ATTITUDES

Violeta, browsing through the new Staff Directory

YESTERDAY we unveiled the Staff Directory that we've been compiling for the past five weeks. On our part, it's been a labor of love as we've been privileged to meet each of 100 people who take care of us here at the Manor, plus a handful of other people who are part of our daily lives without actually being employees of the facility in which we live.

Of each individual we asked 7 questions, putting the answers on the lower half of a notebook page, with a picture of the employee above. Always we took several photos, letting the subject choose the one to use. Nearly everyone was not only highly cooperative but also pleased to be a part of the project. However, one individual couldn't seem to find the time and kept putting it off until later. Near the end of our venture, this person found ten minutes for us and okayed one of the several pictures we took. Mission accomplished, or so we thought.

Today, we were told that she didn't like the picture. I suggested that perhaps she'd like to bring a more acceptable image and I removed the one that we'd used.

Two hours later, one of the maintenance men who has worked here for 23 years, came to me to tell of his delight with the directory. He said that in all those years no one had thought of the importance of compiling such a book and he thanked me with warm words and a big hug.

Now I know full well that it's impossible to please everyone and I've often wondered why I tend to grant negativity greater power than all the good and positive things that happen.

I'm going to try to break that pattern in my thinking and remember my intent in putting together this directory. I wanted to recognize and honor these hardworking individuals and I thought it would help residents to get to know these dedicated helpers who are guiding us through our latter years. It's much larger than just a pretty picture. With that said, I'm stepping down from my soapbox and going to bed.