The following was written and posted on social media by my son, Brendan Shouse.  Most of you probably know that Evan has a twin.  Some will know that Brendan started out college as a Fine Arts major (Blacksmithing and Metalworking at the Appalachian Center for Craft at TN Tech.) Some know that after two-year’s into that major, he realized that his REAL passion was in the helping professions … and that realization set him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation that has been remarkable and inspiring to watch.  You cannot imagine how immensely proud I am to have witnessed and been a small part of that journey.  Brendan has not lived a charmed life. His struggles have been real and deep.  He has traveled some dark roads, and experienced things about which I cannot even guess.  This piece talks about how his profession and his particular job have changed him.  I wish there were adequate words for me to say just how much this piece means to me.  He is a hero.  That’s a term that’s tossed around all too easily, especially these days.   But I mean it literally.  He is a hero to me.

In a few short days, I will officially have been employed in the healthcare field for two years. Time has a way of flying by whilst simultaneously slowly crawling along. If you had told me two and a half years ago that I would be working in the social services department at a skilled nursing facility and working with long-term care residents, I probably would have laughed out loud. I had not intended to be here…But God has far better plans than I ever do (or ever will), and my life is unrecognizable (in the best possible way).

In my day-to-day job I have the honor and privilege of talking to patients one-on-one. Among other responsibilities, I get to interview patients and ask a relatively brief set of questions regarding mood and cognition. Nothing fancy. Nothing spectacular. Nothing glorious. I get to listen. People are absolutely fascinating when you actually listen to the odd things that they say. We are funny creatures after all. But this job has changed who I am and how I see the world. It has strengthened my faith and my resolve to improve myself. I am more present both mentally and spiritually than I have ever been.

I have been blessed immeasurably by my job and by the people that I get to work with every day. I am going to sound cliché for a moment and say that I truly work with some real-life heroes. The men and women that I work alongside appear to rise each morning with new energy and are driven to help sick people get well. I see people each day who are actively looking to comfort and heal. Whether it is a friendly smile, a short conversation, holding someone’s hand, sitting with someone who is confused, or just gentle reassurance, they do it all.

I would blatantly be lying to you if I said that there aren’t some difficult days. Sometimes there are extremely hard conversations with patients and their families. There are times when someone who was previously living independently starts to realize that they will need long-term care. There are times when conversations about hospice need to occur. There are times when God calls that hospice patient home. None of that is easy; it takes emotional fortitude and unparalleled resilience.

One of the most important lessons that I have learned (and there are many valuable lessons that I have been fortunate enough to learn), is that a single person can change the very fabric of reality. Sometimes people get bogged down with a nihilistic grief and think things like “what is the point?” or “does any of this really matter?” or “what the heck am I supposed to be doing?” and I think that I have stumbled upon a solution of sorts… Make the world a better place. Start small. Start so small that nobody notices other than yourself. Do something kind for someone without the expectation of recognition. Be present. Be humble. Say thank you when someone helps you, even in the most minor way.

You, yes you, have the potential to be an amazing force for good. Your actions change the world. Not in some silly theoretical way. Your actions are meaningful. They matter. You matter. Start today. Fix things that need fixing. Take the necessary steps to mend a damaged relationship with a friend or loved one. Let go of a destructive habit that is keeping you from being the best possible version of yourself. If you see an opportunity to love somebody well, for goodness sake take that opportunity. You have absolutely no idea the ways that your life can change for the better…and the coolest part? As it turns out, you bettering yourself is quite beneficial to everyone around you.

Working in social services has allowed me to meet countless interesting individuals, all of whom are unique and valued by our Creator. I have been blessed with the opportunity to love some genuinely special and wonderful people, some of whom have passed from this life to the next. Keep your eyes open for when you are “in the right place at the right time”. Evaluate that closely and then chase that at every chance you get.

Thank you for taking the time to read some of the ramblings of a guy who is genuinely happier than he ever could have imagined and more importantly a guy who is content with the life he has been given. God bless you guys and girls 😊
– Brendan