Whether you are a freshman or senior it is a much anticipated time, for blowing off some steam before the big final push to finish term papers, projects and study for finals. As Florida’s beaches filled with excited young faces, so did St. Joseph’s Home….?? No, we haven’t moved. But this past week the Home was filled with six very bright, energetic students from University of Nebraska’s, Newman Center; who decided to give a break rather than receive one.
Alexi, Molly, Laura, Brennan, Matt and Joel, traveled 13 hours to spend the week with the Little Sisters and the Residents at St. Joseph’s. They came to “work,” and work they did! They trimmed the rose bushes, worked in the dinning room, lent a hand in housekeeping and helped with all of the activities including cards and lots of bingo.
So was it better to give than to receive? Here were some of their comments the morning before they left:
“I liked to listen to their stories and hear about their lives,” Laura and Alexi said about spending time with the Residents. Molly was impressed with the total devotion the Little Sisters have to the Residents and the joy they have in their work. Brennan said, “It was a very humbling experience.” He was insightful enough to see himself one day in the future. Molly was so impressed with the care and love she experienced, she wants to return to the Little Sisters when she becomes elderly – now that’s planning ahead! Some of their favorite experiences were, the morning stretch and the pot luck they shared with the Residents in the apartments where they stayed.
So for one week Alexi, Molly, Laura, Brennan, Matt and Joel had 80 new grandparents to share stories, laugh, play games and just spend time with. So, was it better to give than receive? I guess it’s a matter of perspective as to who received.
It’s going to be pretty quiet next week when our Nebraska friends return home, they will surely be missed. They have left an imprint on the hearts of many!
Go Huskers!!
Its college spring break week!