Morrow
September 12, 2017
Dear Carrie Lloyd, Megan Bing, Creshine Johnson, Valrita Jessie, Priscilla Adom, Jacquelyn Stancil, Ziah Nyanue, Jean McGuckin and Lakeya Brown,
There is a song I love that has been done by many artists over the years, titled, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. The song itself was inspired by a true story. The true story of this incredible Morrow team calls to mind the lyrics of this song.
The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
There indeed has been a long, winding road at Morrow and we are all thankful that together you have the strength to support people who need you with the positive, can-do mindset that’s reflected in this classic song.
Having been a sub at Morrow before becoming Assisting Director one-year ago, Tandy was excited to be assigned as Morrow’s AD because she had seen first-hand the work-ethic and positivity of this team. Together, with the support of Tandy, Kelly Fenn and Nurse Lois, those of you working at Morrow at that time did everything in your power to give Helen the very best care during her last months. This was no easy task; it was extremely hard for you to see Helen declining. Even after a whole year of requiring total care while on hospice, Helen never experienced a single skin breakdown – truly remarkable!
While providing stellar care for Helen, you never let Marian’s People-First support diminish. Marian continued to live her best life of possibilities as you supported her active lifestyle. Your communication, respect and positivity with the women and one another demonstrated the highest level of SPIN’s Professionalism standards.
After a life of love and possibilities, the beautiful Helen Geyer passed away on January 28, 2017. This was an exceptionally challenging time for the Morrow team. In addition to mourning Helen, some on the team had to be redeployed while others remained at Morrow to continue supporting Marian and putting her first in all that you did to help her cope with the death of Helen.
Then late in February, the Morrow team was informed that their help would again be needed for someone on hospice care. Brian Metz from Colebrook would be moving into Helen’s room. We knew this was a lot to ask. Forging ahead, together with Tandy, you prepared Helen’s room and your hearts for Brian.
Brian moved into Morrow on March 1st. It didn’t take him long to adjust to Morrow because Sandra, Creshine, Megan, Pauline, Jean and Jacquelyn came with him. The Morrow team was now merged with members of the Colebrook team. This new team as well as Brian and Marian were all adjusting to each other and this new situation at the same time. As Tandy wrote in her nomination letter, “Even through this transition, staff always remembered “people are always first.” The Morrow team then turned their focus to one huge goal: getting Brian to leave his home and go on outings for the first time in ages.
A travel wheelchair was purchased for Brian and the Morrow team encouraged him to go outside and on trips, but still Brian refused. Then miraculously, on June 15th Brian decided to go outside to eat his lunch with Marian and staff. Brian enjoyed it and continued to have lunch outside with his staff, this was a real breakthrough! Finally, Brian was doing so well at Morrow that it was decided at a meeting for him on July 9th, he was well enough to be discharged from hospice. A truly transforming and amazing accomplishment!
Despite knowing that Brian was refusing to attend the approaching 2017 summer bash, Tandy purchased t-shirts for Marian and Brian. Tandy recalled in her nomination letter, that during the summer bash at Neshaminy State Park, she saw the Morrow vehicle arrive with both staff. Confused, Tandy wondered, “Who was home with Brian?” Looking into the vehicle to see both Marian and Brian was a proud moment for Tandy. This team had a vision for Brian and a great commitment to work together to get him out and participating in life again. You did it! Your hard work and dedication paid off!
This mighty Morrow team of Carrie, Megan, Creshine, Valrita, Priscilla, Jacquelyn, Ziah, Jean and Priscilla calls to mind another lyric from the song.
If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another
With hearts filled with love and gladness and demonstrating every SPIN Pillar, the Morrow team is changing lives for the better and supporting true lives of possibilities. On behalf of SPIN’s Corporate Board, the management team, your colleagues and especially Marian and Brian, congratulations to the Morrow team for being awarded SPIN’s Team of the Quarter for the summer of 2017! We admire and deeply appreciate each of you and all that you do!
Warmest Regards,
Kathleen Brown McHale
President & CEO