Meaningful Reflections: October Human Sunshine awards
Members of the grounds department, under the supervision of Fred Lincoln, certainly all have green thumbs and hearts of gold as they creatively plan, maintain, and add spectacular touches to our surroundings.
By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Health & Counseling Manager
As patients, families, and employees drive onto Children’s & Women’s Hospital campus, they are greeted by the playful statues of children and animals in the Geri Moulton Children’s Park.
The pond, plants, and flowers also offer a comforting welcome that seems to say to those entering, "We are here, and we care." During the holidays, there are always added greetings of decorations, Christmas trees, lights and more.
Families and employees can be seen throughout the year strolling through the park, resting under the shade of trees, and spending time breathing in the healing aspects of nature.
Members of the grounds department, under the supervision of Fred Lincoln, certainly all have green thumbs and hearts of gold as they creatively plan, maintain, and add spectacular touches to our surroundings. A nomination came in for Fred and the grounds team to receive Human Sunshine awards, and I quickly agreed.
During our presentation of their awards and a blessing-of-the-hands ceremony, each member greeted us with the sunshine they demonstrate in their work and dedication to all of us.
With great honor I present to you Fred Lincoln and his Human Sunshine award-winning grounds crew: Daniel Lee, Sirrome Fox, Michael Harris, Laviner Caster, and Kennard Harrison.
What is your role at USA Health and how long have you been with the USA Health?
I am the grounds operation superintendent for Children's & Women's Hospital and surrounding properties. I have been employed with USA Health for a little over 11 years.
What do you love about your job here?
I love working with the guys on the grounds crew, as well as everyone with the USA Health system. I am blessed to be a part of a great team.
Does your role impact patients, families, and employees? If so, how?
I believe the grounds crew does make an impact on patients, families, visitors and hospital staff. We provide a peaceful place to walk or sit to take in a little bit of nature. For the patients and family members, it’s a place to get away from the hospital to enjoy the outside for just a moment.
Do you find fulfillment from your role, and if so, how?
We, the grounds crew, get great fulfillment and satisfaction from seeing the smiling faces of everyone who visits.
Our theme for Spiritual Health and Counseling this year is, "If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine." When the world is bleak around you, how do you find the sunshine?
The grounds crew and I would like to thank everyone involved for the Human Sunshine award. However, getting recognition for the work we do is not why we do it. It's the opportunity to interact with and see the smiles of the kids, patients, families, and visitors. They are my sunshine.
Is there someone who you think of when you think of human sunshine?
When I am out working in the park/hospital grounds, I think of my mom and how much she would have loved to walk in the park or volunteer. She is my human sunshine.
Is there a quote that brings you sunshine on a cloudy day?
I have a quote from “The Andy Griffith Show”: "Spread a little sunshine every day; help someone along life’s way; spread a little sunshine every day.”
Fred added, “I am just one part of a team that puts their hearts into making Children's & Women's Hospital and the properties look the best they can.”
Learn more about Spiritual Health and Counseling at USA Health. Patients, family members, and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.
