How Real Women Change Our World

Where Are the Real Women?

What women do you admire? Perhaps your mom or a former teacher? March will welcome in Women’s History Month and highlights of great women in history.

But what about great women in your history? What awesome woman has shaped your life? A sister? An aunt? A second mom?

Real women are the cornerstone of our society, yet we still see the spotlight focused on those who have made BIG accomplishments. Kudos to the pioneer women who have paved the way. But we can’t all be an Amelia Earhart or Oprah.

When I see images in the media of what real, awesome women are supposed to be and look like, it sends me running to my keyboard to type something better. Something real. Everyday moms, aunts, and sisters who are making our world better with their small but diligent contributions.

Will you help me celebrate them?

Will you let them know how important they are TODAY?

While notables of the present and past steal the spotlight for Women’s history month, I want to kick off the month highlighting an interview with a real mom, educator and hospice care visiting angel.

She’s one of the biggest fans of my blog, but that’s not why I chose to interview her. She’s given so much of herself. And I don’t know anyone else who volunteers in such a meaningful way. Giving. Sitting. Waiting.

Meet Tami Guilday

Tami is a mom of two adult children, a wife, and a retired teacher of 37 years. First, let that sink in.

37 years in a classroom.

With kids!

And she is as passionate about education as they come.

I need to get her fitted for a crown.

When she retired several years ago, she didn’t just sit at home. Tami started giving back to her community. Here’s a portion of my moving interview with her.

Tami, you volunteer at an in-home hospice. This is where people go when they are ready to pass on. It sounds a little sad. Why volunteer there?

Tami: I had a horrible experience with hospice when my mom died. So I wanted to make a difference. I always thought about it. I have no fear of death, so I thought it would be a wonderful thing to do.

How Long Could YOU Sit and Wait?

What do you do exactly?

Tami: Twice a week, I go in and sit with one patient. This gives the caregiver 2-3 hours of respite–a break. I’ve worked with over 50 clients and I have met some of the most wonderful people. I’m there for the family and for the patient.

So are you just sitting and waiting?

Tami: Basically yes. Hospice workers can’t be there all the time, so we are trained as volunteers to sit and comfort those in this last part of their life.

I go in, sit real close and take their hand. As I’m rubbing their hand, I introduce myself. I walk into that room as a Christian. I look to see if there is any indication of life. If so, I let it rip.

And what do you mean by that?

Tami: If the person is not a Christian, I say a silent prayer over them. And you know I’ve seen an amazing thing.

Alzheimer’s patients may have forgotten a lot, but they remember Jesus! I talk to them.

Sometimes, people make a sound when I sing a certain hymn.

Hearing and touch can be the last senses to go. So when I sit and hold their hand I think, where has this person been? I don’t think it’s sad at all. I tell them, “You’re going to see Jesus.”

Living Out Her Calling

Have you seen people pass?

Tami: Yes, I’ve had one person die while I was there. It can be a comfort for the family to know that the loved one was not alone. At that moment, we are all alike. This is something we all have to do.

It’s an honor to be there at the end.

I don’t know many people who would do this. Why do you?

Tami: I know God wants to use me. He created me for how he wants to use me. When I taught, I felt like I was only a stage for student learning. Now that I’m retired, I can’t go through life biding my time. I would be wasting what he has given me.

I never thought I would do this but I get more than I could ever give.

Who Are Your Real Women?

And there she is. A living testament to the power of real women. An up-close and personal

look at what we should see more of in the media.

Tami is giving back to her community.

She’s still making a difference for families.

Her stage is no longer the classroom, but she gets to impact lives by simply sitting and waiting. How about that?

What real women do you know who are making a difference in others’ lives? Or yours?

Do share, I’d love to hear about them.