Stories of Snovid, 2: Grateful, Awed and Humbled

The following is an account from our COO Rob Helms.

Icy roads made travel during Snowmageddon a challenge. But with patients in need of care and caregivers in need of transport, a group of four-wheel drive truck-owning men on our management and office support team got together to form an Overture mini fleet.

As one of those men, I found that the road conditions were indeed treacherous, particularly the side roads in neighborhoods and around apartment complexes. But it was a blessing to be able to provide this service for our caregivers and clients. I also found an unexpected joy in talking and interacting with our team members in ways that we are seldom able to do. During these rides together, we learned so much about one another.

I’ve always known that Overture senior caregivers are some of the best people you’ll ever meet. But now that I have heard more of their personal stories, I am awed and humbled — and I must share those stories with you.

Let’s meet…

Sabrina Lewis

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced Sabrina, her husband and their three young boys out of their New Orleans home. From the beginning of their stay in North Texas, Sabrina was convinced that the visit would be temporary. But several years later, with their old neighborhood rebuilt and a one-way ticket “home” on offer, Sabrina and her family decided to stay. Sabrina told me that she considered the family situation, the schools and her children’s success — and made a decision based in faith and family. When I asked how they were all doing in Fort Worth now, tears welled in her eyes. “I have been married to their father for 28 years and my boys are grown and successful young men. That was best decision we’ve made for our family.”

We feel the same way about the many hurricane refugees who chose to remain here. Like Sabrina and her family, they have enriched our city and our lives.

Keren Mukebe

Keren told me how she moved to Fort Worth from the Congo when she was in the eighth grade. We discussed at length the challenges and fears she experienced as a young French speaker in an unfamiliar, English-speaking world. When quizzed about her biggest surprise in coming to America, she replied, “You could get a job at 16.”

Keren got her first job at Whataburger and has been working ever since. She is now an impressive 21-year-old, working full time as a caregiver while attending cosmetology school.

And of course, Keren now speaks perfect English.

Alanii Neal

Alanii is one of the most self-sufficient 20-year-olds I’ve ever met. An aspiring actress, musician and songwriter, she has the heart of a kid and the maturity of someone much older than her driver’s license would suggest.

I enjoyed our 30-minute ride together, discussing a wide variety of topics from Alanii’s vegetarian lifestyle — a real sacrifice as she LOVES meat — to the catch-and-release program she has adopted for the bugs she respects too much to kill. As I dropped her off at our client’s house, Alannii told me that I was “dope” and that she looked forward to seeing me again.

Thanks, Alanii. That made my day.

Eliane Nshirimbere

Eliane revealed to me one of the greatest stories of grace I have ever heard. She told me of her former life in the East African country of Burundi. When she was 15 years old, 24 members of her family were murdered in an episode of ethnic cleansing that the UN has labeled a genocide. In speaking of this she says, “I was lucky; I was away at boarding school.”

I was stunned. This woman has a peaceful, calm demeanor. She radiates genuine joy when you talk to her. I had to ask, “How are you not bitter and angry?” “I have forgiven them,” she replied. “I asked God to free my heart from this so that I might live in peace, and He has.”

When I walked Eliane up the snow-covered sidewalk to her front door, three young people came out and greeted her as “mom.” The next day I asked about the children, and she told me that they were her fosters. She and her husband had even run a group home for foster children at one point.

Ten years ago Eliane came to the United States as a refugee. She is now providing a warm and loving refuge for others. This impressive woman has also recently finished her prerequisites and is applying to nursing school.

I hope these stories warmed your heart as much as they warmed mine on those cold drives.

We wish to all our friends and their families a speedy recovery from the storm.