Make A Dent
by
Rebekah Martin
This past Valentines Day I came across a quote by Mother
Theresa that read “The hunger for love is much harder to remove than the hunger
for bread”. I have the honor of making a
dent in this hunger every day through “Legacies” our Memory Care program.
Life in all stages in both challenging & rewarding.
However, this Dent we make in weaves the two. Creating a beautiful,
one-of-a-kind tapestry that becomes the fabric of our lives.
A great example I love to share is one day while working at
our Assisted Living Community that specializes in Memory Care, I was rushing
from phone calls to reports to a tour to paperwork to moving furniture because
someone was moving in…….when I observed a resident – observing me.
After I finished what I was doing I walked over to Mildred.
A beautiful black woman with strong ways, strong opinions & very strong
affections!
“Hi Mildred. How are you?” I asked. In that low and smoky voice she replied
evenly “Just like a 16 year old”.
“That’s cool. Me too most of the
time. So where are you going?”. “Crazy” she cracked.
I gave her a hug, told her I’d be back and headed out to
make my rounds at the local hospital. Before closing the door behind me I
looked back to see that she began to smile after me.
After arriving at the Hospital, I stepped in the elevator
and removed my sun glasses. As the doors closed I remarked to the gentleman
riding with me on what a beautiful day it was. It was then I noticed he was
still wearing his sun glasses when he replied quietly “I wish it were a better
day”. Oh dear I thought. “I’m sorry. Do you have a loved one here?”.
“My wife” he replied “I’m going to her room right now
because they’re going to pull the plug. She’s only 44.”
Before those doors opened again I learned his name was Robert
and assured him he would be in my prayers.
Because Life has taught me that being there for people who cross our
path is what a friend does.
Of course my heart was heavy as I continued to the 4th
floor case management dept. but that’s where I found Faith.
Faith’s mother lived at our Community years ago so when she
saw me she knew she didn’t have to keep conversation strictly business. She
could tell me anything on her mind. And
that day, she did! She ended her venting
about the lack of rewards in her dept. for those who work harder than the
others with “I’m just burned out, I’m burned out, I’m burned out”…….
Thankfully I was able to put a smile on her face before I
left (because that’s what we do not only AT our community but also IN our
community) by sharing a favorite inspirational quote, but as I walked back to
the elevator, I began to wonder what I could do to make a difference for Faith.
People were getting on and off as I headed down, but then
the doors opened at the 2nd floor, and in walked Robert.
And somehow once again he & I ended up being the only 2
on that elevator continuing down to the 1st.
I instinctively placed my arm across his shoulders.
He, uttered 2 words.
“Its over”.
Before we parted I handed him my business card and said
“Robert, I want you to pick up the phone any day of your life you need someone
to talk to or someone to listen. Every manager at our Community has seen what
you’re going through”.
I stayed just long enough to watch him take a seat in the
lobby. It was then it occurred to me he
was all alone.
So by the time I reached the parking lot again and my
convenient Lexus cage, I thought “Am I the only one that needs a glass of
Chardonnay right now?!”.
And I need an answer.
It came. The answer that is.
I cannot erase Robert’s sorrow.
I cannot change the dynamics at the hospital.
And I cannot cure Alzheimer’s Disease which afflicts so many
of our residents
But, I can Make a Dent.
I realized Robert was not entirely alone in his time of
need. I was there…
I discovered Faith recently celebrated her 10th
anniversary working at the medical center. We showed our appreciation and what
followed is another beautiful story.
And I had the privilege of Co-Chairing Modesto’s 1st Walk To ENDAlzheimer’s through which we exceeded our fundraising goal by almost 20k.
You see, making a dent in this way is what I’ve learned is
the “Up” to the “Down”.
Its celebrating Life
Its making meal time an opportunity to share & socialize
Its being a friend
And it’s the expression of confidence our families have in
us that we take very seriously.
So, I invite you to join us for an upcoming event at our
Community, to volunteer or just for lunch & a tour. Not only because our
team knows how to celebrate life like no other, but because its even better
with you!
I encourage you to make a Dent. Its your Legacy.
Rebekah Martin
Community Relations Director
Pacifica Senior Living - Modesto, CA
No comments:
Post a Comment