Book Description

During the 2009 to 2010 annual year, Florida's long-term care ombudsmen investigated and resolved 9,098 complaints; more than in any other year in the program's 35-year history. That's why I call them "angels in training."What exactly is an ombudsman? A long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. Why do we need ombudsmen? Because it's human nature to take the easy way out and the powerful can take advantage of the weak. And as one elderly female resident said, "I have been placed in a prison and my only crime was that I got old." Residents have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect. Ombudsmen are there to make sure these rights are enforced.There is only one problem. Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is the "best kept secret" in the state.I started writing poetry as a young girl. I didn't know at the time it was a gift from God. Even though I attended church weekly I can't say that God was a big part of my life. He just didn't feel that close to me. Why would I expect a gift from someone I didn't know? But God knew me. His plan for my life included writing poetry back then and this book now. After some major life-changing events in my thirties I sought out God. I found Him at forty but this time I desired a relationship. Now, the Holy Spirit fills me with the words to say when I write poetry, skits or books. Today, I accept God's gifts freely and use them to honor Him. Writing has given me a voice to say what my shyness prevented me from saying out loud. Thank you for listening.