Provena Hospital

After a wonderful lunch in Danville we were off to Provena Hospital. I had been invited to tour the Obstetrical Unit, which was quite appropriate since I am currently an Obstetrical RN. Their unit is beautiful. It was so exciting to get the "inside scoop" and really makes me look forward to the opening of our new OB unit at Richland Memorial Hospital where I am employed. One of the mothers was excited to have us there and even had me take a photo with her newborn. She said it will go in his baby book to remember the hospital stay. He and I are in the first photo together. The next photo is of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nurse Executive Michael L. Brown as he is being "crowned". The last photo is with some of the Labor and Delivery staff along with their Women's Health Services manager, Jennifer Cord RN, MSN. At the conclusion of my visit I had toured the OB unit, met staff from all over the hospital and made the CEO blush...well I think my work here is done! Thanks to everyone at Provena for the hospitality and for sharing your home with me. We waited... the cold, wind, and rain didn't let up. So my wonderful coordinator phoned the parade committee and was informed many of the cars were canceling due to weather conditions. So much to my dismay I was not able to participate in the Holiday Parade. I plan on returning in the spring for more activities, just with better weather.

Veteran's Hospital in Danville,IL

Thursday, November 16th started out cold and wet! Not a good day for a Christmas Parade, but we held out hope that the weather would clear long enough to ring in the holiday season. Of course a girl's gotta have breakfast right?! Well I was introduced to a special doughnut shop the "Royal Donut". Yeah, quite an appropriate name...I took home a whole box for my family to enjoy. The angels are TO DIE FOR good!!! My first stop of the day was at the Veteran's Hospital in Danville, IL. Both of my grandfathers were World War II veterans along with several other family members having served our country or are still in active service. My Grandpa Boose is such a humble man and a true American Hero. We are sooo proud of him! Not only was he awarded several medals including two bronze stars, but he came home and raised his family with my grandma. My boys think going to Great Grandpa Boose's house and looking at his "stuff" is "sooo cool". Oh the stories I could share about my grandpa...I'll save that for my memoirs. I had the opportunity to help serve the refreshments at the morning entertainment and tour the facility to visit with those unable to attend. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the veterans I had the opportunity to meet. They are the real celebrities!! I was greeted with such warmth and made to feel very welcome and at home. We'll have to see how the rest of the day unfolds and if there is a parade....or not?

Southwest Elementary School

November 15th & 16th I traveled to Danville,IL to spend a couple of days making appearances. On Wednesday I visited the Southwest Elementary School in the Danville area where I had the opportunity to speak with several of the second through fifth grade classes. When speaking with young people I want to empower them with information and encouragement to make good life choices. Explaining to them how to evaluate a situation and follow through with the best choice seems simple, but some children don't have that guidance. If the information I speak with them about sticks with one child, that is a success. Mrs.Pate's second grade class was such a pleasure! They were so well mannered and asked wonderful questions. I then met with the 4th-5th graders in the library where I saw many smiling and inquisitive faces. My favorite photo from this visit was the one taken with two beautiful young ladies. Their smiles just beamed when I offered for them to see and touch my crown. And yes, they too asked..."Is it real diamonds?"