Heart Tugs

Recently a middle schooler in Olathe, Kansas approached Principal Dr. Sarah Guerrero about an idea he and two of his friends had to make Valentine’s Day special for the 270 girls and 70 women on the staff at their school.  After receiving permission, eighth-grader Tristan Valentine, seventh-grader Kyan Rice, and sixth-grader Lincoln Homes used their own money to buy a flower for every female at Summit Trail Middle School.  On February 14th, the young men arrived at school early, stood at different entrances at the school, and handed a carnation and wished a “Happy Valentine’s Day” to every woman and young lady as they entered the building. 

When later interviewed by KMBC Tristan Valentine expressed that they “wanted every girl to feel important and special on Valentine’s Day.”  Principal Guerrero said it was “refreshing to see three young men go out of their way to make others feel happy.”  She “got chills seeing it happen” and the positive impact it was having on the school.  One girl told the principal, “I didn’t used to like to go to school on Valentine’s Day, but I loved it today.” 

Ruby Kate Chitsey is an 11-year-old fifth-grader from Harrison, Arkansas.  Her mother is a nurse practitioner in five nursing homes around the area.  When she can, Ruby Kate enjoys going with her mother so she can visit the residents.  One afternoon she noticed that one lady was sad because a friend had brought a dog to visit and she didn’t know when they would be able to come visit again.  That gave Ruby Kate an idea.  She found an old spiral and started a project called “Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents.”

Most of the elderly people in nursing homes rely on Medicaid.  After covering room and board and their medical needs the patients have about $40 to spend on anything else.  Ruby Kate began to interview the residents and record their three wishes.  It was interesting that none requested big or expensive items.  Instead, people asked for pants that fit, fresh fruit, good books, haircuts, gifts for their grandchildren, and occasionally food from an outside source.  For the dementia patients Ruby listed life like baby dolls for the residents to hold.  Ruby Kate and her mother also noticed people could benefit from better quality pillows, lumbar pillows for people in wheelchairs, heavier blankets, and extra snacks.

Ruby Kate’s mother also enlisted 74-year-old Marilyn Spurlock to help out with the wish program at the facility where she lives.  Marilyn was at the point where she felt worthless, depressed, and like she couldn’t help anyone.  Now she goes into the hub area, interviews her fellow residents, and is excited to see their needs fulfilled.  Amanda Chitsey is hoping to expand this program to other nursing homes as well.  She has helped set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for the wishes.  Amanda states, “I think Ruby’s starting a movement – recognizing a need and just doing something about it.  This is about their quality of life – bringing them joy.”

May we, too, choose to make a difference this week by taking the opportunity to be givers when heart tugs occur.

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13