Happy Retirement Terry Smith!
Interview with Mrs. Terry Smith:
How long have you been at Meritan? I was hired at Meritan, formally Senior Services on January 9, 1995, as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
What was the most favorite part of your job? The most favorable part of my job was the opportunity to render service to the community of home health. There was a change in the system that transferred me to the Homemaker department, which consists of performing different duties, yet much-needed service to individuals such as, running errands, bill paying, grocery shopping, picking up meds, prepare meals, and light house cleaning.
Did Meritan provide you the tools to be successful with your career? If so, what professional development and job training did they provide for you? Meritan provided the many useful tools to train and enhance the service that my and co-workers needed to build us up with the knowledge that we didn’t have in certain areas of our duties. Meritan provided community companies such as, MFD, MLGW, Shelby County Health Department, Red Cross, just to name a few.
Can you share a story of when you knew that your work makes a difference in your senior(s) lives? I knew that my work made a difference in the lives of mostly my senior clients, was when I was told that the service that I rendered was very much appreciated, and that the mailman and me was the only ones that they would see for days (heartbreaking). There were some that only wanted me to sit and keep them company, and be an ear
Do you have any words of wisdom that you’d like to share? The words of wisdom that I have is the very words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Are there any other words that you would like to share? I never had a negative moment at Meritan. I thought when I went from CNA to Home Care Specialist, I thought it was negative, until I discovered the need in the community. Meritan will always have a spot in my heart and prayers. I plan to visit my clients when The Lord allows, which is a desire that I wanted to do while I was employed. Since it is my desire, I’m sure God will bring it to pass, because The Bible tells me, that if I delight myself in Him, He will give me the desires of my heart. Meritan will see me during Silver Bells season to assist in delivering Christmas gifts to the clients. It’s a joy seeing the smiles and excitement of the clients! I would like thank Meritan for taking care of me for 26 years.
Dolly (a family member of one of Terry’s former clients ) stated, “Terry came into our lives in 1996, and we quickly realized that she was one of the most wonderful people that we had ever met. She is one of those people who puts you at ease. She feels like ‘home.’ Terry worked in our home for at least 10 years. After she went on to another job (within Meritan), we remained friends and have shared so many life experiences that cover close to 25 years. There are no words to describe the overall beauty of this amazing woman, both inside and out. Terry is more than a friend, shes’ a soldier in Christ, she’s my sister, friend, and confident. I love her. Congratulations on your retirement ....no one deserves it more!”
Rhavan Mitchell, the Program Director of Home and Community Based Services and Mrs. Smith’s supervisor stated, “when I think about Mrs. Terry, the best quote that comes to mind is ‘Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up’ by Brene Brown. Mrs. Terry has always shown up to assist our most vulnerable clients, improving their quality of life. She is one of the most dedicated and hardworking people that I know. For 26 years, she has stood behind the mission at Meritan. I wish her well on her retirement. Thank you!”
