The Pinecone
|
August 2014
• 7 •
Patti Owen
S H A R I N G H E R G I F T
We sometimes hear that a person has performed acts
of altruism, defined by Noah Webster as the practice of
unselfish concern for the welfare of others, as opposed to
egoism defined as concern with self. But the career path
and volunteer work selected by Kirby Pines resident, Patti
Owen runs counter to Webster’s definition. Patti’s pursuit
of service to others gives her immense satisfaction. And, so
it is with missionaries, ministers, physicians, other service
professionals, financiers – one has a feeling of satisfaction
when one helps others – one is “fed” by “feeding others”.
Patti Owen’s career and volunteer work fit the paradigm of
Occupational Wellness, our focus for the August Pinecone.
Patti was born in Boonville, MS in 1941 to Leola Smith
Outlaw and Robert Outlaw; she has a brother, Mike Outlaw.
The family moved to Memphis where Patti graduated from
Messick High School. She shares the steps to a story-book
life-long romance with an exceptional man, Arnold Owen.
The couple became engaged 8 months after meeting but
a wedding would not be for another 3 years because Patti
focused on becoming a Registered Nurse from Baptist
Memorial Hospital. Upon reaching her goal and passing her
State Boards, Patti worked at Baptist Memorial Hospital’s
Neurosurgery Department for 9 years, retiring because she
and Arnold were starting their family; they have a son and 2
grandchildren. Patti got personal satisfaction in the skilled
nursing care she was able to gave each patient; and a patient’s
return to health reflected the quality of care received from
Patti. Arnold was a steel worker, employed by Conley Frog
and Switch Company until he retired in 1962.
Arnold passed away in 2007 and Patti moved to Kirby
Pines in 2008. For several years after losing her beloved
husband, Patti could not find her way out of a crippling
depression. She credits her good friend Richard Walczak,
Kirby Pines Purchasing Agent, with helping her focus on
ways she could be useful to other residents; in essence, she
said, he gave her a reason to get up in the morning. She
began going to the Manor to see what jobs needed her help
(
answering the telephone, pouring coffee). For the past few
years, she has checked supplies and restocked as needed,
working in Job’s Way, Rehab, and A&B wings. She has
expanded her volunteer work to include staffing the Card
Shop, and delivering UPS packages to residents. This fine
woman has seamlessly segued from a skilled professional to
a vocational resource that is in short supply. She is thankful
that her career choices gave her years of satisfaction. And,
those who benefit from her volunteer service have, in
turn, restored her positive outlook on life. Patti is again a
participant in the circle of mutual giving.
–
Jacqueline Besteman, Resident
Checking and Stocking Supplies
With friend, Richard Walczak and in the Gallery Manor
