always have the best tact. They would ask questions concerning why she was in the clinic? What was I doing to her? I would tell them that they should not ask about why other students come in here. Would they like it if I told others about why they came in? Of course, one curious little boy who always urinated in his pants was quick to exit the clinic. He got what I was saying loud and clear.

I could see the shame and the embarrassment on this little girls face, but I continued to comb her hair. I talked about many things, from silly to serious. Anything to get a smile out of her. I pulled the live bugs out daily so she could be in class and then when I had time, we would work on the nits. 

I told her how beautiful she was and I reassured her that this happens to many children. I told her I was happy to help her. After a month of pulling nits out, she was lice free. The sores on her head had healed. Each time I combed through her hair, I would braid her hair with colorful rubber bands. I got very creative. She had very long hair so this was a task to say the least.

It did not stop there! For the next three years of school, I cared for her. Her teachers were understanding and always worked around her hair appointment at the nurse office. It was not just about the lice. This child never spoke any words to me for the first year. She would nod her head yes or no. The second year she told me how she had been molested, and was going to counseling. She shared how no one ever hugged her at home. 

One day I realized... I was combing love into that child's hair. 

Love and Lice, who would have thought the two would go together. 

She soon moved to another school, but I will always remember her. Did I enjoy pulling lice out of her hair? Maybe not at first, but after a while, I forgot about the bugs and saw this precious child for who she was. She was a child of God, precious in every way. 

You never know how God can use a situation. It changed me on the inside. 
Not everything in life is as it seems. 

Do Love and Lice go together, I believe in this instance they did!

For without the lice, this precious child may not have ever received a loving touch, a connection to someone who could show her she was cared about. Without lice, she may have not opened up about her home life. Without lice, I would have never had the chance to get to know her. Without the lice, my heart would have never been touched in such a dramatic way.

My hope is that no child will have to live with a chronic lice problem and that a parent will take care of it promptly. 


To all the School Nurses out there! It is possible you may feel there is no time, but believe me...when you are called to do the unthinkable, the time will be made for you. 

Some may feel it is not their responsibility, but I ask you this one very important question.


Then who? 

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Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and Yellow, Black, and White, They are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.
20 Comments
Shauna L Bowling
2/27/2015 06:30:39 am

Kimmie, this story has me in tears. I'll bet this little girl, who is now a woman, remembers you as well. It may be because of you that she's learned to love and has a family of her own. I wonder where she is now? Wouldn't it be awesome if the two of you could meet for a cup of tea or hot chocolate?

This story is worthy of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Have you ever considered submitting it?

I love your new site. It's beautiful. It also gives you an additional venue to share RK Treasure Center with the world. Congratulations my friend!

Reply
Kimmie
2/27/2015 06:37:45 am

Hello Sha,
Thank you so much for being my first new comment. I wish I knew where she was. I do hope that her life has changed for the better and that she knew without a doubt she was a child of God and was loved. I never thought of submitting this story but will check into it. How exciting that would be. :) I am excited about this new blog. Alot simpler in nature and will be easier to keep up for sure.
Love you dearly and thanks again.
Love,
Kimmie

Reply
Mike
2/27/2015 06:33:50 am

Some people are born humanitarians. I believe you to be one of them. I am very happy that you are not going to abandon your writing. Whatever pace you choose is fine with me.

Reply
Kimmie
2/27/2015 06:40:25 am

Hi Mike,
Thank you for much for all your never ending support and friendship. I think this new blog will work perfectly for me. I felt lost when I thought I would not have a platform to write in my spare time. I am happy Angie helped me get it off the ground. I miss my nursing days and the children but like all of us..new seasons with new adventures if our hearts stay open to the changes that life gives.
God bless you always,
Love,
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
2/27/2015 06:41:20 am

Dear Kimmie,

All seems right in the world when your writing is close by like this.

I love this story...your heart and passion shines through every line, ever inspiring to me, dear friend.

Your site is 'simply' delightful...I feel right at home and will be back- Ange did a wonderful job.

