By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Dorothy Simon-Tibbe easily admits that she was always better at giving gifts than receiving.
So it should have come as no surprise to the media crew at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods covering the special Valentine’s Day deliveries to patients that the first thing the former Wyoming resident and historian would do with her box of chocolates is open it and offer a piece to everyone.
“I appreciate being remembered,” Dorothy said. And as she passed around the candy, she added “You know I have been very blessed in that I have already received a lot of candy for Valentine’s Day.”
A small table near the doorway to Dorothy’s room has Lindt chocolates and other goodies along with Valentine’s Day notes. Across from where Dorothy sits is a large Valentine’s Day card that hints at her generosity: “No one has a bigger heart than you.”
“The reactions are all different,” said Cheryl Brink. volunteer coordinator for Faith Hospice Trillium Woods, about the annual Valentine’s Day delivery of candy to patients. “There are lots of smiles. Who doesn’t love chocolate?”
The Valentine’s Day surprise started about four years ago as an anonymous donor wanted to remember a family member and thank Faith Hospice for the care it provided. The person donated the boxes of chocolates and volunteers distributed the candy to Faith Hospice patients at the Trillium Woods, in their individual homes, and other nursing facilities where Faith Hospice oversees care.
The special Valentine’s Day surprise was so well received that every year since an anonymous donor has purchased the chocolates to be distributed to the Faith Hospice patients, which total more than 300.
“It’s just so joyful,” said Elaine Martin who once lived in the Wyoming area but now resides in Shelbyville with her husband. “There is surprise and joy. Some question where the candy came from and why. They usually smile back and sometimes invite you to sit with them for awhile. It’s a happy moment of their day.”
Upon receiving the candy, Dorothy immediately invited Elaine to sit with her and chat.
“You are probably going to say that Dorothy talked and talked and talked,” she said with a laugh, but being a former Wyoming historian and a “Wyominite” for most of her life (Dorothy originally came from the Traverse City area) had had a lot of stories to share.
She talked about her time as writer for the Southkent Advocate which lead to her getting involved with her beloved City of Wyoming. She showed off the two City of Wyoming history books she helped write “Wilderness to Wyoming” and “A City of Wyoming: A History,” along with a book she wrote for her family “Hoe Your Own Row.” She had stories of being on the city’s Planning Commission and other city committees and that “I knew every mayor and city council member…at least who was in my age bracket.”
“I have had such an incredible life,” Dorothy said. “As I look at the end of life, I am not bother by it at all. I married two wonderful husbands, had five wonderful children by birth, three foster children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.”
As Elaine gets ready to leave, she gives Dorothy hug, thanks her for sharing and tells Dorothy that she will definitely have to pick up one of Dorothy’s books as she is curious about the area she once lived in.
“It’s more than just the candy,” Elaine said as she readies the candy cart for the next deliveries. “It is someone is thinking about me.”
