The Meaning of Family
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As I sit here attempting to collect all of my thoughts, feelings and emotions about this particular person and her current situation, I cannot help but wonder to myself how I would have handled similar life circumstances at a similar age.
I have an employee who serves as a Public Safety Officer for a local hospital. At the young age of 20, she has already had the life experience of someone 2 or 3 times her age. She first struck us with her bubbly personality and demonstrated perseverance when we interviewed her for her current position. She lived on her own and desperately wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. She detailed for us, how she continued with her studies and school, despite the fact that she was homeless and living in a shelter. Yep. That's right. Living in a shelter. She sleeps with her uniform so that it doesn't get stolen.....
Fast forward a few months. She absolutely exceled and flew through her field training program. The ambition and eagerness to learn and to grow that she has continually displayed has been remarkable. In conversations with her and other supervisors I was immediately struck by 2 particular statements that she made. She could not put into words how thankful and appreciative she was to be fortunate enough to have found a full time job, with benefits. She told us it was a life changing moment. Secondly, she further went on to explain that we (as in the department and her co-workers) were the only people she could consider family, outside of those at the shelter.
Well, in true mysterious fashion, the good Lord presented her with another opportunity to strengthen her resolve and ability to overcome obstacles. Last Sunday evening, she was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Luckily she received only minor injuries. Unfortunately, however, her car was not as lucky. After speaking with her this week, we were upset and disappointed to hear that she ended up having to clean out her savings that she had worked so hard to accumulate, in order to get a new vehicle. This purchase wiped out all of the money she had saved to get out of the shelter and finally have a home to call her own. It was immediately apparent how much, and rightfully so, this devastated her.
The last few months, interacting with this particular employee has really affected me as a person. Seeing such a bright, young person, endure such hardship, but still light up the room with her smile when she walks in, has been incredible. It puts a lot of things into perspective for me.
So she needs some help. Unfortunately, she will never ask for it. So I am asking on behalf of her. Let's all come together to show her just what the meaning of FAMILY really is. Anything that you can do is graciously appreciated.
Stay Safe and God Bless!
~Matt
I have an employee who serves as a Public Safety Officer for a local hospital. At the young age of 20, she has already had the life experience of someone 2 or 3 times her age. She first struck us with her bubbly personality and demonstrated perseverance when we interviewed her for her current position. She lived on her own and desperately wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. She detailed for us, how she continued with her studies and school, despite the fact that she was homeless and living in a shelter. Yep. That's right. Living in a shelter. She sleeps with her uniform so that it doesn't get stolen.....
Fast forward a few months. She absolutely exceled and flew through her field training program. The ambition and eagerness to learn and to grow that she has continually displayed has been remarkable. In conversations with her and other supervisors I was immediately struck by 2 particular statements that she made. She could not put into words how thankful and appreciative she was to be fortunate enough to have found a full time job, with benefits. She told us it was a life changing moment. Secondly, she further went on to explain that we (as in the department and her co-workers) were the only people she could consider family, outside of those at the shelter.
Well, in true mysterious fashion, the good Lord presented her with another opportunity to strengthen her resolve and ability to overcome obstacles. Last Sunday evening, she was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Luckily she received only minor injuries. Unfortunately, however, her car was not as lucky. After speaking with her this week, we were upset and disappointed to hear that she ended up having to clean out her savings that she had worked so hard to accumulate, in order to get a new vehicle. This purchase wiped out all of the money she had saved to get out of the shelter and finally have a home to call her own. It was immediately apparent how much, and rightfully so, this devastated her.
The last few months, interacting with this particular employee has really affected me as a person. Seeing such a bright, young person, endure such hardship, but still light up the room with her smile when she walks in, has been incredible. It puts a lot of things into perspective for me.
So she needs some help. Unfortunately, she will never ask for it. So I am asking on behalf of her. Let's all come together to show her just what the meaning of FAMILY really is. Anything that you can do is graciously appreciated.
Stay Safe and God Bless!
~Matt
Organizer and beneficiary
Matthew Murray
Organizer
Flint, MI
Tashala Webster
Beneficiary