I have 3 special caregivers to introduce, one of which is the inspiration for the care givers drive. They are all so special and dear to me. I'd like to introduce Amy, Steve and Allison.
Amy is a nurse and works in the emergency room at a local hospital. Her job is caregiving in critical circumstances. But that's not why I nominated her. I nominated her for the work that is above and beyond her job. For the last two years her and a co-worker run a program for high-school students at the hospital. The students come to the hospital for a semester and learn all the different areas of healthcare. These kids want to be there, less than 10% that apply actually get in. The work that she does to not only show them the field of nursing but making sure all other aspects of career opportunities are exposed. This provides a wealth of knowledge as these Junior and Seniors make very critical choices that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Some come and solidify their choice, some see new doors open that they weren't aware of and some learn the health care profession may not be for them. All very important learning no matter which way it steers you. For this caring for the youth and the generation that will someday lead this nation, I thank Amy. Keep doing what you're doing it's wonderful impact on the world.
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| Simple but with a big impact, that's Steve |
Next is Steve, a physicist. Steve has always cared for my dad in ways that none of the other kids do or can. It's just in his heart. He does this from the East Coast when my dad lives in the MidWest. He makes sure he gets to his Dr appointments, he makes sure his Gym membership is up to date. He talks to him weekly and visits multiple times a years. He's helped to make sure that dad stays connected and finds good things on the internet from time to time. Words just can't describe what he's done for him and at times I"m not even certain my Dad knows or appreciates it. But that doesn't stop Steve. He's driven from deep within to care and there is nothing that can stop him. I have felt that care myself many times. Thanks Steve for all you do, you make a difference in this world. Well I didn't have anyone taking pictures as it was a bit of a surprise that they actually came out and I was able to give to him personally. You can see which one he got. Thanks to Arlene for grabbing some pictures.
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| It was so nice to deliver n person in Georgia, |
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| The inspiration for the Caregivers Quilt Drive |
And finally Allison. The inspiration for the caregivers. Allison is away studying to be a clinical psychologist in FL. As part of her PHD program, she does counseling. Her areas of speciality are suicide, alcoholism and substance abuse. She works at one of one of the state psychiatric hospitals. One day I called her and she was a bit down. When I asked, she had a hard day with one of the patients. It was then that it just hit me. Yes, all the cancer patients and those that need quilts for health issues or reasons we may not know, bless them they are valid. But what about those that care for the people with Cancer? With Mental Illness? They do this day in and day out. They need a bit of self care. They need to understand how to recharge, rejuvenate from the thing that they can't help but do - care. So one third of our quilts this year went to caregivers. As a small and simple way to say thank you, you are making the world a better place. And to provide just a tiny bit of self care when it's' needed.
To all the caregivers, not all are in the healthcare profession, thank you for all you do. The world is a better place because of you!! If there is a special care giver in you life, just let them know you notice, you see it and you appreciate it. That goes a long way!