Love, hugs and peace to you both this weekend, mar

Reply
Kimmie
2/27/2015 07:01:57 am

Dear Maria,
You know how busy our lives can get and when you add the hat of a nurse on top of it, sometimes it does feel like we cannot do it all but I was reminded of a time when I felt...how in the world am I going to do this...and somehow with Gods grace I was able to do what was placed before me. I am so happy you came by and left your sweet comment.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Ruby link
2/27/2015 07:14:52 am

Kim, your story touched me. Thank you for being a kind and wonderful nurse to that sweet little girl. Good luck with your new blog. Take care, Ruby

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/27/2015 08:41:54 am

Thank you so much dear Ruby! It seems like forever sense I have seen your smiling face. I am honored you stop by to say hello.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
2/27/2015 08:08:17 am

Kimi,

I'm way happy to have you back as a neighbor in the Weeblyhood again. I also loveeee the new website theme! It's an excellent fit for you and your work!

This post was the perfect one to re-open your doors with. It's been one of my favorites in your collected works and I know others are as blessed in reading it as I am.

Beautiful job on setting the bar high in professionalism and compassion. I'm so thankful some folks are willing to pull up the sign that says, "That's not my job ... " and toss it in the trash when compassion and integrity are longing to burst on the scene and do what they do best.

It's good to have you back ... ☺

femme

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/27/2015 08:44:32 am

Hello dear Femme,
Thank you Thank you Thank you for saving me and helping me in getting this blog up and running. I could not have done it without you. This story is one close to my heart as it is a time in my life when a blessing came in the body of one little girl. I will forever remember her sweet face. I pray Gods blessings over her life always.
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Vicki
2/27/2015 11:13:29 am

Kimmie - I'm so delighted to have you back, writing this beautiful story. It's truly touching and inspiring. I love the look of your new blog, and I think it's going to be much easier for you, and just what you need. Our femme is a talented miracle worker! Very best thoughts and congrats to you!
Love and hugs, Vicki

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/28/2015 01:28:29 am

Hi Vicki
Thank you so much for coming by. I am so excited about this new blog and yes I agree Femme is such a miracle worker. She has forever got me out of more messes when it comes to learning this techy stuff...lol Thank you for your encouragement always
Kimmie

Reply
Clifford Adams
2/28/2015 12:05:11 am

Kim
This is a wonderfully told true life story of concern for the health and well being of a child, that you couldn't help but love. I am sure she has returned that love to you and learned what real love is. I am certain she is paying your love forward everyday in her life with all the people she is in contact with. You have set in motion a love fission, which will expand enormously and will return to you one day.
Thanks for writing this experience and keep up the good work. God bless you. Cliff

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/28/2015 01:30:40 am

Dear Cliff,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and to leave such a wonderful comment. I do pray this little one did remember how very special she was and was and is loved. I hope like you said is able to pay it forward in her young adult life.
God bless you always,
Kim

Reply
Iris Draak link
2/28/2015 06:53:17 am

Shauna B. posted a link to this on Facebook so I came by to say hello and to congratulate you on your new blog. I love that you were too excited to wait until the 15th to post this story. That's how it should be. :)
All my best to you!
Iris

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/28/2015 11:40:48 pm

Dear Iris,
Aww God bless Shauna for sharing and thank you so much for taking time to read and stop by to leave a comment.
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday and you will stop by again.
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Martie link
2/28/2015 08:45:53 am

Dear Kimmie, while reading this post I found myself in a very weird state - empathy with the poor child, admiration for you, and aversion to creepy-crawlers of all kinds, and most of all to lice in my hair. All of this at once. Eeekkk!

Fortunately, I have never had them, and my children, too, never came home with it. But from time to time my grandchildren don't escape an outbreak at their school. My daughter then treats them thoroughly according to the indications of whatever product she uses, and to such and extend that the kids get pretty upset. "Don't look at me like that, I don't have lice!" the little one said the other day. "How do you know you don't have nits?" "Because my head isn't itching!"

Now here I am with an itching head, just because I am talking about lice!

Very touching post, Kim. You are an angel! I look forward to your monthly posts. But please don't stress when you can't make it.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Kim Thompson
2/28/2015 11:43:49 pm

Dearest Martie,
I truly understand the conflicting feelings. Many a days I would come home to have my husband check my hair. While he did it for me, it was not his favorite thing to do...lol All nine years of school nursing and treating children, I never got lice. I am happy you came by and left such an awesome comment. I am sure most would find this subject very itchy at best. :)
Lots of love,
Kimmie

Reply
Sannel link
3/1/2015 03:56:23 am

Dear Kimmie,

I'm just so very happy to see you back!
Sending my blessings and love across the miles to you.
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/1/2015 07:42:39 pm

Dear Sannel
Thank you my friend! You are truly a blessing to me!
Big hugs
Kimmie

Reply



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