Work, if you could call it that

My job is simple, but not easy. I spent 9 hours a day with severe mental disabilities. She doesn't speak, and needs help doing the simplest things. She follow simple commands, and I don't have to feed her, but that about her limit. I don't see her as disabled though. She's my friend. I tell her more than I tell most people, and the fact that she doesn't speak is often a bonus. Yes my days do sometimes get long, but she's a riot. Buggy, has more personality than most "normal" people I know. She's funny, emotional, sweet, sensitive, loving, stubborn. All wrapped into one. I don't make a lot of money, but have always said, "i don't do my job for the paycheck, I do it because I can't imagine doign anything else". It's amazing that I get paid to socialize, and do "normal" adult things, like shopping, and exercise. The hours can get long, and the work does get monotonous, but I won't trade it for the world. Her family is amazing, and recognize how much I do for her. They treat me to lunch twice a week, and are very flexible with my hours, well when I leave at least :) I love her plain and simple.
People have asked why I don't get my nursing degree and earn more money, but truly it wouldn't matter. I don't want it anyway. I do my job, because of Buggy. I would work the hours I do for anyone else, plain and simple!