By Lisa Honeycutt

Contributing columnist

(Editor’s note: In a story from Mary Gran last Sunday, author Lisa Honeycutt called resident Lillian Herring by the name Lillie Herring. The center and Honeycutt regret the error.)

Everyone has a story at Mary Gran Nursing and Rehab including our visitors.

A mother’s love is unconditional. No matter their age or where they are, mothers don’t stop loving their children. At Mary Gran we have an example of that. She is a small, petite lady who smiles all the time as she comes daily to check on her baby. Her baby boy had a stroke a few years ago and lives at Mary Gran. This mom and her other grown son come daily to check on him.

In my short time with Mary Gran, I have learned something from this stranger; you are a mom until the end. You love your child no matter the situation. Even though she may not feel well or the weather is bad, she still comes faithfully to see her son. As she put it, “he s my baby”.

It’s funny how God works through people to teach lessons. This little lady, visiting every day, doesn’t have a lot but what she does have is love.

I’ve been in healthcare for 20 plus years and when this opportunity came to work at Mary Gran. I couldn’t understand why I was going to drive one hour to work. The Lord blessed me with lots of great opportunities in my career, therefore, I had experience in several fields. But for some reason I was drawn to Mary Gran. I think I am beginning to see the reason. Every week I meet a patient, family or staff member that touches me with their love for the Lord, work ethic, compassion for others or just simply “Do unto others attitude”. The old sign out front at Mary Gran is true: “Providing care in a Christian atmosphere.”

Last week this mom, who faithfully visits her son at Mary Gran, lost her other son.

Hug your children; they are a gift from the Lord here on this earth for just a short time. He trusts you with the care of His children. Take lessons from this mom. Love your children.

So I understand the reason I drive to work one hour one way; the Lord wanted me to meet Lawrence and Wendell’s mom.

Mary Gran Nursing and Rehab offers Short Term, Long Term and Assisted Living to residents of Sampson and surrounding areas. Please contact Lisa Honeycutt, RN t 910-214-9183 or Karen Carter, admissions director, at 910-592-7981