FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE - November 2011
November is the Month
to be in Awe
To be healthy does not necessarily mean to be free of disease, pain or impairments. It means to live the best you can and hopefully with a purpose given to you by God. Sometimes we look at our bodies that may be weak, broken or ravaged by disease and pain and wonder, what purpose could I possibly have?
Four years ago, the UVA Altavista Dialysis Unit did not exist. It was a building without purpose. But one person saw something else. One person saw potential. One person had a vision.
Four years ago, the 80+ people who now are able to come to Altavista for dialysis treatment in order to live would have had to travel to Lynchburg, Amherst or even further distances. One man, who I believe carried out a purpose designed by God, believed that something different had to happen. He believed that Altavista could support and sustain its own dialysis center. People told him that it would not happen because the suggestion had been made before with no results. But he did not listen to them. Instead, he drew up a petition and had it signed by everyone who was on dialysis and lived in the Altavista area. He went door-to-door if he had to, explaining his vision and dream. The petition and a letter were submitted to the University of Virginia who agreed that it was a good vision and proceeded to make it a reality.
Never underestimate the power of God working through a single person, maybe even through you.
Remember: Ordinary things + ordinary people + Jesus Christ = something extraordinary.
In memory of Carl Corbin Wilson, founder of UVA’s Altavista Dialysis Unit.
Claudia E. St. John, RN