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The poem at the bottom is one I originally posted in March 2012 in Fruitfulsteps.  It was given to me by a little old lady I met through my work.  I loved her attitude, and I’d love to share the poem with you! It seems almost every day in the clinic someone recites to me that familiar line, “Don’t get old!” I usually respond that there are two choices: grow old, or die young! I understand. People say that because their bodies aren’t working the way they used to. They’re in pain, or they are prevented from doing some of…

Reposted from Fruitfulsteps 1-29-14 The last thing I wanted to do today was to leave my warm house and my four daughters and go out into this bitter cold. I was dragging my feet extra heavily because I knew that in the middle of the day I had to evaluate a new client in an area of town where often I don’t feel safe. But duty calls, and I drug myself out the door, saw a couple of morning clients and headed through downtown. I said a short prayer for protection, as I often do in this particular neighborhood, and found…

Reposted from Fruitfulsteps: My time working as a therapist in home health has given me new insight into people.  Being with them in their home and  their chosen surroundings tells me more about them than the clinic ever could. 11.12.13. What a beautiful, crisp, fall day! I got to hear the frosty leaves cracking off their twigs, and watch them flutter to the ground while walking with a very spry and interesting 90 year old who had not been outside in many weeks. Good conversation, mutual respect, and enjoyment of the season were priceless. That’s what I’m thankful for today!

Reposted from Fruitfulsteps 10.17.13.  I went on a home health visit today. The home smelled just like my Grandma Goss’ used to. Not good or bad, just Grandma. There I met the cutest little 94 year old man who said, “Call me Christmas!” Then he offered me half a boiled egg white (he had eaten the yolk) and the last pecan off his cinnamon roll. No…i didn’t eat them, But what a reminder of the power of relationships, the beauty of people quietly living their lives, and of meeting and loving strangers. joy!

Nowhere to sleep-taken from my Facebook post 8-11-15 After 25 years in physical therapy, today I saw another first. I met a man in an assisted living facility who had moved into his one bedroom apartment without a bed. Instead, he filled his entire bedroom with books! I couldn’t help but think of 3 of my daughters. This man had rows of bookshelves COMPLETELY full of books extending overhead almost to the ceiling. There were 3 aisles of shelves in the room, and the perimeter was lined with bookcases as well. There was just enough room to roll his wheeled walker…