The Baby Cuddler

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

I remember seeing this story about David Deutchman a while back, and it was brought back to my attention this morning.  Go ahead and watch first.  


Touching right?!?

The reason this story came back to me today is that sadly, David, the "ICU Grandpa." passed away this week.  He was 86 years old.  He had a long full, and happy life according to his children.  You can read a bit about his life here.  

The reason I wanted to call attention to Mr. Deutchman's story is that I have written many times about giving to others, being of service to others, or volunteering your time.  I've written about how it not only helps others but enriches the life of the giver too.  In the linked article Deutchman's daughter, Susan Lilly states, “Volunteering absolutely enriched his life, The most meaningful part was the actual time he spent with these patients and their families. ...“He had a very successful business career, and I've never heard him talk with such appreciation and love for what he was doing any time during his 41 years with the company like he talked about his involvement with the people at the hospital.” (Holohan 2020)

When I was both in high school and college, we had a campus ministry program from which volunteer programs were coordinated.  Through most of high school, I made meals a few times a year at a local soup kitchen and helped clean and cook at the local Ronald McDonald House (a place where families can stay when their kids are in the hospital if the hospital is far away from their homes).  In college, I went on service trips to NY and Alabama to work in underserved communities.  I worked in a boy's home, counseled individuals struggling with homelessness, and worked in an after-school center.  After college, I participated in a service trip with the students at Rock Point School, where I worked.  We went to West Virginia and helped to repair the roof of a community center, and helped haul trash and clean the house and yard of a family in need.  None of this work was easy, but the memories I made in service to others stay with me to this day.  I know that the work I did helped others, but more importantly, it helped me.  I learned about myself and the world around me.  It helped me cultivate gratitude for the many "blessings" I have in my life and helped me to be more compassionate towards others.  

Like Mr. Deutchman, volunteering inspired and motivated me.  It's why I still work in a helping profession today.  I see volunteering/service to others as having a two-fold benefit right now.  It can help you feel fulfilled and needed in a time where isolation is high, and it can help you learn about things that are important to you which you might want to explore more.  Because of COVID volunteering may be more difficult during these times, but if you are really passionate about it, you can get creative and find a way to help.  If you want a little guidance thinking about ways to be of service to others, please feel free to stop by my office and I'd be happy to talk through some ideas with you.  You can also talk with your parents or caregivers if you are interested and maybe you can think of a way for your whole family to help others in need.    

Happy helping, everyone...it's certainly a season for giving!

Mrs. Hempey

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