Amy Hynes is the Administrator at Heron Pointe Senior Living, in Monmouth, Oregon. She celebrates an ‘Employee of the month’ focusing on creating a culture of kindness and grace. Amy invites the residents to nominate employees for this special recognition, as they are closest to the Care Partners, and will have heartfelt feedback.
Amy and her leadership team were reviewing nominations, and read this employee nomination letter from Carol Webb, a resident at Heron Pointe.
This is Carol’s Letter to Amy
When I first came here, I was filled with anger, hate, and pain; but mostly I was filled with fear.
I had to leave my home of over sixty years. I had to leave those that were my friends in my neighborhood during this time. We raised our children together.
I had to give up my freedom to come and go as I liked because I had to give up driving. I really felt like I was no longer a person. Just a thing. Just a responsibility for my kids, both physically and financially.
But as soon as I walked in your door, I was surrounded by compassion and love. Everyone I came into contact with welcomed and helped me at every turn. All the girls and young gentleman treated me with great respect and kindness beyond my expectations.
When they found me crying, they held me and cried with me.
When I was lonesome, they took the time to talk with me.
Sometimes they found me playing cards by myself and sat down and taught me a new game.
They bathed me, taking away my embarrassment and shame. They helped me accept and change my ostomy bag even without gagging as I was inclined to do.
They helped me get around from place to place, telling me how and where to find the laundry room, dining room, hair salon, and more.
They became my new friends and family.
Each one of them became my dear friend, helping me find the important things when I had lost them – things like my smile and my heart, my hope, and most of all my courage.
God Bless all of the care partners, the housekeepers, the cooks and servers, and all who work here.
I discovered I gave up nothing – and added everything to my life.
I love you all!
Carol L. Webb
P.S. I can’t pick just one – you are ALL the Employee of the month!
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead
About Carol
Carol was born in Hood River Oregon and lived there for 10 years before moving to The Willamette Valley where she stayed until moving to Heron Pointe in February 2019.
She married her husband in 1958 after the Korean War. Carol made clothing and blankets for the family to cut costs. Her typical day was spent sewing, taking care of children, and working on the farm. She even drove a wheat truck for 10 years! Carol was a homemaker, a Cub Scout leader and taught Sunday school. Carol says her greatest accomplishment in life is her 3 children. She said, ”They drove me crazy, but they are sure a blessing.” At Heron Pointe Carol enjoys feeding and watching the birds, sewing or embroidery and listening to old western music. She loves people and helping in any way she can.
True North Elderhood 