Written by Jan Rog, Volunteer
Rita Hutman beamed her beautiful smile and called out “Good Morning” when I came to volunteer in the laundry room on August 1st. She then talked about the potential of a new month and then mentioned that this had been the birthday of her husband, John. So began a lively morning of volunteering with her. She never lost a beat in folding the numerous laundry items, always patient in showing me how to crease, smooth, and fold just so. Along the way, she told stories and jokes, laughing with amazing sparkle and charm. In many of her stories, though, there is evidence of her great courage from life. She has taken on her challenges with grace and grit, aware of the little blessings which many often overlook. After we finished our tasks, she invited me to her room where she showed me many images of her lovely family, telling stories about them all: children, grandchildren, her parents and parents-in-law, and extended family. An especially tender moment was when she pointed to her husband next to her bed, right behind a photo of the two of them just before they married. Once lunch began, she took me to meet other residents. As I left her that day, I realized that she daily finds ways to create community anew, loving her Little Sisters of the Poor family as her own.
Family, Laughter, and Courage