28/02/2024
A NEW CHAPTER, A NEW PURPOSE
Hello from Nashville, Tennessee! Born an Alabama native (Roll Tide!), my husband and I have had the pleasure of calling The Music City ‘home’ since October of 2022. Outside of my work and family life, I enjoy reading, writing, taking leisurely strolls through antique shops, and hiking my way to better health.
As a stay-at-home mom during my twenties and thirties, personal fulfillment came primarily from raising my two daughters. However, once I inevitably found myself an empty-nester, I struggled deeply with finding a true sense of purpose again. Filling that void took time but, true to form, the gift I received in the end was entirely worth the wait—and my tear-stained pillows.
Less than three months after moving to the Nashville area, I took a deep dive into uncharted waters—I interviewed for and accepted a position working directly with memory care residents. Although my experience working with seniors was severely lacking, I did have a couple of fundamental factors working in my favor. First and foremost, I have been blessed with a servant’s heart. Secondly, my late Granny passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. I viewed this position as an incredible opportunity to educate myself about the disease and the effects it has on one’s brain. Upon acceptance, my training period began immediately after the orientation process and, as the age-old saying goes, the rest is history.
Working in memory care has proven to be an answer to prayer—I am more fulfilled now than I ever dreamt possible. I no longer view my residents as mere on-the-job acquaintances, but now consider them to be precious members of my extended family. While there is absolutely no denying the devastation that comes with a dementia/Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been entrusted with. In the midst of their dementia-induced confusion, frustration, and feelings of loneliness, connecting with and caring for them is an honor that I look forward to every single day.
~Angela D. Hager
