August 19, 2011
Saying goodbye
When I began working for Ribbon of Hope in September of 2007 I had little idea of what I would experience or of what I might contribute. As I look back with only a few days left in this job the surprise at the end is that what matters most to me now is not what I learned or contributed, but the people I got to know along the way.
Loretta has been an amazing person to work for and work with. Her experience in the business world before coming to Ribbon of Hope makes her stand out in the sea of non-profit executives. She taught me how to do things well, while doing good. She never demanded from others what she wasn’t willing to give of herself. She encouraged my strengths and prodded my weaknesses. Correction was easier to take because she was so generous with compliments.
I fear starting a list of all the Elkhart hospital staff, past and present, who have touched my life and made me a better person. Yet several people set examples worthy of remembering and following.
David Hudson, the hospital chaplain, found time to talk to me and remembered what we had talked about the next time he saw me. That might not seem remarkable until you realize that he has over 2000 hospital employees to care for, plus the spiritual needs of hundreds of patients. I want to become a listener like David.
Greg Lintjer is President of the hospital. We have never spoken to one another. Some months back he earned an important award and I sent congratulations in an e-mail, figuring that my note would merely be one more of dozens of messages. He surprised me with a short, but personal, thank you response. I want to learn to show gratitude like Greg.
Sometimes I would be visiting a patient in one of the hospital rooms and a nurse would come in to check on the patient. It didn’t matter which nurse it was, because I could truthfully say to the patient “this is one of the best nurses we have”. They invent “beach parties” for long term patients. They have built an atmosphere of caring that causes patients to choose to stop by for a visit even after treatments are done. I want to be a team player like the nurses and staff in the Elkhart General Hospital Oncology unit.
The Ribbon of Hope Board of Directors (and our other volunteers as well) each have very full lives with many responsibilities, yet they give time and talents and finances to help our organization succeed. I hope I never get too busy to support the ministry of others.
Not the least in importance, I have seen many patients face cancer with courage and perseverance. Undeterred by hair loss, nausea, and pain they continue to bless others. They face life with grace, and face death without fear. The friendship and vulnerability they have shown me in the midst of their own challenges teaches me what is important and what is not. I pray that I will learn to value the gift of each day of life, and to value each person I meet.
So as I close this chapter and hand my responsibilities to the next runner in this relay I can only say “Thank you”. Not “good bye” for we have a hope beyond this fragile life, just “see you later”.
Ken Holderman
