AARP Online Community: 4lovesake

4lovesake

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Name: Annette

Birthday: March 22

Gender: Female

Ethnicity: Other

Location:
QUEEN CREEK, Arizona
United States

School:
Phoenix College, Phoenix Arizona Arizona State University, Tempe Arizona

Work:
Salt River Project Federal CU Bank of America N.****

Hometown(s):
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Gilbert, Arizona Brandon, Mississippi Queen Creek, Arizona

My Websites:
www.cnn.com
www.msnbc.com

Quote:
It's not what we leave behind that's important, it's how we've lived.

My Comments (4)

About Me

As the eldest sister in a family of thirteen, I assumed many responsibilities which prepared me for life's many challenges. Among my most rewarding achievements included my appointment as Senior Vice President of a major banking institution. Aside from my professional responsibilities I had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally. I think I enjoyed traveling more than anything. I enjoyed interacting with people from different social and cultural background. In my travels I learned that people are similar in many ways. People everywhere have a fascination for learning about those who have different backgrounds. This is especially true about people who live abroad, and want to know more about American life and culture. I've observed that people have preconceived notions about America. The most frequent 'misconception' is that Americans [in general] are more well off, than in reality. In fact, it always amazes me how different cultures view our country. I'm known for my outgoing personality. And, I confess, I'm often complimented on my sense of humor, and my willingness to try out fun activities and other experience, which those who are less timid might not attempt. Also, I don't mind saying that I'm known for the joyous parties I've given, and my leadership role when accompanying friends on sporting trips and other outside activities. Now that I'm retired I've discovered a few things about myself which I didn't anticipate. For example, there are many things I want to do on my own without feeling obligated to family. I just want to be a 'free spirit' - to 'try out' whatever appeals to me at the moment. I guess, I now simply want more opportunities to 'discover' myself in ways I could not explore before. Now that I'm older, I more appreciate the value of time, health, and being truthful to oneself and ones ideals.

Interests:

I've always enjoyed an active lifestyle. I participate in various sports activities including skying, hiking, tennis, and deep sea fishing. Other activities include gourmet cooking, reading, and home decorating. I've also participated in many volunteer capacities. I've worked with The National Red Cross Association during disaster relief. I've also been an active volunteer in community, church, and social organizations. One of the most fulfilling service organizations I've participated in was the Children's Crisis Center of Arizona. And, I was an active board member of the UNITED WAY FOUNDATION.

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Oregon Coastline.jpg

Silver Falls Oregon 2003.jpg

Eagle creek trail.jpg

Crater Lake 2003.jpg

Tulips At Home.JPG

The Harris Kids.JPG

Sandra Smiles 2006.JPG

Happy Sandra.JPG

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My Journals (1)

THE PLEASURE OF VOLUNTEERING

THE PLEASURE OF VOLUNTEERING

The Children’s Crisis Center of Arizona

Life’s most rewarding experiences are often found in places we don’t anticipate. No matter how rewarding and demanding our careers, there are often voids in ones life which cannot be fulfilled in a professional environment.

It was not by coincidence that I became involved in The Children’s Crisis Center of Arizona. Perhaps it was my love for children, and my experience as the eldest sister in a family of thirteen when I learned how important it was to attend to the tender needs of my siblings. I think this is what led me to want to become an active volunteer in areas of child welfare.

I have always been sensitive to young children and their emotional well being. It was in this way that I felt compelled to help with the emergence of the need for volunteers to help with the rising influx of children in crisis in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Many new agencies were opening to help meet the growing demand for children needing immediate and ‘emergency’ attention. Often these children were the victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

Most heartbreaking were the innocent infants born with birth defects because of drug abuse by their mothers. These children are commonly known as ‘crack babies’ by the general public. But also, many infants were exposed [in vitro] to alcohol abuse and other illegal drug usage by their mothers. These infants required intensive 24 hour medical care, needing hands-on individual attention such as cradling, rocking, and simply being held.

I served as a volunteer at the Crisis Nursery for three years doing whatever I could to help with these special needs infants and young children. It is difficult to explain how desperately these infants and young children relied on those of us who served as volunteers. We did everything possible to attend to their immediate needs. Most of all we attempted to nourish their fragile emotional wounds. Also, for me, it was an emotionally powerful experience realizing that in some small measure I was helping these helpless innocent ‘victims’. And, it is in this manner that I knew I needed to go a step further by adopting two special needs children of my own, and make a home for them.

Now that I am an adoptive parent of two formerly ‘special needs’ infants, the reward has been beyond explanation for me and my husband. No other area in my life has given me more satisfaction or pleasure than watching the transformation that took place in lives of my adoptive children, and the joy they have brought us once they became a part of our lives.

Annette Harris

May 7, 2009

Added: May 7, 2009
Views: 388 | Comments: 3 | Bookmarks: 0

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