LMC Receives Susan G. Komen Foundation Grant for Mammogram Screening

Posted on May 2, 2013 by jenniferawilson

Lexington Medical Center has received a grant from the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation’s SC Mountains to Midlands affiliate to provide 230 breast cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured women in the Midlands.

Lexington Medical Center will begin offering the screenings to women who meet specific financial requirements. The grant money can also be used to assist with transportation to Women’s Imaging Centers in Lexington Medical Center’s network of care.

“We have always been able to help women who need diagnostic mammograms, but screening mammograms were more difficult to provide,” said Kelly Jeffcoat, Lexington Medical Center Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. “The Komen grant enables us to offer screening mammograms which are often successful in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages.”
The goal is early detection and treatment. Clinicians know that early detection is key to successful treatment of breast cancer.

“The biggest problem with patients who are uninsured is that they rarely have access to routine screening mammography.” said Chris Gibson, Lexington Medical Center oncology social worker. “With these screenings, we have the potential to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages when cure rates are much higher.”
Lexington Medical Center diagnoses approximately 250 breast cancer patients each year. The hospital’s breast program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR). Lexington Medical Center has four Women’s Imaging centers and a mobile mammography van, all offering digital mammography. During treatment, breast cancer patients receive the assistance of a nurse navigator who provides education and emotional support. Lexington Medical Center’s cancer program is also accredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

This is the second time that this chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has awarded Lexington Medical Center a grant for breast cancer screenings. The first one was in 2011 and provided approximately 250 screenings to women in the Midlands. During those screenings, two breast cancers were detected. This year, the hospital expanded the number of counties included in the grant, allowing a broader group of women in the Midlands to benefit from screening mammograms.

For more information about the grant screenings, including eligibility requirements, call 803- 791-2521.

About Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,900 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the Carolinas, an occupational health center and more than 60 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center won “Best Hospital” by readers of The State for ten years in a row, “Best Hospital” by readers of the Free Times, “Best Place to Have a Baby” by readers of Palmetto Parent, the “Consumer Choice Award” from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious “Summit Award” from Press Ganey. Visit http://www.lexmed.com.

About the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest breast cancer organization. It was started by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Komen’s SC Mountains to Midlands affiliate is one of 125 affiliates around the nation dedicated to ending breast cancer in our communities. Komen affiliates fund innovative programs that help women and men overcome the barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment. For more information, visit http://www.komenscmm.org.

Vote for Dr. Epps in Dancing with the Stars, Lexington

Posted on April 16, 2013 by jenniferawilson

It takes two to tango, and Dr. Epps is cutting a rug for Lexington Medical Center in the Dancing with the Stars, Lexington competition on April 22, at the Koger Center.

Dr. Amy Epps, a cardiologist with Lexington Cardiology and a Lexington school graduate, is competing against 11 local celebrities in the event sponsored by Lexington School District 1 Education Foundation.

Each vote raises funds to support district programs and initiatives that are outside the scope of the district’s Annual Fund Budget, such as outfitting STEM Labs at Lexington 1 schools, equipping media centers with up-to-date technology and supporting professional development for teachers.

Dr. Epps has been training with professional dancers from Columbia’s Ballroom Company since early February, check out the video below:

Vote for Dr. Epps today!
www.dancingwiththestarslexington.com/vote.

Barbara Willm honored by Girl Scouts with Women of Distinction Award

Posted on April 12, 2013 by jenniferawilson

The Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands has honored Lexington Medical Center’s Barbara Willm, Vice President of Community Relations, at the 20th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner. Willm was recognized Thursday, April 11, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia for her excellence in leadership throughout the midlands.

“I am honored to be a part of such an esteemed group of women and it is even more special because I was a Girl Scout,” said Mrs. Willm.

First launched in 1993, the Women of Distinction dinner is a recognition and fundraising affair that celebrates outstanding women and their impact on the community. The event pays tribute to women who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, community, visibility and professionalism.

