Some caregivers possess a rare magic—a blend of unwavering flexibility, consistent excellence, and a heart that puts clients first, regardless of the challenges. Brenda is that gem who not only shines in her daily visits but has stepped up to help bridge the gap in administration, helping the entire care team. -Dawn, Brenda’s Manager
Tell us a little about yourself: I’m from Jones, Michigan. I’ve been married to my husband,
Steve, for forty-two years, and together we have four children and eight grandchildren.
I’ve been a housewife and mother, and I join in with whatever project my husband does.
We had hydroponic greenhouses for a while. Currently, my husband is starting a
lavender patch on our farm. We have 80 acres that have been in our family since the
late 1800s. We lease much of the farmland, but my husband is a farmer at heart, and we
grow our own vegetables and fruits, and have beef and chickens on our farm. I love the
Lord and love the people he puts in front of me, and I love my job!
How did you become a caregiver with Firefly? When my youngest daughter was in high
school, I started working at a nursing home, leading activities for the residents. Later, I
was offered a job in caregiving. I worked my way through a couple of companies before
finding Firefly. They are definitely the best company to work for.
How long have you worked at Firefly, and what type of work do you do for them? I’ve
been a caregiver with Firefly for four years, working full-time. I work most days, with one
overnight shift a week. I primarily see one client, Ms. Margie, forty hours a week. Then,
if Firefly needs extra help, I’ll pick up a shift with another client.
Can you tell us a little about your client, Ms. Margie, and what you do for her? She is a
peach. She is a retired nurse and a Gold Star widow from the Vietnam War. She never
remarried and is still in love with her husband. She is very spry, and sometimes I have to
run to keep up with her. While I’m there, I do the housework, make meals for her, and
whatever she needs to get through the day. She has one kitty that she dearly loves and
is her first thought in the morning.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a caregiver? If you
have a love for people, not just on the surface, but truly have a servant heart who sees
the good in people, you will do well in this job.
What are some of your favorite things to do? I enjoy making meals for my family,
especially soups. Soups go a long way. There is a lot of variety and flexibility based on
what you have on hand. Wherever I go, I carry a crocheting project with me—and it’s
usually a gift for someone. I love spending time with my husband—he’s the love of my
life. We met as high-school sweethearts, and we’ve been together ever since.
We were fortunate to speak with Ms. Margie, who had some kind words to share
about Brenda: She’s been my caregiver for a few months now. She helps me get around
because my body doesn’t always want to cooperate. She takes me places and helps with
anything that I need. I like to walk around when the weather is nice, and Brenda helps
me get outside, walks with me to get the mail, and she helps me with my kitty cat.
