Page 6 - Newsletter May 20172

By: Marcus Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Team

Trust in your Hands

My youngest son’s hand folded I sensed the spiders of doubt slowly undermine the light from her
unexpectant into mine as we ap- spirit. Bernita was deflated, fearful of disappointing our client
proached the chaotic parking lot and doubting her ability to accomplish the task. She wondered
on a celebratory Easter Sunday. out loud – will they ever trust me? Her
My heart warmed at his touch, hands slid down her face in frustration
fingers reaching, his smallish and landed on the desk palms up.
hand nested perfectly in my grip.
A very serendipitous moment for me. Andrew recently turned I too was frustrated and It was tempt-
10 and instinctively reaching for Dad’s hand will fade slowly ing to simply take the easy road and reassign. We talked about
each season in his progression toward teenage independence. I strong client personalities, high expectations and the alignment
soaked in the emotional power of his touch. My eyes moistened with our mission to enhance the lives with which we’re en-
as I memorized his toothy grin, his eyes squinting upward reflect- trusted. I looked her in the eye and simply said “You owe it to
ing instinctive trust in me. yourself and our client to try again”. She smiled softly, agreed
and thanked me for coaching. Coach – I liked hearing that.
This simple experience of the power of “touch” resonated with
me the following week. My first impression of Iowa Home Care
is engrained in Mother Teresa and the West Des Moines office
conference room in her name. Compassion, empowerment, ser-
vice, and trust all embodied in the withered embracing hands of
Mother Teresa, affectionally known as “Momma T” in West Des
Moines. I am grateful to be in an industry that directly impacts
lives through touch. Working with our hands and deeply con-
necting as we serve in cleansing, healing, sharing and celebrating
with our patients.
I was checking in with one of our new home health aides, Bernita,
who had a tough day with her patient. He is a paraplegic, heavy
set and he and his wife are very particular. Bernita is very petite
in stature with a decisive presence and strong personality. Unfor-
tunately, a transfer did not go as well as anticipated. Bernita was visibly tired from a long day and ready to head out
of the office when I got my chance to follow-up with her. I was
not surprised at her courage or that things were going well with
her patient. In one motion my right hand sprung forward and
connected a stinging high five with Bernita. I trusted my hands
to connect and celebrate a medley of emotions. I’m certain
Momma T was a high fiver too!