“I was proud to nominate Barbara for this outstanding award,” said Bootsie Wynne, Assistant Director Business Partner of Human Resources at Lexington Medical Center. “When I saw that the criteria asked for women who excelled in professional community leadership andcommunity service, who are excellent role models for girls and have community visibility, I knew she fit the bill perfectly. Not only was Barbara a Girl Scout when she was younger, she has also gone on to exemplify women in leadership. The goal of the Girl Scouts of SC Mountains to Midlands is to build girls with courage confidence and character. I think Barbara is a great example for all girls and women alike,” added Wynne.

Girl Scouts exists to transform today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders. Girls face many critical issues including school bullying, childhood obesity, teen pregnancy, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, and performance pressure in school. Participation in the Girl Scouts is proven to make a life-long difference.

“I’ve worked with Barbara for eight years and she always manages to bring life to the mission of our organization,” said LaTanza Duncan, Chief Advancement Officer, Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands.

Barbara Willm is one of four exceptional community members to receive the 2013 honor:

• Cynthia B. Cooper: Vice President, Government Programs Compliance Office with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
• Sara B. Fisher: Chief Operating Officer with NBSC
• Elizabeth “Liz” McMillan: General Manager, Gamecock Sports Marketing, University of South Carolina
• Elise Partin: Mayor of Cayce, SC and Adjunct Faculty, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
• Barbara Willm: Vice President of Community Relations with the Lexington Medical Center

Silent, No More

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Kate Rudy

By: Roshanda Pratt

Before we welcome April, I want to briefly recognize International Women’s Month, which was celebrated in March. So here is a cyber high five to all the women out there making their world more fabulous! I also wanted to talk about a cause which overwhelmingly effects, but is not limited to, women. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network), every 2 minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. This means that the woman or man in front of you at the grocery store, in your office or next to you at church may have been a victim of sexual assault. The problem of sexual assault is an epidemic in our country, our state, and more specifically, our community. We have all read the headlines of a young child assaulted by a family member or friend.

According to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), in 2011 more than 5-thousand victims of sexual assault in South Carolina received services from the 16 sexual assault centers across the state. According to experts, 85% of victims know their perpetrator. And according to the SC DHEC, predators are not just the stereotypical males; female perpetrators are on the rise, victimizing both male and female children.

Credit: Michal Marcol

Sexual abuse is not just a cultural or socioeconomic problem. It transcends all economic, geographic, race and class barriers. Cases of abuse can be found in large and small families, in cities and in rural communities, and in homes, schools, churches and even businesses. Sexual abuse is not just something that is played out on NBC’s Law & Order. It is not just something you read about. It is happening to the people we love and we cannot afford to remain silent any longer.

There is a battle going on to protect children from sexual violence. Allies are working hard across our state to make sure the issue remains in the public eye. One of those allies is The Family Resource Center of Kershaw and Lee Counties. The mission of the Family Resource Center for Abuse Prevention and Counseling is two-fold:

The agency is committed to social change by raising awareness of the causes and consequences of abuse and violence in our community. As a victim-centered organization, the Family Resource Center provides quality counseling and support services to child and adult survivors of emotional, physical and sexual trauma along with their family members.

I became a board member of The Family Resource Center last year and I have seen the importance of this agency in our community. The Family Resource Center provides FREE services such as counseling and forensic interviews which are later used in cases to prosecute the offenders. The Center provides educational services to churches and schools on how to report and prevent abuse, rape crisis and teen prevention. Volunteers rally for more statewide support, partner with community agencies, and leave their warm beds in the middle of the night to sit with victims at the hospital, all while dealing with an increasingly shrinking budget mostly comprised of grants. Rosalyn Moses, the Executive Director for The Family Resource Center is a gem in the crown of protecting children. Her passion, commitment and hard work cannot be compared. She is a champion for this cause and South Carolina is blessed to have her on its team. Rosalyn does not just sit behind a desk. No, she is putting her feet to the ground, speaking with victims, law enforcement and anyone who has an ear about the importance of this issue.

