“Clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~ Colossians 3:12
They’d known each other since childhood
but became close friends in high school.
Neither was surprised when they ended up working at the same nursing
home.
Maurice, the cook, had the smile of one who laughed with
ease; his mood unaffected by the world’s chaos.
Miguel, a custodian, lived how he believed people should; as if their
flaws were entirely invisible to him.
In October 2013, the California Department of Social
Services (DSS) closed the Valley Springs Manor Nursing Home where they
worked. A simple sign hung on the front
door below a decorative paper jack-o'-lantern read "Closed for
business."
But even before the facility was ordered shut, employees
were largely disillusioned. Many had
already resigned. The rest left once it
became obvious that they wouldn’t get paid.
Except for the cook and the janitor.
Maurice and Miguel immediately took charge of resident’s tasks
previously meant for others: keeping medical appointments, making sure their
family members could stay in touch, and staying on top of individual medication
regimens.
Although loved ones removed some residents, more than a
dozen were left inside the shuttered facility.
Some were sick and bedridden.
Others suffered the debilitating effect of dementia.
They ran the facility by themselves for the next 3
days, working 24-hour shifts, taking short naps in the TV room. With tears in his eyes, Miguel recounted horrible,
sleepless nights as confused and weary seniors screamed for food and medicine. Some, he said, “had become “zombie–like” after
going days without medication.” Still others
tried escaping.
Maurice explained, "I just couldn't see myself going
home - soon they’d be in the kitchen trying to cook their own food and burn the
place down. They were like our family
for that short time."
With medication foul-ups and residents becoming ill, the two
sentinels’ 911 calls repeatedly went unanswered. Eventually authorities, realizing the gravity
of the situation, summoned Sheriff's deputies and firefighters who transferred all
remaining patients to local hospitals.
The Home’s owner and administrator were arrested on multiple
felony abuse charges. The state enacted
stricter civil penalties to prevent elder care negligence. But the story reveals the truth that no
matter how many laws are passed or how many government programs exist, in the
end its the action and morality of individuals that matter the most.
When others left because of no pay, Maurice and Miguel
stayed. Despite great personal risk and
cost, they stepped up and nursed those who were completely dependent.
Because it was the humane thing to do. Because it was the right thing to do. Because they cared.
Loving God, lead us to the place in our souls
where there is tranquility and compassion.
Let Your light shine so brightly in us that people will be drawn to us in
search of You. In Your precious Name we
pray, Amen.
