May is recognized as Older Americans Month and, since we serve local seniors, we thought it would be fun to create an activity you can do to share your story. Every day we make our mark in this world. Sharing our experience is one of many ways we can connect with our loved ones, even when we can’t be together in person. We have listed questions below, along with answers from our very own Hopewell RN’s. You could answer these questions or make up your own!
Who is the person that has inspired you to be your very best self?
“Amy Brumlow, my very first head nurse after graduating from nursing school, was such an incredible role model to me and I find myself emulating things she did that I just loved and found so helpful. Not above any task, she would hop up out of her chair so fast and come to the bedside to see a patient with me whom I was worried about or go help an aide bathe patients if they were behind on their tasks. Always cheerful, forever patient with this very inexperienced and new nurse, I will always be grateful for the vision she gave me for what I could be as a nurse.” ~ Julie P
“My mother is my inspiration to be the best me I can be. I have unfortunately watched her experience the hardest life lessons ever and she has always come out on top. My mother’s parents were killed by a drunk driver when I was in 8th grade. Her whole life was torn apart in the blink of an eye, but she stood tall. For as far back as I can remember, my mother worked two jobs, 5 days a week. She did this so my brother and I could have everything we needed.
She showed me that when times are hard, strive to be a lady with grace. My mother kicked Breast Cancer’s butt. She fought, even when there was hardly any hope. She is my hero. She is my inspiration. She is a blessing. She is the reason I am the strong, hardworking, caring mother, and compassionate person I am today. Thank you mom!” ~ Kristi R.
What is your very earliest childhood memory and why has it stuck with you?
“My earliest childhood memory would have to be spending time with my grandparents. I remember, even at a young age, packing my bags and spending days there. We would dress up in my grandma’s old jewelry and clothing, make popsicles out of Faygo soda, play with my mother’s barbies that my grandma kept and stayed up later than usual. I can still remember the smell of my grandmother’s sheets as she made up the spare bed for me. What I would do to turn back time to hear her voice and smell those sheets.” ~ Amber P.
Where was the most exciting adventure you took? Who were you with and what did you do?
“An exciting adventure I took: When I was in high school, I went on a church mission trip to Haiti with my youth fellowship group. We helped build a church school for one of the villages that had been destroyed in a hurricane.” ~ Catie S
What are you most passionate about and why?
“It’s simple, helping others. It makes me happy to make others happy. I feel like it’s not really how much I give but how much love I put into giving. It could be as simple as a smile, hug, or a card. It doesn’t take long to care about others!!!” ~ Lisa B
Feeling creative? You could write a book about your life experiences, paint a picture of a fond memory, or create a song capturing your story. We hope you find this inspirational during these difficult times. If you need any assistance, please reach out to us. Hopewell is here to help!
For more activities and ideas to engage virtually, visit the Older Americans Month website (https://acl.gov/oam/2020/oam-2020-activity-ideas)!