Let’s face the reality here. This issue is not going away for a myriad of reasons which include, but are not limited to, our over-sexed society, the lack of respect for human life and the cycle of abuse that continues without people receiving the healing they so desperately need.

The Family Resource Center is important to victims as it serves as a place of refuge. We need places like The FRC in our community. So, how can you get involved? I am so glad you asked.

Volunteer at a local child advocacy center.
Make a financial donation; either a 1 time donation, regularly, or via United Way.
Request for training and other education programs for your place of worship, school or agency.
Speak out! Tell your friends, family, and co-workers that violence against children is not tolerated. Become a champion for the cause.

I believe as a community of women it is our responsibility to be our sisters’ and yes, even our brothers’ (young boys are victims of abuse too) keepers. We cannot remain silent. In this case silence is not golden; it is deadly. The louder the more of us speak, people will eventually have to listen.

April is Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In a few weeks, I will share with parents what you need to know to prevent sexual abuse.

What Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte & Miranda Taught Me About Life

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Kate Rudy

By: Shannon Shull

I think of how I spent my early twenties watching the ultra famous and popular HBO show, Sex and the City. As much fun as it was, I wish more of it had actually sunk in! Truth is, I couldn’t relate to those women then. Heck, I was still a naïve baby. I watch the show now and can totally relate, appreciate, fantasize… the list goes on. My best girlfriends and I re-watch our Sex and the City dvds and wish we could escape and dive into worlds of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

“As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.”
– Carrie Bradshaw

Why is it that with a majority of us women, it’s not until we get older that we find ourselves? In a sense, we “wake-up” and figure out what we really want in life, decide we don’t want to settle, and attempt to learn that we need to live for ourselves? The older we get, the more we realize that life is just too short!

“It’s infuriating! Women sit around obsessing about what went wrong over and over again and men just say, alrighty.”
- Charlotte

These four fabulous characters were all fierce and independent, yet totally human, unique and imperfect women. They wanted acceptance and success. The show followed each of these women through their journeys of seeking love, finding their very own Prince Charmings, and achieving happiness. In the end, I think they and we, as viewers, were all pleasantly surprised to see who they ultimately chose as a partner. These ladies had a great time, worked hard, took care of themselves and embraced each other, faults, quirks and all. When I watch the show now, as a strong, independent woman in my late 30s, one of the best things I take from the characters of this show is the fact that it’s ok to love your body, celebrate life and embrace your age. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s – no matter what age – I say, as Goddess women, we owe it to ourselves to embrace life! Take it by the horns and ride that bull with ferocious determination!

“I’m gonna say the one thing you aren’t supposed to say. I love you… but I love me more. I’ve been in a relationship with myself for 49 years and that’s the one I need to work on.” – Samantha

“No, he’s not sick. He’s not hungry, he’s not teething, he just wants to scream. I’m doing everything I can but I can’t please him. If he was 35 this is when we would break up.”
- Miranda

Now let me be clear, I’m not dissing the teens and 20 something’s of the world by any means! I say, live it up girls, go experience life to the fullest so you can find your true selves and not be forced into what others in your life expect you to be. I only wish I had explored more and jumped right into all of the opportunities I could’ve taken advantage of as a wild and carefree young lady. But let’s face it women, it seems unanimous that we tend to look back to our early years and consistently say, “if I only knew how good I had it then, the whole world ahead of me!” Like we’ve all heard declared all too often, “You just don’t get how good you really got it when you’re young, until maturity and the real world smack ya in the face!”

