Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Reflections of a dad By Allen Teal, chaplain Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Recently, I have been spending time considering what it has meant to be a dad. With Father’s Day this month, I would like to share some of my thoughts. Anyone who has been a parent understands the challenges and frustrations that come with the job description. Parenting brings joys and potential heartaches. I have found that being a dad is worth every risk. Three thoughts sum up most of my reflections. 1. You never stop being a dad. As you hold that “little bundle of joy” for the first time, you have just made a lifetime commitment. With your help, your child will be piloted from a helpless infant, to a terrible toddler, to a young man or young lady. Each step of the way, there are hurdles to overcome and dangers to defend against. As your offspring reach adulthood, you expect to stop parenting. This is rarely the case. Witnessing the growth of your child through young adulthood into middle age seems fraught with as many hazards as childhood. Parenting opportunities seem to constantly spring up. Grown children may seek you for advice, help, and of course, money. CHAPLAIN, continued on page 2
June 2018
Celebrating 20 years of care As we celebrate National Nursing Assistants Week, we also celebrate Teresa Wood’s 20th anniversary at Rolla Presbyterian Manor. “We have been blessed to have Teresa on our nursing staff for the past two decades. Teresa demonstrates compassion for our residents and dedication to the community. Her 20 years on staff is just one example of that,” said Ann Caudill, executive director. Teresa found her calling at a young age. After taking health classes at Rolla High School, she discovered she enjoyed the work, and continued with the completion of her clinicals.
Teresa Wood
She then joined the staff at Rolla Presbyterian Manor on June 19, 1998, as a certified nursing aide (CNA) and certified medical assistant (CMA). “I enjoy the work, and I enjoy learning about the residents’ lives. It’s neat to hear what they’ve accomplished, to have the opportunity to look at their old photos and to help other people,” said Teresa. Helping other people is what Teresa’s job is all about. When asked what she does at Presbyterian Manor, she explains, “Whatever the residents need. I’m there for them.” She’s also there for her two children. Teresa enjoys watching her 13-yearold daughter when she’s cheerleading or traveling on the weekends with her 14-year-old son’s baseball team. She and her husband, Jared, have been together for 16 years. When she’s not with family, you can find her visiting flea markets, shopping or watching movies. To all of our nursing assistants, thank you for all you do for our residents!