"The Wealthiest of All"

During the month of August, while Mom was in the hospital for rehab because of her July 30th stroke, we (Mom, Steve - my younger brother - and I) grew to love the CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) who work in skilled nursing. And they fell in love with Mom (and maybe a little with Steve and me as well).

One of the blessings of the month of August at Iredell Memorial Hospital is that as Mom remembered names of CNAs (and the names of their children … and the CNAs’ hopes and dreams and goals in life), she began to celebrate who they all are apart from the hospital. She listened to them and they listened to her. Steve and I found common ground and laughter, and even a few long-running jokes began to develop between a couple of the CNAs and us.

One CNA came back to the hospital on her day off to visit with Mom one last time before Mom’s discharge. Mom told us of how this young single mother was raising her son to love school, be responsible and respectful (she told this young mother often how proud she was of her). The young CNA/mother kissed Mom and, as she left, said, “If I’m ½ the mother Miss Betty is, I will be OK.” A hospital housekeeper brought her husband into Mom’s room after they had gone to church so that her husband could meet Mom. And yet another hospital housekeeper brought her brother and young grandson into Mom’s room so that they could also meet her. A CNA on the nightshift quietly came into Mom’s room in the middle of the night and wrote, “I love you” and drew a heart on Mom’s bedside notepad.

I have learned a lot during this time....

1.) Life can change in a flash.

2.) There is a mysterious strength that begins to surface in our weakest moments if we will allow it to do so … and if the strength and care of those who are there to help are welcomed. In those times, God quietly comes into our darkness and writes “I love you” on the notepads of our hearts.

3.) Everyone has life stories, goals, dreams, hopes, and struggles. Everyone has a smile to offer, time to listen, and love to give. EVERYONE … no matter what the color that our skin might be, or stage of life, or accents, or place of birth.    EVERYONE (am I saying that so that all might hear?)

4.) Wealth has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with love and generosity of heart.

For the month of August, I was in the presence of many “wealthy" people for there was a lot of love and generosity of heart in Room 134 at Iredell Memorial Hospital.