Reading Provides Respite for Caregivers
“Little Nutbrown Hare, who was going to bed, held on tight to Big Nutbrown Hare’s very long ears.”
So began Story Time at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, a project launched by Sonya Manibusan as part of the Kindness Is Open! virtual volunteering contest.
Nearly a dozen employees read their favorite children’s stories geared to children 4 years old and younger. The videos will be shared with Vogel Alcove, a Dallas organization that offers therapeutic educational programs designed to support children who are experiencing homelessness.
“I think doing something like this, so separate from COVID, is a time to decompress,” said Sonya, manager, Volunteer Services, who coordinated the project and read “The Noon Balloon.” “It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the pandemic, there are still children out there who can be impacted in a positive way.”
Nikita Preston, B.S.N., R.N., manager, genitourinary/bariatric unit, agreed.
“Reading children’s books is always therapeutic for me, and this was no exception,” said Nikita, who read “Can I Be Your Dog” and “Little Blue Truck.” “I’m a mom of a rambunctious 4-year-old little boy, and we have read every night since he was a tiny baby. It brings him so much joy and he NEVER goes to bed without one or two stories.”
Other participants and their books were:
- Sharon Bowen, “The Kissing Hand”
- Rachel Bracker, “Love You, Love You”
- Nina Costilla, “Little Blue Truck Leads the Way”
- Amy Crowell, “Guess How Much I Love You” and “Little White Duck”
- Tammy Ewing, “Splat the Cat: The Big Helper”
- Yasin Gunasekar, “Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete”
- Devayani Kurlekar, “The Hello, Goodbye Window”
- Suzette Mory, “Daddies Are Awesome”
- Deje Roberts, “Say Something!”
- Richard Townsend, “Extra Yarn” and “Bruce’s Big Storm”
- Jose Yax, “Curious You: On Your Way”
The idea to participate in the project came from Jim Parobek, hospital president, who read “Pete the Cat: Construction Destruction.”
“The community has been so generous with us during these trying times,” Jim said. “I saw this as a way to give back.”
By Robin P. Loveman • Posted July 28, 2020
