A Couple Of Shifts: Crowder retires after many more...

What started out as picking up "a couple shifts" back in 1979, turned out to be a career that would keep Darl Crowder busy and on the floors for longer than she anticipated. Just short of forty-three years as a CNA at what is now known as the Hi-Line Retirement Center, she said she has been there "through more administrators than I can count." She has seen changes through the four-plus decades, and undoubtedly one of the toughest things she had to do in that span of time just came on July 31st.

"It was tough to go in and visit each resident and tell them this was my last shift there. It was hard to do." One can imagine the bond that builds over the years, as the saying goes: the hardest part is letting go. Whether it be in a relationship, friendship, or death...it can be painful.

"I do have one regret...that I didn't keep a book with the names and addresses for those that transferred elsewhere...I really wish I would have." Yes, if only more of us had the insight and consistency of our dear departed friend, Winston Mitchell.

Each resident could easily be a chapter in a book, had Darl kept one. Each personality has likes, dislikes, twerks, and a side of them that is both positive and negative. Each has their own memories they pack into that suitcase they pack nicely when family tells them they are going to move into the home, some really believe it is "only for a short while"...when in their hearts both know often that isn't the case.

In comparison, that is how Darl's career started. When her son was starting college she started picking up a "couple shifts, just to be able to help him through college." She laughed, "he turned 61!" While being a mom and her duties as a CNA, she kept the books and ran the office for her husband (Bill) and his refrigeration business. Now, her granddaughters are seniors in high school and she plans to be at their volleyball and basketball games.

"They still come to grandma when they need some hemming or alterations". Like the hands of time that move on, so do the needs of grandkids. And residents.

Has she slowed down? According to her, she has cut back on the garden by half and will plant grass on that half this fall. Right now, she is the main gardener in the house, sharing that Bill has difficulty walking lately and she hits the garden early before the sun parches the freshly sprinkled water.

After 43 years, it is difficult to just sit around, even though she never worked more than a couple shifts a week. She isn't looking forward to dusting off her resume' though she won't sit idle.

Changes and taking things in stride. Memories? She has a memory from each resident she spent time with. Her shifts have been made special by the strings that tug at her heart. She stated she told the residents she will come to visit. The residents were fortunate and blessed to have a compassionate and caring lady tending to them. A jewel that sparkles in their eyes, due to her having a golden heart.