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Wednesday,
December 26, 2007 Doing special things for residents that live at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa comes easily for Jane Host and Beth Allen. With over 60 years of service dedicated to the care center between the two, they become very close to the elderly that they take care of while at work. "We spend more time with these residents than we do with our own families," said Host, who is a unit manager at the center. This is the reason that she began organizing and leading a memorial service each New Year's Day-because she cares. This service has become somewhat of a tradition which has been taking place for the past 18 or 19 years. She said that New Year's Day always seemed to be forgotten. Not many visitors come on the holiday like they do on Christmas Day. "This gives them something to do," Host said. The service which begins at 2 p.m. is geared to pay final respect for residents that have passed away during the past year. At first just residents were invited, but soon the guest list was expanded to include the families of those that have passed away. The women said that residents appreciate this gesture. They say it is nice because they will still be remembered after they are gone. The families many times echo their sentiments of remembrance, but also note a feeling of closure that is felt by coming back for the event. "We receive lots of thank you notes," Host said. During the service, a list of those that have died during the past year is read. Family and friends are asked to stand up as their loved ones names are mentioned. Candles are also lit as this is done. It has become very popular in recent years. They now have to open up the activity room to accomodate those that come to the service which is held in the chapel area. Many of the staff members help out. Anyone that wants to lend a hand is welcome. Allen has played a large part in organizing the service for a long time. She leads the singing and helps with other details. In recent years, her and sister Jenny Whitaker have sung a duet. Each year there is a theme-this year's will be "Waiting in Joyful Hope". They both have great memories that stand out, especially of the people who have taken part in it. They noted that Margaret Johnson was the pianist for most of the time; Carol Nelson has played for the past two years. Alice Orr and Allen used to sing duets together many years ago. "She could harmonize just beautifully," Host said of Orr. Two soloists from the past, Ruthie Carlson and Harold Norhe, were also mentioned. Host noted that Oh Holy Night is a highlight of the service which has been sung by Monica Johnson for the last couple of years. As plans are underway for this year's 2008 service, it currently includes 31 resident's names that have died in 2007. The women said that the service can get quite emotional, even for themselves because of their close connection to some of the residents. The reading, My First Christmas in Heaven, is recited each year and can be a tear jerker because it tells of spending Christmas with Jesus. It is evident that Host has truly enjoyed orchestrating this service, but as she looks toward retirement in her not-so-distant future, she hopes that Allen will continue to follow through with this tradition. "She will, she won't let it go. I hope!" Host joked as she and Allen shared in a good laugh. marlo@inhnews.com |