“So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. So many mistakes.” – Carrie Bradshaw

“As we speed along this endless road to the destination called who we hope to be, I can’t help but whine, ‘Are we there yet?’
– Carrie

So why am I touching on this subject? Because as I sit and write this blog entry, it is my 38th birthday. Yep, there ya have it, I just confessed my age. I am increasingly aware of the fact that I am gaining on 40. But I figure I can’t encourage all of you incredible women to embrace your age if I don’t, right!? Lately, I have noticed so many outstanding older women of all shapes, sizes, strengths, talents, and I am constantly encouraged that just because we get older does not mean that our lives are over. We do not have to have our teen and twenty year old bodies to appreciate life and all its glories. We do not have to live vicariously through others who are younger than us. Life is good in these later years of ours – we’ve learned from so many mistakes, we’ve experienced triumph and tragedy, we’ve lived through just enough discoveries to journey into the rest of our precious lives with enough knowledge to (hopefully!) not completely blow it, and to instead recognize our strengths, our talents, our desires and our needs in this short life.

“When real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep walking.”
– Carrie

“The universe may not always play fair, but at least it’s got a hell of a sense of humor.”
- Carrie

So, whether you are a fan of Carrie Bradshaw and the ladies, or not, they’ve helped a whole lot of us women cope with and embrace our ever aging lives. Goodness knows, they’ve become a part of my own therapy in holding onto the little bit of sanity I have left in my own complicated life. Sometimes there’s just nothing like watching an episode of Sex in the City, escaping into Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda’s world and being reminded that regardless of the hardships in life, we can (with style, of course) not only survive, but we can darn well take on the tough times, laugh at the absurdities, and encompass the complex whirlwind that is life. Like I said before, embrace the heck out of your amazing, precious, short life, because it’s the only one you get, SO WORK IT!

“The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well, that’s just fabulous.” – Carrie

Spicy Romance Set in the South from Lexington Resident Synithia Williams

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Kate Rudy

By: Mary Pat Baldauf

As an environmentalist for a local government, I work with all types of people, but none as awesome as my colleague and friend, Synithia Williams. By day, she is Lexington County’s Environmental Coordinator, a fabulous “partner in grime.” By night, Synithia is a romance writer, and this woman is going places! She didn’t start until 2010, and she has already published two books and is working on more. Synithia is a great local success story, as well as an inspiration to anyone working to make a dream come true.

From her official biography, Synithia Williams has loved romance novels since reading her first one at the age of 13. It was only natural that she would begin penning her own romances soon after. It wasn’t until 2010 that she began to actively pursue her publishing dreams. Her first novel, You Can’t Plan Love, was published in August 2012 by Crimson Romance. When she isn’t writing, this Green Queen, as dubbed by the State Newspaper, works to improve air and water quality, while balancing the needs of her husband and two sons.

I recently interviewed Synithia about her writing, how her day job sneaks into her novels and what her husband thinks about those steamy love scenes, among other things…

By day, you’re an environmental coordinator; by night, a romance writer. What, if anything, do these two have in common?

Not very much! I did use my experience working in water quality to create a career for the heroine in my first book, You Can’t Plan Love. In my attempt to “write what you know,” I made her an environmental consultant. I also sneak in sustainable habits with some of my characters. The hero in YCPL drives a hybrid, and the heroine in my second book, Worth the Wait, recycles and grows her own vegetables.

Have you always wanted to be an author? How long have you been writing? How did you get started?

I wrote my first book when I was 6 and made a cover for it out of wall paper. So I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. I always considered it a hobby and never pursued it seriously, until I saw a co-worker make a big career jump to follow her dream. I figured if she could do that, then I could finish a book. So I made it a goal to complete my novel by the end of the year (2010). I did, and then spent all of 2011 getting feedback, researching the publishing industry, and taking workshops on writing. I started querying e-book publishers in 2012 and couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have Crimson Romance offer a contract for my first book in May 2012.

Who inspires you, authors or otherwise?

Inspiration is everywhere. When I see people go after their dreams it inspires me to keep writing. When I’m reading a book and the phrasing an author uses or the scene they wrote gets an emotional response out of me, I’m inspired to do the same thing in my writing. I even get inspiration sitting in staff meetings. A random phrase can give me an idea for an entirely new story. I hope that I serve as an inspiration to my boys. I want them to know they can achieve anything they want if they work hard.

