A Full Circle Moment
by Lori Hroza
Twenty-five years ago, having gone back to nursing school when my kids started college, I was working at a care home for adults on ventilators and happened to read an article in a local nursing magazine about Almost Home Kids (AHK) – still Respite House, at that time.
This article sparked a new interest and passion for me, having been exposed to the great nursing care at Children’s Memorial Hospital (later to become Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago) where my 1-year-old son had a tracheostomy, due to subglottic stenosis. Although I didn’t know it at the time, that experience molded my future. I walked through the doors of AHK in November of 1999 as a nurse and I am so glad I did.
When Almost Home Kids opened, there were just 5 bedrooms. Each decorated to represent its theme, the nursery, the farm room, the fish room, the moon & stars room and the ABC room, as a way to help the families and children feel that AHK was their home away from home – there were even fish motifs in the floor tiles of the “fish room”. The central “family room” was stocked with books and toys as a place for children to enjoy the camaraderie of the staff and others, which is a tradition that continues today.
There was always music, videos and fun activities for the children, including 4th of July parades, when all the wheelchairs and wagons were decorated with flags and streamers and the children and staff would parade around the property. Christmas parties were also unique, especially the year that the Radio City Rockettes named AHK their charity and appeared at the house to make that year’s Christmas party truly special. Families also received tickets to their performance at the Rosemont Theater.
Once AHK became 24/7 offering transitional care in addition to respite care, the staffing went from 8 hour shifts to 12hr shifts. This helped with the continuity of care of each child. Each staff member became a friend to me and someone who could be relied upon. Though the care for some children can often be extremely complicated, the atmosphere has always been calm and supportive. The gifts that each staff member brought to AHK continues to grow with each year. The activities and use of the beautiful outdoor space never got lost with the changes.
Over the years, as AHK continued to grow, with construction and improvements to the facility, it was always a joy to come to work. I too went through changes to my position, starting as a staff nurse, then becoming a charge nurse and during my last 3 years at AHK, I was the nurse manager. Throughout all of these changes, my heart was continually with and for the children. I had my workstation situated so I could be that extra set of hands for the children, if needed. I guess I could not give up the love for each child that came through the doors of AHK.
I spent 17 very enjoyable years working at Almost Home Kids. I remember so many great kids and their families. Many grew up over the years regularly coming to AHK. I would not have traded the memories or experiences for anything. For all those who have touched my heart, I will not ever forget them. For those who I have worked with, I am truly grateful. I could not be away from AHK for long, so for the past 3 years I have been a volunteer! A true full circle. And once again, new memories and new experiences continue for me at Almost Home Kids.
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