Samantha Busack, Environmental Educator at the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, on the St. Francis Campus:
Being in lockdown, quarantine, and staying socially distanced has forced me to multi-task in ways that I didn’t know I was capable of. I’ve had to make plans A,B, and C for what would have otherwise been normal events at FELC as well as my home life. The more I learn to plan ahead and plan for unusual circumstances the easier it becomes.
I hope to share the spirit of St. Francis through my patience and compassion; we are all navigating through this pandemic together. Every person is affected differently in ways that I cannot always imagine. I find that a little humor goes a long way too.
Sister Judy Leibengood, a Sister of St. Francis:
I am the Archivist for the Sisters of St. Francis. For 3½ months I did archival work from home, near the St. Francis Campus. For a change of scenery, I drove to nearby parks and visited a family member while wearing a mask on her back porch. I continue to watch daily Mass through live-streaming.
I made use of phone calling, texting and e-mailing family and friends to express my care, compassion and love. I have been touched by many generous people providing food and music to homebound people during this pandemic.
Amanda Fitch, an STNA at St. Francis Home:
The support of my family, the residents, and my faith. That’s how I am getting through this pandemic! When I was a kid, we went to church. I noticed people in church were very judgmental so I stopped going. People would talk the talk but not walk the walk. My children and I needed something positive during this time of Covid-19 so we began going to a non-denominational church again. This time was different. It brought us closer together and deeper into our faith in God. We have been bonded as never before. My children became much more positive and so did I. My positivity at St. Francis Home has improved as my faith has deepened.
The pandemic has had an impact on our family. My little 8-year-old son saw a man by Walmart who he thought looked lost and poor. He said, “That’s one of God’s little Angels Mommy and we need to stop and help him.” So we did, we gave him money. Seeing faith in God grow in my family has been the truest gift during this pandemic. I just had a beautiful faith filled experience with a resident that passed away and his family. I stayed at his side and it had such a tremendous effect on me. Situations like that are life changing. It’s an honor to be with our residents and their families in this way.
Cleda Drake and STNA at St. Francis Home:
This has been a struggle for all of the employees and residents. I did what I could to help our residents make that connection with their families; we all did. I felt so sorry for our residents. They are so amazing. They helped to cheer each other up and staff and we did the same for them. God’s definitely here with us at St. Francis Home. It really makes a difference; we can feel it. I am convinced that God is getting us all through COVID-19. I’ve worked at other places before, but I feel the difference here. My bond with God has become deeper during this time. When I am struggling, I reach out to my sister who has a strong faith. Without God and my faith (our faith) I do not believe we would have gotten this far.
Ruth Ann Stultz, a resident on the St. Francis Campus:
The key word here is time. I found myself constantly wanting to control it. COVID-19 gave me the chance to enjoy what I needed. Time with my husband to enjoy each other’s company and talks, the daily devotion with Our Lord and sharing with Father Matt, FaceTime with my children, grandchildren, and greats, thankfulness for my children shopping for us, the Life time of family at Elizabeth Schaefer Apartments and loving staff. God has blessed is during this time and I choose not to dwell on the things I cannot change.
Annette Krintzline, Nurse at St. Francis Home:
What I have noticed with the pandemic is that we are moving slower and I recognize what God is doing for us by having us slow down and be in the moment.
My faith in God has been keener as this time has taken us back. I’m believing more clearly in the different paths that God has had me and my family on. Our jobs and lives have become less tedious. I can take this time to make this day special by doing what matters most to our residents. The residents’ families reach out more and I have gotten closer to them. They need to know from us how their moms, dads, grandparents, etc…are doing. Taking the time for families to let them know that everything is going well and their loved ones are well has been so rewarding during this time for them and for me.
What I have enhanced in my life is for every negative, I think or say a positive and by the end of the day, my outlook is so much better and brighter. I’ve noticed that the residents have gotten closer to all of us who care for them and to each other. This is a rewarding place to be, our residents leave us with their legacies and their wisdom. We all give to them and are given much more in return. There is so much positivity in the community we have at St. Francis Home.
Kathy Reinhart, STNA at St. Francis Home:
It has been rough seeing our residents go through this time of isolation. It still is as we see this pandemic continue. It is a bit better because of visitations, but not being able to touch a loved one is heartbreaking.
My grandma was here before the isolation and we were able to be with her. I cannot imagine what it is like for those who cannot. I’m careful during this time as I want St. Francis to remain free of this virus. I keep telling myself that the Good Man upstairs will get us through this and there must be a reason for all of this.
My family is very supportive and my faith has helped me to get through this every day. On a positive note, during this pandemic, Habitat for Humanity is building a house for me. I am so blessed and grateful for this opportunity in my life.
