Many people all over the world have heard the phrase “Be the change you wish to see in the world” coined by well-known civil rights leader Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. Even though this phrase was used during a time of great civil arrest, I think it could also be applied to those that choose to work in healthcare and especially senior care.
I remember when I was in high school, college, and even graduate school, people would ask me all the time, “Mike, what do you want to be when you grow up?”. I think I’m still answering that question today because life is an ongoing journey. However, I do know, at this time in my life, I am tremendously grateful that I have the opportunity to serve at Dow Rummel Village and serve our great residents. Even though some people in my generation would say that it is a waste of time or insignificant to serve and honor our senior population, I believe quite the opposite. In doing so, I believe that I have the chance to honor and give back to those people that have given me and my predecessors so much. We all stand on each other shoulders. In other words, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those that were born before us. Therefore, we have the responsibility AND the joy, in being at Dow Rummel, to serve one other and be a supportive presence in this journey called life, especially in these times of COVID-19.
During this time, I am thankful that we can help support each other through daily needs, build each other up by using positive comments and warm greetings, remind each other of how special we are to one another, we can deliver groceries to each other, prepare and deliver food, be a companion for each other, play games with one another, deliver medications or groceries to those who need them, or bring spring flowers to an apartment. One at a time, each of these actions changes one person’s world, our Dow Rummel world and our collective world.
Therefore, until next time, be safe, be well, and be the change you wish to see in the world.