A Lesson Learned

I just turned sixteen and I wanted a job. I wanted to save for a car and be able to buy my own clothes save my mom some money. It was just the two of us and she always as long as I can remember has worked two jobs. She did this to support us and to try and give me everything I needed. My mom was a very strong woman, which has taught me good moral values and the value of being responsible with my money.1

I wanted to do something in the work field that helps people, so she suggested a nursing home or hospital. She told me a lot of the older people just get dropped off here and have no family that visits. They would be thankful for anyone to show interest in them. Wow I thought to myself that is so sad, how could you just drop your parents off and never go to see them?2

The more I thought about this the more this job was for me. I went to a few nursing homes and filled out applications and waited to hear back from them.3

It was about two weeks and I received a phone call from Jill, the Administrator from Hill Haven. This was one of the applications I had put in. I was excited and set up a time for the interview this afternoon after school at six pm. When my mom dropped me off I went inside I was nervous. The first thing I noticed was the smell; it smelt so sterile and impersonal. 4

I met with Jill; she asked me why I decided to apply there. I explained to her how I wanted to help people. She began explaining what my duties would be and then asked me if I was interested. I was so excited immediately I said “Yes, when can I start?” She smiled and told me tomorrow afternoon I would be working from six pm to ten pm so it would not interfere with school and if I wanted I could put in some hours during the weekend. I thanked her and headed out to the car with a huge smile on my face. The minute my mother saw me she knew I had gotten the job. “Congratulations hunny” mom said. “I am so proud of you” She continued.5

My first day was hard, these people were so demanding. I proceeded with my duties and met a few people along the way. One in particular was Maude; she was eighty- nine years old and had been here for six years. She didn’t talk to anyone and the nurses warned me she was cranky. Visiting her was on my rounds so I went into her room and changed her sheets, she came in just as I had finished and snapped at me” What are you doing in my room? You do not belong here.” 6

“Ma’am” I replied “I was just changing your sheets so you had nice clean ones.”7

“Oh” she snapped again “If you’re finished would you leave?”8

My feelings were hurt, but I said “Yes, ma’am sorry to have bothered you” and then left. 9

That night I went home in tears and explained to my mom what had happened. My mom then asked “Honey some things are not as they seem, if you were locked in a nursing home for years with no visitors would you be pleasant?” I thought long and hard about this and realized she was right.10

Over the next few months I tried talking to Maude and she always shunned me so I decided to give up, she was just miserable and no one was going to change that. Until one day I went in to change her bedding and she was sitting in the chair. I proceeded quietly without talking to do my job. Maude cleared her throat and then spoke” Why do you do this job? You are young and could work anywhere.” I was shocked since I had been here she had not said two words to me that were not mean.11

“This is what I like to do” I told her.12

“Hmmmm” She retorted back at me “Would you mind coming back later and read to me?” Maude asked and then continued “I love to read, but I can not anymore and I see you read on your dinner breaks.” 13

“I would love to Maude” I answered “What do you like to read?” I asked.14

“Ohhhhhh romance please” she said and when I looked at her I could se her eye’s light up.15

“Well romance it is” I told her as I was walking out of her room. When I got outside the door I smiled the continued on with my work.16

For the next six months I visited Maude everyday sometimes more then once. She was a great lady and had so many stories to tell of when she was young. She also shared pictures with me and I with her. She was quiet a looker when she was younger. I asked about her children and she told me they had forgotten about her and went on with their life. My heart ached for her. I just could not understand that. I read to Maude and ate lunch with her on the weekends. I learned a lot from her that summer that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.17

The time at work flew by and Christmas was upon us. I asked my mom if we could make a special trip to see Maude and give her a gift I had bought for her. Of course mom said yes and we went with presents and little cakes to visit Maude. She was so surprised and very excited when we got there and we had a very good visit. She loved the present mom and I had bought for her and the cakes. We stayed late until she tired and then went home. It was such a joyous day. I took a little vacation time during winter break, but was schedules to go back to work that following Monday.18

I went in early so I could visit with Maude before I had to begin work. She was not in her room some other lady was. So I went to the main desk and asked about her. The nurse called down to Jill and the next thing I knew Jill was asking me to go to her office with her.19

“Lisa” she started “Maude passed away the day after Christmas.” At that point I started crying. “She went peacefully and with out pain, if that helps at all knowing that.” 20

I asked if I could go home I could not work I was a mess and kept crying. Jill said “Yes, of course dear take all the time you need.” She continued” Oh before you leave I have a few things for you, Maude left strict instructions that these were to be given to you.” 21

She handed them to me and I said “Thank you” and left22

I decided to walk home I needed time to digest what had happened. I knew she was old, but I had never even thought of her passing and I was heartbroken. I sat down on the park bench and opened her letter.23

Dear Lovely Lisa,24

You have blessed my last year with your beautiful smile and your caring nature. It is time for me to go now, I know once you have time to heal you will be fine. You are a strong young woman with a generous heart. I have enjoyed my times with you and you have made an old woman very happy. Thank you and know I am always with you. Do not be sad, for you have made me very happy. I am leaving you the pictures do with them what you may. I am also leaving you something I know you and your mom can use. You have been more family to me then my own children and deserve it more.25

God Bless and remember the good times, I do.26

Much happiness and Love,27

Maude xxoo28

I folded up the letter and just cried, she had taught me so much over the last year and I was going to miss her. I went to put the letter back into the envelope so I could store it somewhere safe when I realized something else was in there. I pulled it out and it was a check for one hundred thousand dollars. I took a deep breath and started in amazement. I put the check in the envelope with the letter and headed home. Yes Maude; you will always be with me, in my heart. 29

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