By Julie Randolph, Care Coordinator
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Senior Services,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Center activities.
The Coordinators were contacting clients with care,
In hopes that COVID-19 would soon disappear.
ZOOM classes were nestled all snug on our screens,
While visions of face-to-face contact would again be a thing.
And cooks in the kitchens, and volunteers driving cars,
Had just settled our brains on Meal on Wheels near and far.
When out on the river there arose a flood from a dam shatter,
We sprang from the COVID-19 routine to see what was the matter.
Away to the phones we flew like a flash,
Torn open with disbelief, and threw in support in a dash.
The moon on the breast of Midland County’s heart and soul
Gave a luster of “Sanford Strong” to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But an army of helpers and a million acts of good cheer.
With a little community, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be emergency responder excellence.
More rapid than eagles, to our seniors, we came,
And stayed the course and steadily offered services by name:
Now Meals on Wheels! Now Curbside Pickup!
Now, Volunteer Deliveries and Transportation!
On, Home Care Aides and Medicare Drug Plan Comparisons!
To administration safety and compliance!
To Care Coordination keeping isolation at bay!
Now COVID-19 second wave and Michigan winter coming our way,
We will face this all together, come what may!
As teams form to provide caregiver support,
And SEASONS therapeutic day services are proud to report.
We work each day building bridges to belonging,
Moving forward with CDC guidelines reminding.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard of the Census,
The need to count all our seniors who have such significance.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Down the politics came with a bound.
America was dressed up in liberty, marching from shore to shore,
And people were vocal about social justice, galore.
A bundle of freedoms we carry with all might,
And a courageous nation shined, oh so bright!
Our seniors we honor, and proudly involve;
Our participants and our clients, we will serve with resolve.
Our volunteers are the givers, who put the lifeblood in all we do,
Could not be more vital and “thank you”, we do.
No luncheon to tell you, so we had a parade,
Held signs to convince you of your value each day.
We spoke, not a word, but went straight to our work,
and fulfilled all the duties, then turned with a determined look.
On that hope that dawns on each new day,
Giving thanks to our Creator for making it that way.
What a year this has been, and I laugh at the irony,
Of the meaning of 2020, that covers the scenery,
The revealing of strength in our community so dear,
Workers who stayed the course, without fear.
We spring to this holiday season, creating new ways to celebrate,
And away flies our past battles, losses, sorrows, that irritate.
But hear us exclaim, ere we move toward next year:
Happy 2021 to all and to all warm, loving care!