When reflecting on my thoughts on my thanksgiving message, the feeling that constantly surfaced for me is the feeling of gratitude. I feel an immense sense of gratitude that I am surrounded by such amazing professionals. Amazing in every sense, compassion, empathy, professionalism, commitment…. I could go on and on down this list of virtues that I see in all of you.
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” — Henri Frederic Amiel
When completing the services for a specific client recently, all these virtues were in full display. The client was moving to another state to be closer to their family. Yet, till the last minute of our service to the client we never wavered. Our caregivers were very compassionate till the last minute. The client traveled with our caregiver to the new state/new city, where the caregiver helped the client settle down smoothly in the new environment. That is compassion and that is commitment. That is what our values are.
It is easier for me to say this. However, you are the one who translates our philosophy of caring into action. I could not do this without you all. I am grateful to all of you and your families, who support you in this journey. Together we have been able to serve a lot of families over the years, keep them safe from harm, and provide them quality of life through their golden years. We never limited the boundaries of our service to the six ADLs. There is always more to one’s life than the ADLs. You put in the effort to know them as a person and found innumerable ways to exceed the expectations. When any of our clients passed away you held their hands and cried with the family. The families invite us to their services. You grieved like it was your own family. How can I ever be thankful enough to such beautiful minds and beautiful people?
This feeling of gratitude, though I am writing this on the eve of thanksgiving, is perpetual. I am grateful every day and every moment for what I have, and I am grateful for you all whom I have in my life. Anne retired from our company earlier this year. She worked with several companies before joining New Wave. When joining our company, she thought of working for about 3-5 years. Anne went on to work with us for nine years before she chose to retire.
While Covid has not gone away, the challenges we faced were significant. We were all in unchartered waters and to a large extent we still are. Yet with help from you all, we navigated these difficult times. I am grateful for your commitment and support during these difficult times.
Challenges in life can be new, but the determination and commitment to resolving any new challenges that come up are the same. During this Thanksgiving, take a moment to thank you for who you are. We need to thank ourselves, and our families who are our strength and then thank everyone around us. I hope in this Reflect on the good things you did for others, the difference you made in someone’s life, and all the love that surrounds you in your life. Know that you are beautiful both inside and out.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity … it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ― Melody Beattie
I am thankful & grateful to each and every one of you. As I said my thankfulness is perpetual, TO YOU.