What does your husband think about your hot romance novels?

He wants every man I write about to be him! But seriously, he’s very supportive. I could not do this without him. He doesn’t mind me going to writing conferences, or serving on the board of Low County Romance Writers of America. He puts up with my babbling about book ideas and marketing strategies. I’m very lucky to have him.

What is the first thing people want to know about you when they find out that you write romance novels?

If the stories are about me. I think that’s crazy because as open as I can be, I couldn’t put my love life out there like that. I do draw on some life experiences when I write, but all of my stories are from my very vivid imagination.

What is the first thing you want people to know about you as a romance writer?

That I don’t write “typical” romance. Love isn’t easy, so I don’t make falling in love easy for my characters. They all have flaws, some that are hard to overcome and don’t always make my characters likeable. I think this realism is the reason people like my novels. The best compliments I get are from women who can relate to my heroines or when they say my heroes are realistic. But even though I show how hard love can be you will get a happy ending.

What are your plans and/or goals for the future?

To write 2-3 books a year. It seems impossible with a day job and kids, but when I’m focused I can write 2,000 words in one sitting.

What is the greatest misconception about romance novels?

That they are full of weak women and unrealistic storylines. That may be true of romance novels of the past, but today the stories reflect real life. Yes, they are about love and yes everyone ends up happily matched, engaged or married. But what’s wrong with that? There’s too much sadness in the world to shun books that provide a few hours of happiness. They aren’t all erotica as some like to believe. Romance runs the gamut from inspirational stories with just hand holding and a kiss to the more explicit 50 Shades type. If you’ve never read one, find the genre that you’re comfortable with and give it a try

What advice do you have for someone who wants to publish a novel?

Keep writing! I wrote my second book before I had a contract for the first. If you’re researching about writing and publishing, your writing style should improve, and if your first book doesn’t sell then your second or third might. Learn everything there is to know about publishing (traditional, e-publishing and self publishing). There are a lot of options for writers now, and there’s no reason to enter the field without any knowledge.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I appreciate the chance to connect with your readers and hopefully introduce them to my corner of the world. People can connect with me on line on my website www.synithiawilliams.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/synithiarwilliams) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/@SynithiaW).

For more about Synithia and/or her books, visit www.synithiawilliams.com.

How Is Your Mental Health?

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Kate Rudy

By: Shannon Shull

An incredibly loaded question, I know. The idea of mental health is such a weighty subject. But lately it seems it has been forced into the forefront of my complicated life. Whether in the news or close to home, precious people have been so mentally tortured, they’ve taken their own lives. Some of us cannot fathom ever getting to that level, but for others, it is a harsh reality. It is so unfortunate that a person can consider themselves so helpless and hopeless that they would take their own life, but it happens all too often. Even those of us who would not consider ourselves on a tragic life or death level can endure an amazing amount of mental suffering, whether depression, anxiety, insecurity, self-doubt, OCD or fear issues. It’s a tough, complicated part of human nature that we cannot escape.

How you face your mental demons varies from person to person. What works to help me keep a slight grip on sanity might not work for others. We have to find our own individual sanity savers and accept the fact that it’s ok to say, “Yea, I need some help!” Whether that consists of relying on medication, talking things through with a therapist, going for a run, having a long, tear-filled conversation with your Mom or dear friend, attending a powerful church service, watching one of your favorite movies with a tissue box in your lap, singing along with Adele, going out shopping or dancing, or making a date with a bottle of wine, a big plate of pasta and watching your Sex in the City DVD collection. To each her own, I say. Even if you have to commit yourself to an institution, the important thing is that you seek help, understanding and relief from the mental pain.

