WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - We're just moments away from our big surprise for a home healthcare hero. News 3 got help setting this up from Mary Brown; she's the director ofSaving Grace Home Care in Williamsburg.
We wait in a conference room, and in a few minutes we learn the guest of honor has arrived. Glenda Keen is stunned.
"Oh my goodness... wow! What is this? Oh my goodness! Well, what is this for?" she asked.
Glenda, this is because your boss, Mary, says you bring a lot of joy.
"The seniors we serve sometimes don't have anybody at all in their day-to-day life except for us. Sometimes there's no family, or sometimes the family is far away, and when someone like Glenda goes in and just brightens their day, it's just overwhelming for me," Mary explained.
As a home healthcare aide for Saving Grace, Glenda is going into people's homes and doing a variety of things: Helping seniors get out of bed, brushing their teeth, dressing them, bathing them, running errands, and sometimes just listening and talking with them.
Glenda's aware she doesn't have to work.
"No, it's actually like a ministry for me and then a legacy of my relatives who've gone on that I took care of them all. So, after I retired, I wanted to keep the fire burning, you might say," Glenda told us.
At 72 years old and after giving her government job 40 years before retiring, she's going strong!
So, what keeps her going?
"Activity, church events... traveling and working."
Glenda's bosses say she's a top-requested home healthcare aid among her seniors. She's never late and has never called out since she started.
So, for all the joy Glenda is spreading, News 3 presented her with an Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank.
"Well thank you! Thank you!" Glenda exclaimed.
To nominate someone for an Everyday Hero Award, click here.
