Heidi's Day

Hi Nancy, it's Heidi. Here is my blog entry for today:

Great day at Brooke Grove. Today I saw lots of residents working hard in Rehab. Brooke Grove's Rehab department is first rate. All the therapists put so much effort into each and every resident. They are kind and work very hard.  I witness the improvements in residents' lives thanks to the hands of our Therapists. I enjoy working with each and every one of them.  

Nancy's note:  Heidi started to volunteer at Brooke Grove with her son, who needed SSL hours for graduation.  He has since graduated, joined the Coast Guard and is serving in Detroit.  Heidi loves Brooke Grove and says she'll never leave!  She volunteers every Wednesday morning transporting residents to Rehab, and she also visits one-on-one with some special friends.

May You Receive More Than You Give

This phrase came to mind recently as I listened to Chamini, a regular volunteer, share details of her unscheduled visit that afternoon.  For those who know Chamini, you know that she's exuberant and loves to laugh!

Chamini leads exercise classes in Assisted Living on Wednesdays, and afterwards she visits with several residents in the nursing home.  This particular week she changed her schedule to Thursday because of a work obligation, but on Wednesday afternoon, she found herself at Brooke Grove.  It had been a tough day at work, and even though she wasn't supposed to be on campus, she decided to stay anyway.

The residents were surprised to see her when she went to her usual building in The Meadows.  She happened to have brought a tape from the library where she works - a tape of World War II songs - which she played, and the residents loved singing along!  She also led some exercises, which the residents thoroughly enjoyed.  She spent an hour chatting with several residents, sharing stories and laughter with them.  One resident spoke for all when she said to Chamini, "It's nice to see someone so happy and joyous.  You make us feel good!"

Chamini always speaks with me in the office as she signs out, and I could tell she was extra bubbly.  After admitting her mix-up, she told me about her visits.  Referring to one resident who was particularly cheered to see her, Chamini said, "It made me feel better to make her feel better."

She continued, "I'm glad I came in today.  It was great to be appreciated like that and I couldn't have come at a better time.  That was the best experience!"

She went home all smiles, cheered by those whose lives she had touched.

The Brooke Grove Retirement Village family deeply mourns the sudden death of Tom Koteles on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.   Tom was a long-time member of the Plant Operations crew who was looking forward to retiring on Friday, February 26.

At his memorial service at Brooke Grove on Monday, March 1, Tom was lovingly remembered by colleagues for his quick wit, his ready smile for everyone he met, and his quiet strength.

Tom was always helpful to Volunteer Services by putting up and taking down our Inova blood drive banners at the entrance to Brooke Grove.  He also helped at the summer Block Parties and other outdoor events.  Tom will be greatly missed.

Tom Koteles (far left) and volunteer Jess Rodas (far right)

planting flowers on campus.