In my own extremely complicated life lately, I have to admit, I am thankful for amazing therapists, the ability to work my body as I teach Zumba, priceless hugs and kisses from my babies, the support of family, close friends, the love in my life and (yes, I’m showing my age here) my friendship with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Without some of those saving graces in my life, I feel sure that I would’ve gone off the deep end. And who’s to say, I won’t have a couple to a hundred total meltdowns in the near future. But the fortunate thing for me is that when I get so mentally low, I usually have enough sense to seek help. But, in some cases, we don’t have the psychological make-up to know how to ask for help. Or, sometimes we seek help and still feel helpless. So then what? We need to increase awareness about the fact it’s ok to struggle and seek assistance for our mental and emotional issues..

The truth is, we spend a whole lot of time focusing on our physical health, which, don’t get me wrong, is an imperative part of living an all-around healthy life. I’m a huge supporter of physical fitness. However, you could be in top-notch physical shape and if you’re suffering mentally, it won’t matter a hill of beans what you look like, how toned you may be, or how low your cholesterol is. We get our check-ups – our yearly physical, our annual pap, our teeth cleaned every six months, our eyes checked, etc., yet what do we do for a mental check up?

For any of you suffering mentally with a heavy head and heart, please make the effort. Do something, anything, to boost your mental health. Because, here’s the deal – I can guarantee, if you just open yourself up, express your mental anguish and seek guidance and relief, you will very quickly discover that you are not alone. Whatever your mental health challenge and inner life battle may be, it is important to always remember, you are never alone. And it seems cliché, but it’s so true. Though in the moment we may feel like we are the only person who has ever experienced this sort of mental anguish, the inevitable truth is, we are not the only ones. But we have to be willing to open ourselves up and seek help to find that out.

So, in closing my mental health soap box here, I challenge all of you amazing people who might actually be reading this blog entry of mine, to take that positive step to improve your mental health. Add a mental health check up to your to-do list, seriously, do it right now! Consider what you truly need to make sure you never get close to going off the deep end and feeling helpless. Human nature can really kick ya in the pants sometimes, so hit back and show life that you are in control of its craziness and declare to the world, with its imperfectness and complexities, as Gloria Gaynor professes, “I will Survive!”

Our 2012 Blogging Year in Review!

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Ashley Andrews

As we move into 2013, we thought it only appropriate to take a look back at 2012 and share with you some of the data from our year in blogging. (If you click on any of the images below, you will get an enlarged view.) Thanks to all of our readers for helping to make the Every Woman Blog a success! And a special thanks to our amazing bloggers who truly bring this blog to life and share their lives with us!

We hope you enjoy taking a look back at 2012 with us

The Final Chapter: Bittersweet

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Ashley Andrews

By: Roshanda Pratt

Within three weeks, I have seen two friends bury their parents. Death is never easy. The final chapter in a life, even if it is one well lived, never comes as easy, even if you are “prepared.” The first home-going service was for the mother, of my friend, who had been battling cancer for a while. Her service lasted well over an hour, an indication of the type of life Mrs. Green lived. She was the loving mother of ten, a wife of 50 years, a community servant, and a pastor at her local church. As each person eulogized her, the theme was the same; Mrs. Green was a caring, loving, and no-nonsense woman who would give you her last if that meant you had the best. Mrs. Green was a woman worth emulating. Unfortunately, Ms. Green was diagnosed with cancer. She outlived many of the doctors’ reports. And even as she fought this disease she prepared her family for her journey home. Even in death she was still thinking of others.

My other friend buried her father last week. Mr. Charles was diagnosed 8 weeks ago with cancer. According to doctor’s reports, Mr. Charles was given 6 months to live. My friend uprooted her family, moved back home to spend the final 6 months with her Daddy. Mr. Charles would subcome to cancer. He did not make 6 months. At his home-going service, I learned Mr. Charles was a family man, active in church, kind to strangers and loved by many.

Life is precious. Life is fragile. Life is a vapor.

I do not know what it is like to lose a parent. How do you prepare? I have asked myself this several times especially over the past few weeks. I don’t have a profound answer; just a thought that time is a gift. Time is what I heard my friend, who lost her father so quickly, stated she wanted more of it. Time can be our most precious gift.

