Hope the new year has started off well for everyone!
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Inspiring People of 2015
Here we are, just a few days into the New Year!! We leave behind the old, and look forward to
the new. 2015 was a year of change for
many of us. Many of us lost loved ones. Others welcomed new babies into their
families. There were weddings, and there
were divorces. Some received devastating
news from the doctor, while others received news of hope. The only thing that stays the same is that
nothing ever stays the same. Whether
good or bad, our lives can change in an instant.
2015 was a year of change for me, too. At the end of June, my co-workers and I were
informed that our jobs were being outsourced to a national agency. We had the choice of going with the agency
for a guaranteed position, but most of us elected to pursue other avenues. Fortunately, I was able to transfer into the
position of medical scribe within the hospital system, allowing me to keep
benefits, length-of-service, etc.
Not only did my job description change, but everything about
my work day changed. I went from working
at home in my PJs and fuzzy socks, sitting at a desk all day, to wearing scrubs
and shoes, driving into the office, and standing on my feet all day. From working in solitude, to working with
other people. This was perhaps the
biggest change of all. Spending so much
time alone had reduced even more the size of my world, and my small circle of
friends and my family were pretty much the only folks I saw. Sadly, I had also become somewhat cynical
through the years, finding it difficult to trust people, and not very willing
to share my life with those outside my little world. I knew that changing jobs would have an
impact on my life, but I never imagined how it would change ME.
Every year Barbara Walters has a special about the people
she finds most fascinating, though her definition of fascinating is much
different from mine!!! These past few
months of working outside my home have exposed me to some very interesting
people, both at the office, and people I’ve come across while out and about in
public. Inspiring people. I’d like to tell you about a few of them.
One day I overheard an older gentleman speaking to another
gentleman. He was talking about his
wife, who is showing increasing signs of dementia, which, understandably, was
very distressing for him. But I was
touched to tears as I saw his face light up, and he said, “But, you know, every
time I look at her, I fall in love all over again.” Now, if you’ve had any experience with
someone with dementia, or Alzheimer’s, you know what a horrific disease it is,
and how it can rob your loved one of their true personality. Sometimes they are not very lovable, and are
difficult to be around. To hear this
man’s declaration of love rocked me, and I will never forget his words. He inspires me to love, even when it is
difficult to do so.
I heard the story of how an elderly, wheelchair-bound,
legally blind woman was delivered from a debilitating fear of the dark. She told how God came to her in the form of
light, and she felt Him say to her “Fear not, for I am with you always.” She was never afraid of the dark again. How profound – for one who is blind to be
delivered of her fear of darkness. Her
faith is real, and I felt it spill over into me. I am inspired to have faith that my God is
with me always, and there is no need to fear.
I met a woman who is facing a terminal disease, and is
running out of treatment options. She is
so strong and positive. She lives every
day to the fullest. Though her reality
is harsh, and there are moments of understandable weakness, she pushes
forward. She inspires me to be a better
person, to make a difference in the world, and to be thankful each morning for
another day in which to be alive.
Then there’s Andy, a patient at our office (name used with
permission). I asked him if I could
share his story, and he reluctantly agreed.
I say reluctantly, because he is a humble man, not wanting attention
drawn to himself. I don’t know much
about Andy’s history or his personal life, but I look forward to learning more. He’s a long-time patient at the office, and
it is obvious that everyone loves him.
At one of his appointments, he told us about an award he had recently
won. He was chosen at the state level for
Caregiver Of The Year. He was selected
from hundreds of candidates, and was honored at a very fancy reception, a stay
at a luxurious hotel, a limo ride, a standing ovation, and was presented a
token of appreciation by President Carter, and Rosalyn! What an honor for him! He was treated like royalty, and was shown
great respect. He was so excited to
share the news with us, and we were delighted to share in his joy!! One again, I found myself wiping my eyes
while sharing in the joy of another. A
few weeks later, he came by to tell us that he had been given the award for the
Region, as well!!! It is wonderful to
see someone recognized for their dedication and hard work. The job of caretaker is one of service,
humility, and commitment. Andy is a servant, and is willing to do anything he
can to help another person in need. He
told me if there is ever anything he can do for me, all I have to do is
call. I know he is sincere, and I know
I could count on him. He is a true
hero. He inspires me to have the spirit
of a servant, and to show kindness to others.
Working outside my home has been a huge change, indeed. But the greatest change has come about inside
of me, as I have met these incredible people beyond the walls of my home. I am finding goodness, kindness, and amazing
strength in people, and my faith in humanity is being restored.
The people who inspire me would never make Barbara’s list. But the people who inspire me are real. And I am honored to know them. They help me to be a better person.
The New Year ahead is a blank canvas. Let’s do our best to paint a picture of
inspiration for others. Happy New Year
from my house to yours!!
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