The Emporia Gazette

Nursing home is closing

I have gotten the privilege to work as a nurse at Emporia Rehab Center over the last 2 1/2 years. While there, I came to know and love each resident and co-worker. I consider it my second home. I was completely devastated when I was told Tuesday of the news of the facility closing. It felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. 60 employees and 36 residents were feeling the same way. Then I heard of the horrible things people had been saying about ERC. After Tyson and other businesses closing recently, I assumed our small town of Emporia would be somewhat concerned, sympathetic, and understanding of our loss. Unfortunately, I found out otherwise. I wonder if the people who wrote those harsh words even considered the residents who are losing their home. They probably don't care. One resident pulled me aside crying yesterday, "I don't even know what to do. I have lived here for more than 7 years now. My husband died here. I never thought at my age I would have to find a new home." I, on the other hand, do care. I am going to continue to be compassionate and work hard every last minute that ERC is open. I wish every employee the best of luck and have enjoyed your company. I would like to thank all of the residents and their family for their continued support, kind words, and gifts. I hope you all will find a new home to accommodate you and/or your loved ones needs and wishes. I would also like to thank Osage City and Pittsburg who went out of their way to buy us lunch yesterday. It's amazing how we can be disrespected by our own community and acknowledged by people we don't even know.

December 19, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )