| Second wind dreams offer possibilities |
By: By SARA REID, Staff Writer
|
|
Hillview Community Living Center’s most senior residents Lula Harrison (left) and Molly Stroud
|
|
In running a marathon, fatigue weighs heavily upon the mobile warrior until an athlete’s closest ally -- the second wind in the form of motivation, perseverance and the drive to finish strong, defeats it. Similarly, in life, time weighs heavily upon a battle-tested soul and then when least expected, but most needed, comes the second wind to guide the runner to the finish line.
A large white cake flanked by bags of gifts separates the smiling faces of Molly Stroud and Lula Harbison, but the 99-year-old residents of Hillview Community Living Center in Dresden are not celebrating a birthday. They’ve simply had their wishes granted by Second Wind Dreams, a community program that makes dreams come true for the residents of Hillview and the Weakley County Nursing Home.
Residents like Stroud and Harbison are provided with the opportunity to make wishes and activity directors Brittany Hughes and Kathy Watson at the Weakley County Nursing Home and Hillview respectively aid in making the dreams become realities.
Stroud opens her goodie bag to discover some Gaither compact discs and videos and Harbison pulls a nightgown out of her package. Most of the requests cost $20 or less, but mean a great deal more to the recipients because they are usually items often taken for granted -- meals, toiletry items and even a high school diploma in one instance.
“This has been going on for about seven to eight years,” Watson explained. “It’s been going on longer in other areas, but our corporate offices were the first to introduce the idea to the area. Jan Graham poked and prodded Weakley County into getting it and getting with it. We’re the first facility to start it and it has really taken off.”
In the beginning, the facility itself sponsored the dreams, but later on through mostly word of mouth, others became involved including Lou Ann Powers of Santa’s Helpers and Charlene Harris of the Palmersville Baptist Church before Graham joined.
“This is my third year of it and it keeps going year round. We’re always doing something,” Hughes remarked. “It’s an opportunity for the residents to make a wish in order to have their day brightened.”
“We do this pretty regularly. Last time, we did seven at a time because they all wanted meals. It was a big party day,” Watson said.
“The residents ask for the stuff we take for granted,” she added. “Pizza, hamburgers … these people don’t get these sort of things and don’t get to do these sort of things. They’re not physically able or don’t have the resources. Lula wanted one gown and Molly wanted gospel music, but I hope I’m as spry as Miss Molly if I’m still around at that age.”
Over at the Weakley County Nursing Home, Hughes expresses mirror image observations and feelings.
“The majority of the people ask for practical things. Herbert King, a resident, asked for a UT Knoxville jacket and was shocked when we were able to get it for him. Recently, a mobile entertainment unit was put together for the facility with the help of a few community organizations and that’s been the biggest thing yet,” Hughes said.
Not only do the residents receive their second wind to keep going when their dreams are fulfilled, but their excitement and infectious happiness rooted in the appreciation of simplicity provides a second wind for Watson, Hughes and everyone else who becomes a part of the entire process.
“It’s wonderful,” Hughes admitted.
“I love to see the residents and watch their reactions. The love to make the paper, they love to receive the gifts and they love to know they’re loved.”
WCP 12.04.07 |
|
Printer-friendly format
|
|