I was a 13 year-old volunteer candy striper at my local hospital in New York. I would sit with patients, help nurses, and deliver flowers and a few smiles. I really liked the job. One day I was helping a patient, a woman hooked up to an oxygen machine. I felt for that lady, even as a 13 year-old, my heart hurt for her. The nurse came in and asked me to help change her bed sheets. As we began the process, her breathing became more labored. The nurse turned to me, motioned for me to stop and said, as if she were the judge, “She is dying.” I was shocked. Here I am holding this lady in my arms listening to her fight with her last breathe, eyes wide open looking right into mine. I was stuck. At 13 years old, I wanted to run away! I wanted to just deliver flowers and smiles, and now death has ruined that. The nurse ran out the room to get the doctor. I continued to hold this lady as she took her last breath. On the inside I felt like she did not need to be alone in that moment. She died. The nurses on the unit called my mom, who comforted me. I left the hospital early that day and my job as a candy striper was short lived. I never met her family. I did not know much about her. I often wondered if she had any children or if she was married. I wondered if she was “ready” to die. Who is ever ready to die? I wondered if she had regrets.

I decided long ago never to live in regrets with loved ones. I think the mourning process becomes difficult many times because there are unspoken words, unforgiveness, regrets and time lost. Even as I think about the fact that my parents will die someday, I can say I have been the best daughter to them (I have repented for the teenage years. Smile.). The old adage goes, “Give people their flowers while they are still living.” I talk to my parents often and when I do, I tell them how much I love and appreciate them. My parents may not have done everything right, but I am thankful for them. I make sure they know it. I am discovering parenting does not come with an instructional manual, but through the grace of God and His wisdom you can raise children.

I want when my parents leave this earth for my heart to be at rest. I will miss them. I will cry. However, I will know I gave them the best of me when they were living.

Both of my friends gave their best of themselves while their parents were living. I saw my friend pack up her home within a week, giving away what she could not take, selling the rest, transferring her children from their school to move two hours back home to be with her father in his last moments. I have seen my other friend travel back and forth to spend time with her mother at the hospital and through chemo treatments. They both served their parents well.

As my husband and I sat through their parents’ final celebration of life, I thought how I never really got a chance to meet their parents. However, I felt like I knew them through their daughters. Every story, joke and personal testimony described my two friends. What an indication of a life well lived. That is legacy. So, as my friends deal with the difficult part of the holidays without their loved ones, I hope they can find some peace in knowing they served their parents well, and even though mom and dad are gone, they are still part of their lives by how they live it.

This story is dedicated to Sharranda and Denise. Although we hate to see a good book come to an end, however, a good book well written always inspires those who read it. Remember that in the weeks and months ahead. (Matthew 25:23)

Pink Glove Dance Voting Extended to Friday, Nov. 2!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Ashley Andrews

Medline has extended voting for the Pink Glove Dance Competition until Friday, November 2!

We still have a long way to go and voting for our video has slowed down. Please keep spreading the word to family and friends across the country and encouraging them to vote for us.

You can also bring your friends and family to Lexington Medical Center Gamecock Village and the Lexington Oktoberfest to vote for our video. Pink Glove volunteers will be at Lexington Medical Center Gamecock Village, located next to Williams-Brice Stadium, from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and Lexington Oktoberfest in downtown Lexington from 12:00 noon – 3:30 p.m. Both events are this Saturday!

And if you haven’t already, please go to www.pinkglovedance.com, scroll down the “L-M” page for LMC and click “VOTE” on our video. If you need access to a computer or a Facebook page, please come by Marketing at 107 West Hospital Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’ll be happy to help you.

It’s because of the incredible support of our LMC family that we’ve come this far. The world is watching, so let’s show them what we’ve got and bring back-to-back National Pink Glove Dance Championships to Lexington Medical Center!

Every Woman Blog

Category Archives: Women