After Labor Day is the most wonderful time of the year at the shore. There is no scorching heat, no noisy crowds, and no rush—just God’s creation to gaze at and a pleasant sea breeze to enjoy.
Our Jeanne Jugan Associates (AJJs) chose this beautiful time of year to organize not one, but two outings to Ocean City, New Jersey, for the Residents of Holy Family Home.
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- The first trip was tailored for those who benefit from one-on-one assistance with walkers and wheelchairs.
- The second trip gave our independent apartment Residents the opportunity to stroll the boardwalk and stick their toes in the waves.
To make it all happen, the AJJs enlisted Sisters, Staff, and Volunteers to help assist with the outings. According to our happy Residents, both trips were absolutely perfect.
Small Acts of Great Kindness
Best of all, our days at the beach were marked by many quiet acts of kindness. Just to mention a few:
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- Sr. Myriam served as an interpreter for our four Korean Residents, making sure they always knew what to expect next.
- Pat Lo, AJJ Coordinator, orchestrated taking orders and distributing pizza at noon, followed by ice cream at 2 p.m.
- Joe, last Resident to come to the Apartments, was the first to stay constantly on the alert, carrying packages and pushing carts whenever needed.
- Apartment Resident Austin pulled the heavy cooler full of drinks and ice!
- Sr. Jessica and Stephanie borrowed a wheelchair with big inflated tires from the beach patrol station and took Marilyn down to the water where she stood in the waves.
- Odessa, an apartment Resident who hails from our neighborhood, frequently notices the needs of fellow Residents and responds in a beautifully unobtrusive way. True to character while at Ocean City, she walked several blocks all by herself to “Steeles” to purchase some of their famous fudge for Marie, who was unable to make the trip. Odessa’s quiet act of kindness was tripled when we returned home. When she gave the fudge to Marie, Marie immediately divided it into three pieces to share with two other apartment Residents who also couldn’t make the trip.
St. Jeanne Jugan’s family spirit was truly on display!
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