Sandy's Comments about the 30th Omega House Anniversary.
For those that missed my talk at the front of the program or for those that couldn't understand me due to my crying the following is the main just of my talk.
Thank Patrice for the proclamation and for all of you attending. I want to spend my few minutes thanking some people who without them we could not be here today and I hope I can do this without blubbering up. (Well that didn't happen)
I am grateful for Eleanor Munger along with Dr Robert Awe, for having the vision and compassion to start Omega House. Seeing her picture daily does help to keep me centered and focus in the daily mission of Omega House as well as the how and why she saw to start this program. I hope that I have done her memory justice.
I want to thank Dr. Gus Krucke for his support and continued availability to us. For over 12 years he has never been any further away than a phone call, even when he was on vacation, cruises, visiting family out of state, weekend away trips or relaxing on a day off from his busy work and practice schedule. Knowing his care and compassion for our residents and that I can reach out to him gives me strength for the day to day.
To my current staff, those that are here today, the ones working now and who worked last night and are working tonight. They keep the place going and for most and to the outside world it looks effortlessly. They also encourage and support me and in the last few month, without them I would not be here. They have witnessed me unravel more than once and yet they have quietly tiptoed and put the frayed me back together. I have notice and I thank you.
Previous employee those that could join us today and those who couldn't I thank you. We have shared so many moments, laughing, crying, holding each other up and still getting the job done. They all have taken their memories to Omega House with them and I think it makes them a better person. Those that have left us, Ed Artwady, Nurse Nancy, Pam Staggs and Claudia Commo (who I really would not be her without, because she hired me) we remember them.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Omega House. It is the tradition of volunteers providing the care that Eleanor envisioned when she started back in 1986 and I am proud that we have been able to keep up that tradition. Taking the everyday person that is willing to show up and seeing them become a caregiver using the desire to serve and their talents is inspiring to see. It is what sets us apart from any other hospice.
Geri Murgola has work tirelessly for the last 25 years providing scheduling coverage and doing it in such a delightful way as a volunteer herself. It is always pleasant for me to hear and many of you have heard from the other end of the phone. "this is Geri with Omega House, can you help us out this Thursday afternoon, Saturday morning or Monday night" Who can not say yes to one of those no matter how busy of life you have.
All of Omega House staff and volunteers go way beyond the traditional roles of caregiving. Fixing faucets and commodes, laying tiles, stopping leaks, painting, yard work, gardening, maintenance, repairs, bedside vigils, comfort families, spiritual support, cooking, cleaning, laundry not to mention recruiting, scheduling and training of future volunteers. These is no task to great or small that they are not willing to do and its always done to improve the environment of Omega House for our residents and their families.
Now to any donors, former board member and community members who through many different ways support and keep the doors open. Either through Drag Shows, Benefits, Check, gift cards, making us the benefactors of their birthdays and weddings, holiday giving, in-kind gifts of towels, sheets, dishes and furniture. We are blessed to have you and we know it.
Followed by equally moving talks from Jim Carter and Bob Carp. Then a Party on the stage. It was a fabulous afternoon. Thank you all !!
