Our weekly series on everyday heroes, written by veteran reporter John Surratt, inspires even the staff in our crusty newsroom.
This week’s story on the five women who comprise the staff at the Warren County Children’s Shelter struck a chord with many of us.
These women, who together have 112 years experience helping abused and neglected children who come to the shelter for their safety, are every bit heroes in this community.
The stories of Loretta Dudley, Carla Jones, Ola Johnson, Mozell Guy and Bernice Murphy are at the same time awe inspiring and heart breaking.
Cindy McCarley, shelter director said, “They bring those kids back to life is what they do. You see them come alive again; we see them giggle and see them smile. See them just being a kid.”
What greater gift can anyone give to a child who has been neglected or abused than love and light?
The jobs of these five women aren’t easy — far from it. Each is a mother, and each battle with not becoming too attached with the children they care for at the shelter.
Each has children from their shelter work who stand out, who broke their heart.
The women said, while they have had to learn to put their guard up, that doesn’t always protect their heart.
Dudley talked about caring for a child who had been burned by someone who was supposed to love and care for him.
“The nurse had to come in and scrub him, and he hollered, and we hollered,” she said.
What these strong women have to deal with is unimaginable for most of us. They have to buoy themselves when children who are afraid and who don’t want to leave the shelter, have to do so to visit family. They have to steel themselves when helping to care for babies addicted to crack cocaine.
These strong women are forced to see the worst in our community. They help to repair by providing love and care to children who have been physically and mentally injured by the very people who should be nurturing them and keeping them safe.
What an amazing gift these strong women give to these children and our community.
Recall the saying, “Don’t mistake my kindness for a weakness.” Never has that saying fit any group more. These kind women are the strongest among us.