The sound of a transistor radio.
The crack of a baseball bat.
The smooth notes of a jazz trumpet.
A chorus of “Amens” from a church congregation.
The roar of the crowd at a ticker-tape parade.
These are just a few of the sounds we might hear as we
celebrate the journeys of the 109 men and women honored for Who’s Who in
Tennessee Long-term Care for 2012. Representing 87 nursing homes and
assisted care living facilities across the Volunteer State, they have truly
made a difference and shaped the face of society through their actions.
They left their homes to help others, whether serving
in the armed forces during World War II, Korea and Vietnam or spreading
God’s word to foreign lands as missionaries. They entertained us, playing
college and professional sports, writing books and performing in musical
groups. They raised families, waited tables and tended to the sick.
During National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19, these
long-term care residents were celebrated in their facilities. They joined
the ranks of more than 1,700 Tennesseans who have been honored through this
program since 1983. In addition to receiving certificates of achievement,
their stories have been shared with media outlets across the state.
And now, it is our privilege to share
them with you.