I am a bird. I’m an ordinary bird, but I make my nest in the most extraordinary place! My home, you see, is in the beautiful Meditation Gardens of a place called Hospice of the Upstate.
This place is extraordinary for many reasons. First of all, it’s truly beautiful! The serene setting is surrounded by blooming gardens all around. Also, I see and hear the most incredible people serving patients and families both here and in their own homes. And mostly, I watch these people do the most amazing work.
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| Butterfly & Dove Release at Hospice of the Upstate |
I know I’m just an ordinary bird who lives among extraordinary happenings. But I witnessed something that has inspired me. Recently, a very large crowd gathered near my nest – a crowd of hundreds! I was a little frightened, and considered flying elsewhere for a while. But then I saw a man who brought birds in boxes, and my curiosity would not allow me to leave.
The birds in the boxes were not plain, like me. They were lily white, like flying angels! After some commotion, the huge crowd released butterflies into my garden, and then, suddenly, the birds in the boxes were set free to the delight and inspiration of the on looking crowd! These beautiful white doves brought such meaning to the throngs of people! I thought, “Oh, if only I could inspire people like these miraculous birds. But I am a simple bird, and I do not possess their beauty, their training, their discipline.”
I pondered on these things for some time. What is my purpose? And suddenly I realized that I am inspired every day by what I witness at Hospice of the Upstate, and perhaps my purpose is to tell the story of all I see around me!
I’m just a bird. But I can tell the story of Hospice of the Upstate, the incredible people who work here, and the families they serve. I hope you’ll be inspired!
There are no ordinary birds. Espically at Hospice of the Upstate. I too have spent many years there helping to take care of the patients. I have moved on, after completing my RN degree, to another field of care. I will always remember the times spent there with those special people. To call myself blessed just doesnt seem to be enough. The awesome transitions i have witnessed and the incredible workers there leaves me im awe. I became the person I am today because of mt experiences at Hospice. The love and careing there cannot be compared. I am grateful. So,little bird you are lucky to have the gardens. Those sweet gardens. Keep your head up little bird, for you never know who may be receiving a blessing from your flight.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to be a very small part of the HOU switchboard staff. Every time I work, I receive lessons in kindness, love and compassion. Very special staff and facility. Thank you!
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