"You know me!"
Columnist Bill Herr taught high school mathematics and science for 32 years before serving as a volunteer and then as a staff chaplain at two nursing homes.
By Bill Herr
I always said there are four things that determine who we are and who we are becoming. They are the people we’ve known and loved, the experiences we have had, the suffering we have known, and the spiritual growth that is taking place in us. As chaplain I was always responsible for the last one, helping with worship services, leading Bible studies and visiting with residents and praying for them.
When a resident died, we would conduct a special memorial service for that person, inviting staff, family members, and residents to attend. I would share about the resident’s life and invite anyone attending the service to share. These services were special and brought closure to those that attended. Our residents became a second family to us and we grieved their loss.
One of my goals was to always tell staff and visitors all I knew about each resident after they came to live at the nursing home. I respected the rules of HIPPA not to tell details about the health of our residents. I only told the good things that were connected to their past. I found that out by visiting with residents and their family members. Sharing about them helped the residents to feel valued, even though they were retired from active lives.
One lady had the beginnings of dementia and it bothered her that she knew it and couldn’t express herself as she wanted. She was friendly and had led a very successful life. I often repeated to her what she had done and that she was a great person. We became friends and if she saw me she would hustle to where I was and we would visit. One day she was evidently having a bad day and a nurse was leading her by the hand back to her room. They passed by where I was sitting in the hall. She was crying. When they were close I said her name and said hi to her. She stopped, took my hand in hers and said, “You know me!” I always considered that one of the greatest compliments I ever received.
It is so important for residents in nursing homes to be reminded of the good things that had been in the fabric of their lives. I was always appreciative of visitors that would tell staff nice things about our residents.
“A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.”
--Unknown
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Community Dog Park officially opens as memorial to Katrina Riepenhoff
- Obituary for Ian Christopher Shriner
- 2025 Blaze of Lights theme is "Home for the Holidays"
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Highway Patrol focused on removing impaired drivers from the road
- Beaverdam Bunch 4-H results at 2025 Allen County Fair
- Porchfest brings live music to Bluffton neighborhoods
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Pirate girls golf close 2nd at tri; Bauman 1st
- Pirate boys golf 2nd in NWC quad-match
- Pirate girls tennis loss at Wapak
- "You Made It" Forum welcomes Class of 2029
- 2nd annual Bluffton Porchfest celebrates live music
- Learn to play bridge at the Senior Center
- Blanchard Valley Health System enhances “Find-a-Doc”
- Taste of Bluffton serves as mixer for students and residents
- Heart to Heart: New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Mayberry Rd. closure Aug. 27-28
- Janet M. Leonard was a teacher
- Pirates boys golf wins NWC tri
- Inside Innovations brings established design studio to Bluffton
- Walking thru Autumn hikes include Motter Park
- Colloquium Presentation: Emotional Education in 18th Century Germany
- Student to Share Lessons from Study Abroad Experience in Mexico