By Rachel Reed

I come from a family of nurses, so when Nursing Appreciation Week comes around every year, my heart is already full of thankfulness and gratitude for nurses. I can look back on my earliest memories of my grandmother, Sally Ryland, in her white nurse uniform, digging through her bag for Campho Phenique, which she put on any of my scratches and sores–it was her go-to, her cure-all, along with Vick’s VapoRub.

Sally, my Granny, began her nursing education at age 26 and graduated from UCLA with an A.S. In Nursing at age 28. After that, she worked at a convalescent center for a year, from 1965-1966. Granny was then hired by Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles as a floor nurse, where she worked from 1967-1969. She moved to Fresno in 1969 and worked as a floor nurse, charge nurse, and House Supervisor at Sierra Community Hospital. After that, she worked at the new Kaiser Permanente built in Fresno. She ran the ICU and also worked as the House Supervisor. Following that position, she went to work at Fresno Community Hospital in the Renaissance Adolescent Center from 1986 until she retired in 1996. Granny worked as an RN for 30 years, from 1966-1996. During that time, she also obtained her B.S. and Master’s Degree at Fresno State and was a licensed LFMT and Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor. Granny worked many weekends and evening shifts, from 3-11 pm, for years while working on her other degrees, licensing, and certifications.

Not only do I have her legacy of nursing, but I have that of her sisters, as well. Aunt Becky and Aunt Alta were both RN’s. Aunt Janice and Aunt Bernetta were both CNA’s. Aunt Cathy was an LVN. Gran’s daughter, my Aunt Laura, is a retired RN. My own sister, Rebecca, is a nationally certified oncology nurse.

My family of nurses has taught me so many things. First of all, a good nurse is a caring nurse. Nurses are hardworking, intelligent, fast-thinking, and honorable. A good nurse is worth more than any hospital can pay her. She is, in fact, worth more than diamonds or rubies, any precious metals, luxury hotels, or vehicles. A good nurse deserves more than we can offer her, so treat her well. Respect her. Listen to her. Give her your time and attention–she knows what she is talking about, and she has something to say. A good nurse is where I come from. If I didn’t pass out at the sight of blood, I would probably be one.

To all of the nurses out there–I see you and I honor you this week.

To my family of nurses–I thank God for your loving care every single day, and for the legacy of love I have because of you. Thank you.

Because we know how easy it is to become isolated and experience loneliness or even depression, we have compiled a list of activities that are accessible for the entire family—adults, kids and seniors. We tried to find activities that are free or are low cost in the Fresno/Clovis area.

Movies: The movie theatre off Shaw and Villa in Clovis has great ease of access and is only $3, all day, every day. Movies are a GREAT option during our extreme summer heat. Check out their web site for a list of current showings:

Farmer’s Markets: There are several excellent local farmer’s markets that provide opportunities for entertainment, exercise and amazingly fresh food. Additionally, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back and support local businesses. Check out their web sites for more information:

Old Town CLovis: Friday nights and Saturday mornings http://oldtownclovis.org/farmers-market

Vineyard Farmer’s Market: Wednesday’s and Saturday’s  http://www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com/

Riverpark Farmer’s market: Tuesday’s
https://www.riverparkfm.com/

For a taste of local history and culture, check out:

Forestiere Underground Gardens
http://www.undergroundgardens.com/

Meux Home Museum
http://meuxhomemuseum.org/

Fresno ArtHop
http://fresnoartscouncil.org/

Concerts at Sierra Vista Mall
https://www.sierravistamall.com/event/sierra-nights-live-summer-concert-series/2145505718/

This list is in no way comprehensive—in fact, we’ve just touched on a few local opportunities for socialization with the whole family. If you have additional suggestions, please email us at rreed@assuredsls.com, or comment below. If you try out any of these events/activities, please let us know what you loved best!