There are no small things to God, and little things will become really big, powerful things that eventually help us all!
I recently released the blog about Richard Cusati, the amazing man who has fought a battle with MS every day for almost three decades without ever thinking about giving up or feeling sorry for himself. Encounters like the one I experienced with Richard help me stay motivated during a very challenging time for Signature HealthCARE and our LTC industry with lawsuits every day in Kentucky, rate cuts by states and the new Obama care coupled with proposed ‘fiscal cliff’ cuts.
Some days you wonder, ‘does anyone forget these sacred people?’ We are a high-touch, high-risk service and something that most families could no longer achieve at home, so we should do it perfectly, knowing we will try but most likely can’t ever replace either one. In this business, the operating margins are so thin that many political leaders forget they already cut you multiple times last year…
However, I have another story that combines hope, miracles, and love like very few ever could. Recently, we were in North Florida celebrating a new medical office building opening by Northwest Florida Community Hospital that will attract new physicians and professionals in Chipley, Florida, which could be a model for small town healthcare. The visionary owner was a man who wanted to save a town, restore trust and build something special – and Pat Schlenker did.
There were big crowds, great speeches, dignitaries all around and a proud community praying for great healthcare and community prosperity. After I said a few words and finished several interviews, I rushed over to our 5-star Washington Rehab and Nursing Center, led by Bret Brown and his team.
Dianne T. and I went room to room so we could meet and check on every resident. There were aspiring poets, in-house presidents, incredible stakeholders, busy customers who were in a hurry to get to rehab to work out, and really happy people – people who just got tired of being home alone and love the socialization. I was so proud to be a Signature stakeholder in the Revolution that I had goose bumps. It was not always that way here before Signature…trust me, I know, because we bought it to change it.
Then it happened again…
Brett wanted Dianne and me to meet and pray with a special example for all of us, a resident who had just had a home evaluation after several years in the center. This means they are checking his home environment for adaptability because they believe he will get back to his own bed, with his wife and children, and put his toes in his backyard grass again – because this man, with his wife’s unconditional love, had too much to lose to ever give up.
After a terrible accident, he started with no movement, was told he would be institutionalized for life, moving only his eyebrows and eyelids to communicate initially. On this day, his wife was sitting next to him with joy; their dream, years in the making, will come true soon, God willing. He started with a total physical rebuilding project, but a heart bigger than a lion.
He and his wife talked about the hopeful days and the dark days, the almost daily therapies, the psychology support needed to keep him on his miraculous path to the impossible, and the loving staff that would not let him even think about giving up. They told me they had to quit thinking about “what is” but “what it could be.” They had to pray 24/7, knowing God was there and committed, and they had to measure life by the littlest progress possible because it is still progress knowing little things eventually add up to really big things. And they believed for that really big thing.
I can’t lie, my eyes kept watering up, and I wondered, ‘did I possess a faith that big in my darkest hours?’ I worried whether I would have the personal tenacity to do something as big as losing what seems like everything at the time and then with love, support, and a heart of gold, become a living miracle for others to touch, hug, and learn from.
They inspired me, made me want to be stronger and made me want to reach out more because it made me think of what my mother always said: ‘Nothing is a little thing to God. Little things become big things eventually, and there are miracle workers among us – we just need to slow and look closer.’ And I finally did.
Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Steier,
I must praise your tenacity with the many challenges Signature Healthcare and all SNF’s/LTC across the country are facing; not only fiscal, but leadership, support, and staffing.
My long-term girlfriend works for one of your facilities. She loves the LTCrevolution that is the hallmark of Signature Healthcare. She is a 20 year LTC/SNF RN. She shares the same ideological views of the LTC community.
I became so deeply involved with her passion; I decided to return to school to earn my degree in Healthcare Management. Through this coursework I have learned a great deal about the LTC business, public policy, and ever-changing laws. I refer to the Signature website for reference and updates on the various segments and any new beginnings in the research section.
I have followed you through your blogs, podcasts, and various other social media avenues. I pray for you to have the guidance and strength to continue your journey of change and passion not only for Signature Healthcare, but the whole of Long Term Care.
I want to extend a personal thank you and prayer for your work and drive for a better LTC community. I will soon join this passion and drive for the same end-goal – a better managed, lead, and profitable LTC business that provides patient-centered/resident-centered care.
God Bless You,
Edward Fritz
What a beautiful testimonial to the big and small miracles we have the honor of seeing at a Signature center everyday.
Miracle happen every day … We are blessed to work with those miracles in LTC .and Rehab.. whether that is our Residents or our Staff. I consider it a blessing every single day to be a part of helping, caring and loving those I work with and for – creating a passion for what we do … because we make a difference in peoples lives every single day by caring and loving those that surround us. And inspiration is a part of that passion; thank for inspirng us as well. And thank you to each and everyone of you for what you do.
Mr. Steier, just think, this is just one of many wonderful miracles that occur everyday throughout our great company! My eyes got teary just looking at the picture of you, Dianne, and the family. My heart was touched with the testimony you shared,..I felt like I was there in person listening to you. Tha nk God for the Revelotion!
In a few days our facility New Eastwood would cease to be part of the SignatureHealthcare
family but I know your heart in the right place. Hold firm to your values.
Just a little faith is a huge thing. While financial capital is a necessity, the only sustainable capital is spiritual. Inspiring stories like these confirm this reality.
May the revolution continue! Thanks be to God!
What a wonder when we actually see the wonders of our
God who formed the world lives inside of each believer!
Dr. Steier,
You probably do not remember me or my conversation with you, but in November after 9/11, I had a flight to Atlanta to visit relatives. You and I were seated next to each other, where we began a very cordial but deep, conversation about family and work. As we parted ways, you handed me your card, which for some reason I had kept in a file along with other random notes from people I’ve encountered over the years. After 40 years of being blessed to work for a wonderful company, I am retiring, which prompted me to “clean out” some old files. With the wealth of information on the internet, I was able to find information about you and your company. Your faith and good works are inspiring. Thank you for making our healthcare a better place! God bless you and your family.
We never know who might be watching. Actions and compassion are more important than high sounding words. Keep reaching out. You never know who the next person who needs your touch might be.