Last week we held our annual appreciation event for the first responders in our community. This is a chance for our residents to come together to thank the fire, police, and ambulance staff (and many more), who are always ready with a helping hand as emergencies arise. We had a lot of fun and truly appreciate these groups taking the time to come out and talk with our residents. We hope they enjoyed the goodies!
After a day filled with so much gratitude, and with Martin Luther King Day on Monday, this seems like a perfect time to reflect on a recurring theme that defines every day for us at River Pointe:
We all know that it is our reaction to events, that defines a situation. We are all human. Residents and Staff alike have bad days, or days that we are just plain tired. Especially so considering the weather lately. However, as I write this, I am reminded of the team I am so lucky to work with every day, and the kind comments I hear passed between neighbors and friends in the hallway…
So often, when a problem presents itself, instead of, “I’m just too busy!” I hear, “How can I help?” When a resident confides that things things are just not going well, I see people do what is often forgotten, but most needed – they just listen. We know the only way we can fix problems is if we listen, and work together. We practice responding with love.
Each day I see love in the care we provide for our residents, and the love and care between those that choose to call River Pointe their home. Each day I see love in the food prepared and served by our Food Services department, and how happy they are to hear their efforts are appreciated. I hear love from the hair salon in the laughter shared there, and when our stylist, Stacey, asks how the ladies are doing under the dryer. I see love from our volunteers, of which we have many, and from our first responders in cases of emergency.
I am humbled and inspired by these responses of love, and reminded of my favorite MLK quote. As you go about your day, I hope this post has reminded you that it is the little things you do every day that make a difference in other’s lives. They do not go unnoticed.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Website: https://riverpointemoorhead.com/
Pictures and fun things: https://www.facebook.com/RiverPointeSeniorLiving/