Unexpected Treasures...

                                                       Unexpected Treasures


   Some of the most profound experiences of my life started with something very small, such as a thought, idea, experience, or a chance meeting. In particular, meeting an elderly woman in need of a visitor, evolved into a deep and lasting friendship. Much as a worn pathway on a hike can lead to unexpected views, flora, or even a chance sighting of a treasure in the natural world, so too can people bring many gifts into our lives. 

   While in college at CSU Chico, I took it upon myself to volunteer some time reading to a legally blind woman. This woman and I became friends, and I call her my adopted grandmother. Over many years, she and I shared many hours together reading, shopping, and going to theater and musical events. I came to appreciate her wisdom, and her joy in the simple things of life. Even though she was legally blind, she managed to have a positive attitude, and lived life to the fullest. From my adopted grandmother I learned to slow down a bit, and take time for others. Her joy in life stemmed from a deep inner balance, seeing things in their proper perspective. She taught me not to get caught up in the small, petty and inconsequential things of daily life, but to develop a more omniscient view on events. She also taught me to be more reflective throughout the day, and to take my religious beliefs seriously. My adopted grandmother never complained about anything. This was exceptional to me, as I know that she had her aches and pains. 

   I lost my adopted grandmother over twelve years ago, and yet her memory is held deep within my spirit. As a nursing student at CSU Chico, I learned more practical wisdom from her than I could have learned from any textbook. My debt of gratitude to her knows no bounds. In life, there are many unexpected treasures awaiting us, whether it be a person, idea or experience. Sometimes even very negative experiences hold within them a wealth of wisdom. These gems light up our path through life, and dispel any darkness. 

~Kathy~

Healthcare Documentary "The Waiting Room"

                   Healthcare Documentary "The Waiting Room"

  Interestingly,this political season has provided a vast number of narrative stories from both major party candidates. It seems clear that personal stories tug at the heart strings of people from all walks of life. Some of my most treasured family memories are the stories that have been passed on to me from my parents. These stories create an emotional bridge with ancestors I never knew. They also function as a window or lens, through which I connect with who and where I am from. The power and value of stories to create connections between people is an ancient tradition. Every culture uses storytelling to pass on cultural traditions, values, recipes,and family history. 

  Each of us has his or her own stories to tell, and many powerful stories come from those who have health-related narratives to share. This is the raw material from which Bay Area filmmaker Peter Nicks created his documentary about Oakland's Highland Hospital, titled "The Waiting Room". Nicks, who earned his master's degree in documentary filmmaking at UC Berkeley, focuses on the narratives of the uninsured. 

  Using "The Waiting Room" as a launchpad, Nicks has started developing what he calls a "digital storytelling project" about the nation's healthcare system. He wants to examine what works, what doesn't and where to go from here by having ordinary people tell their own stories. The website, www.whatruwaitingfor.com is developing into a multimedia platform where people can share their stories using videos, comments, blogs and pictures. A tab at the top allows you to classify your story according to a specific emotion. The site also gives viewers an opportunity to choose particular themes, such as: access to care, violence and chronic disease, or others that may be relevant to them. 

  This project has reverberating effects into the developing medical community as the film and storytelling website are slated to be incorporated into medical school curriculums, universities and elsewhere, as part of an effort to expand the conversation about healthcare.

  The documentary "The Waiting Room" opens in the Bay Area on Friday October 19th at the Grand Lake in Oakland, Camera Cinemas in San Jose, and Sundance Kabuki in San Francisco.

~Kathy~
*Reference: Tri-Valley Times 10/18/12

Free Market Lesson...

                                                         


        Recently I had two experiences which caused me to stop and reflect on the pluses and minuses of the free market system. Many months ago I decided to try and sell some of my sewing and knitting projects at a local senior center craft shop. I was excited by the idea of having people purchase what I made, and I decided that my earnings would go to a local charity. 

     A few months went by, and none of my handmade clothing or knit baby washcloths were selling, and I was somewhat disappointed.Around this time, I decided to give some of the clothing I had made to an organization that provides clothes to the needy in our local community. I happened to be in the office on the day when a mom walked in asking for clothes for her 2-year old son. One of the things she needed was pajamas. She looked through the clothing drawers, and lovingly reached for the flannel pj's I had brought in that day. An indescribable feeling came over me, and even with the passage of 2 weeks since that day, I have difficulty putting into words what I felt at that moment. If pressed to articulate the feeling, I would say it was a combination of joy, gratitude, humility and pride all mixed together. Even though no one had purchased these pj's when they were on sale at the craft shop, I had been royally compensated for them from the look on the mothers' face when she chose them for her son.

     Since this experience, some of my craft items have found a buyer, and I have earned some monetary compensation. However, no monetary reward can compare to knowing that something I made is not only wanted, but really needed.

~Kathy~