Remember 2020, Celebrate 2021!

Chris DiMaso | December 26, 2020

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1

It might be hard to believe, but 2020 is coming to an end. In a year like this, every day felt like a week. It seems like ages ago when the pandemic began. Back in March, we had no idea how long the road would be, nor how hard.  In the face of adversity, the Villa St. Francis team learned a lot about who we are at our core. We are more committed than we know, we are stronger than we look, and we are braver than we believe. It is the men and women that serve our residents every day that deserve all the credit.

What Commitment Looks Like

Because of Covid, we have been short-staffed most of 2020. This meant more than just picking up an extra shift here or there. Our team routinely works overtime and covers open shifts. It was never mandatory, yet they served. Not wanting the quality of service to diminish, everyone steps up. Working weekends, switching departments, and even missing time with family. We knew Villa St. Francis staff was committed to providing excellent care, but we could not have known the magnitude until this year.

Strength Is More Than Muscles

When it comes to brute strength, our maintenance team can move mountains. But the strength we saw this year came from the smallest of people. It took everything in us to watch beloved residents lose their battle with Covid. Tears were shed more than once as our best efforts were not enough to stop the invisible threat. But every time we suffered a loss, we found the strength to get up. This year the tiniest CNAs and nurses carried the heaviest of burdens.

Bravery Comes With Fear

When the staff of Villa St. Francis comes to work, they are met with a reminder of the danger they face. Temperature checks, smell tests, and affidavits of health. Only entering the facility after donning an N95 mask and sanitizing their hands. All of this whether they have direct contact with residents or not. For those that serve on the frontlines of Covid, it means head-to-toe PPE every time they enter a room. Finding the bravery every day means staring down the fear of catching the virus. And still they do.

As 2020 comes to an end we are remembering everything we learned. But even more so, we are preparing to celebrate in 2021. We want to show our amazing staff how much we appreciate their commitment, strength, and bravery. We want to provide snacks and treats frequently. Give them appreciation gifts like Villa St. Francis branded goods. And put-on special events and parties to help everyone relax and have fun. Will you join us in appreciating our team by making your year-end, tax-deductible donation today?