This week at work I have been reminded of a former colleague because I feel like my journey has some similarities to hers. Before I explain the similarities, I would like to share a piece I wrote about her for the agency newsletter after she passed away in 2010. She was an amazing lady who touched many people's lives...
On January 26, 2010, Patricia, a team member of the
Crisis Program passed away after being
diagnosed with cancer this past September.
Patricia devoted much of her life to raising her seven
children and came to the human services field later in life. As she pursued this new direction, it became
a specific goal of hers to be an employee of the agency. With her bachelor degree she inquired about clinical
work but unfortunately there was nothing available. Undaunted
Patricia applied her great determination and worked toward earning a master
degree so that someday she could obtain a clinical position. In May of 2005, at the age of 63, Patricia graduated
Summa Cum Laude with her Master of Arts in Psychology.
In January 2006 Patricia began her
employment with the agency. As a per diem clinician she picked up
available shifts and did so with enthusiasm.
Her determination to learn was once again demonstrated when the Crisis
Program began transitioning from handwritten documents to computerized
documentation. Patricia, having limited
computer experience, got a typing tutorial program and taught herself to type. One year after Patricia began working for the
Crisis Program she accepted a full time position, splitting her 40 hours
between crisis work and outpatient therapy.
As a full time crisis clinician she worked evening, overnight and
weekend shifts as well as seeing outpatient clients 20 hours per week.
Outside of her work at the agency, Patricia was an advocate
for domestic violence awareness, organizing and speaking at local events. She was an adventurer and often shared stories
with her colleagues about her audacious treks on and around her rural property. She always had a
kind word to share or a tale to make you smile that could help ease a stressful
day at work.
Many words could be used to describe Patricia; strong,
determined, dependable, gracious and congenial are just a few. She will be remembered and missed for all of
these qualities but especially for her thoughtful caring ways and her ability
to make people laugh. Patricia touched
many lives through her work and taught us all that
anything really is possible.
So here's the similarities with me in my new job. I'm older than my colleagues. I'm doing work that I haven't ever done. I am not as quick as the younger folk and sometimes I need them to help when I get far behind. I show up faithfully. I stay after my shift is over and I have clocked out to finish things that I don't want to leave for someone else.
Today I asked my friend Tamie (also a former colleague) if she thought Patricia ever got down on herself. To which Tamie replied, "She did get down on herself for being slow and messing up but I think she balanced it with knowledge of what she brought to the team. A good attitude and life experience go a long way."
After a few days of being down on myself some Patricia inspiration is just what I need. Thank you, Tamie, for helping me put it in perspective. If I can bring a fraction of what Patricia brought to the Crisis Team to my new job, I'll make this world a little better place.
Until next time...
Peace, Love & Gratitude,
Hope
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