Family of Dove

In recognition of Dove's 44th Anniversary (7/71970), we will be posting more often and with a few guests authors.  Staff member Teri shares with us on this first day. 

As I look over the almost 24 years that I’ve been at Dove, I feel so blessed.  When I think all the way back to the first month I worked here, I learned early on just how special the Dove Family really is.  I had only been employed for about a month when I returned to work from lunch on November 1^st, 1990 to see an emergency phone message for me to call Decatur Memorial Hospital Emergency Room *(of course, this was before cell phones – which is why I didn’t receive the message until I returned to Dove)  I quickly learned that my only 4 ½ old baby nephew had died!!  We learned it was probably SIDS that took his life so early from us.  The support I received from everyone was unbelievable – so many staff who I barely knew since I had only been employed for such a short time.

 

Unfortunately, I’ve experienced several losses throughout my years of employment.  In 2003, I lost my dear Mom, after learning she was diagnosed with cancer and then died only 3 weeks later.  She had been so healthy except for what she thought was a cold.  She even walked every day at the mall.  My Mom was only 75.  If that wasn’t enough, the day after we buried my Mom, my youngest sister, Sheila, died!  This was almost too much to handle – but God tells us that He never gives us more than we can handle.  My sister had been struggling with cancer for 4 long years and we believe that when Mom died, she just got tired and gave up.  So – having to bury both my Mom and my sister all within one week, was nearly unbearable.   But once again – the love and genuine compassion of all the Dove staff is what helped get me through.  My dad, sister and my brother and I were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support to our family during this most difficult time!!  Once again, I was shown just how blessed I am to work for an agency who truly understands and cares about their own employees!

 

Once again, in March, 2010, I experienced yet another significant loss.  My best friend and husband, Bill, of nearly 25 years, joined my little nephew, his Mommy (my youngest sister) and my Mom in Heaven.  Bill was a friend to many here at Dove.  He enjoyed helping out by utilizing his carpenter skills, or in any other way, whenever he was needed.  He had such a great sense of humor and looked forward to stopping in and visiting from time to time with different staff members.  At this most difficult time for me, in losing my Bill, I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without my Dove Family.  They were there for me from beginning to end – in any way possible for me. 

 

Although my contribution here is rather sad – it also is one of joy.  I’m so grateful and happy to work for an agency who absolutely demonstrates it’s Mission and it’s Values – “Dove cares about people, especially those who are powerless and hurt.  Even when suffering is so great that caring is all we can do, still we stand ready to share the burden and to suffer.”   Thank you, Dove Family, for standing by me through some of my most difficult times as you shared with me in each of my burdens.  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

 

Teri Ducy, Director

Dove Domestic Violence Program