Had a resident at the skilled nursing facility I worked at.
An amazing woman from California who married a black man (she was white) back when it was technically illegal. They had to keep it secret in their jobs so they wouldn’t be fired. She marched, and eventually wheeled, in every protest regarding civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and woman’s rights. Her and her husband had 4 children (one growing up to be a successful doctor in our area). Her husband died in his 50s and I remember she told me she never remarried because she would never love another man as much as she loved her husband.
Our therapy sessions typically involves long chats, organizing her room, and folding her BEAUTIFUL Bob Mackie clothing. She was the only resident in the skilled nursing facility, to this day, I actually told I was gay (since most are from generations where that isn’t tolerated, and I need my patients to like/trust me for he therapy process).
She was so sweet, and supportive, and constantly asked me about my boyfriend and how we were doing. She passed away about a year ago, and I think about her often. Such an incredible woman, and this world was blessed that she lived in it.
Sorry for the long winded comment, but this picture reminded me of her and brought a smile to my face.
:)
EDIT: oh my goodness! At work for a bit and my comment blew up!!!
Thank you all soooo much for the awards, kind words, and positive vibes! I’m happy her story could be shared to bring joy to people during these times. I’m sure she would be ecstatic that she brought people happiness today, as she always wanted to make people smile.
HIPPA prevents me from saying names (obviously) but she always was a beacon of light in a cloud of darkness. With COVID-19, work has been tough (especially in skilled nursing) but we have to find those moments of good to combat the bad, and she will always be an inspiration for me, and now many others.
I feel so happy that more people could hear about her, as she was one of the most impressive, and tough, women I know. Her biggest message was to simply love each other and treat everyone with kindness, no matter what you look like or who you love.
Give your family and friends a hug today, or tell them you love them (if it’s safe obviously haha)! And be sure to advocate for those who don’t have the privilege to advocate for themselves, because at the end of the day we’re all the same! Skin color is one color: brown. Some of us just have more or less melanin depending on how close or far our ancestors lived from the equator. And whoever you love (no matter their gender, orientation, race, religion, disability, etc) love them with all your heart because your feelings are true and valid! Don’t let people tell you how to live, be yourself and don’t be ashamed of it!
Thank you all again for such kind words, and I’m so happy to finally bring joy to some people!!! I love you all, no matter who you are, and let’s do our part to spread love and kindness!
TK_Nanerpuss on February 25th, 2021 at 11:48 UTC »
True love is a rare thing. It is proven and hardened by the challenges it faces. This time- LOVE WINS!
ctbuckeye10 on February 25th, 2021 at 12:46 UTC »
Cute then cute now! Her smile though! They are in love.
Six_Gill_Grog on February 25th, 2021 at 13:45 UTC »
Had a resident at the skilled nursing facility I worked at.
An amazing woman from California who married a black man (she was white) back when it was technically illegal. They had to keep it secret in their jobs so they wouldn’t be fired. She marched, and eventually wheeled, in every protest regarding civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and woman’s rights. Her and her husband had 4 children (one growing up to be a successful doctor in our area). Her husband died in his 50s and I remember she told me she never remarried because she would never love another man as much as she loved her husband.
Our therapy sessions typically involves long chats, organizing her room, and folding her BEAUTIFUL Bob Mackie clothing. She was the only resident in the skilled nursing facility, to this day, I actually told I was gay (since most are from generations where that isn’t tolerated, and I need my patients to like/trust me for he therapy process).
She was so sweet, and supportive, and constantly asked me about my boyfriend and how we were doing. She passed away about a year ago, and I think about her often. Such an incredible woman, and this world was blessed that she lived in it.
Sorry for the long winded comment, but this picture reminded me of her and brought a smile to my face.
:)
EDIT: oh my goodness! At work for a bit and my comment blew up!!!
Thank you all soooo much for the awards, kind words, and positive vibes! I’m happy her story could be shared to bring joy to people during these times. I’m sure she would be ecstatic that she brought people happiness today, as she always wanted to make people smile.
HIPPA prevents me from saying names (obviously) but she always was a beacon of light in a cloud of darkness. With COVID-19, work has been tough (especially in skilled nursing) but we have to find those moments of good to combat the bad, and she will always be an inspiration for me, and now many others.
I feel so happy that more people could hear about her, as she was one of the most impressive, and tough, women I know. Her biggest message was to simply love each other and treat everyone with kindness, no matter what you look like or who you love.
Give your family and friends a hug today, or tell them you love them (if it’s safe obviously haha)! And be sure to advocate for those who don’t have the privilege to advocate for themselves, because at the end of the day we’re all the same! Skin color is one color: brown. Some of us just have more or less melanin depending on how close or far our ancestors lived from the equator. And whoever you love (no matter their gender, orientation, race, religion, disability, etc) love them with all your heart because your feelings are true and valid! Don’t let people tell you how to live, be yourself and don’t be ashamed of it!
Thank you all again for such kind words, and I’m so happy to finally bring joy to some people!!! I love you all, no matter who you are, and let’s do our part to spread love and kindness!