Burn Support.net

CELEBRATIONS & FAREWELLS

Hello Everyone,

It has been over eleven years since I began working at the Burn Center and it has been an amazing experience.  Through my work here I have had the privilege of meeting the most extraordinary of people… you.  By far, the most rewarding part of my work has been my connection to the people who have passed through our doors. 

That said, it is with both sadness and excitement that I share some recent news. The Phoenix Society (a national organization for burn survivors) has offered me a position with their organization as a program coordinator.  I have decided to leave my job with the Burn Center and accept the position with the Phoenix Society.   It is a remote position, meaning that I will primarily work from home, though also travel with them for conferences and trainings.  I am excited for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of people, promoting resources and opportunities that help burn survivors & families recover from burn trauma.

It will also be a wonderful opportunity for me to be home with my family more.  As some of you know, I commute to the Burn Center weekly from some distance away.  Eleven years of commuting has become somewhat of a strain.  It’s time for a change. 

As we know, however, change is not always easy.  While I am excited for the new opportunities that await me, I am very sad for what I am leaving.  I have heaviness inside of me when I think that I will rarely have the chance to see some of you again.  I will miss you. 

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for sharing your stories of pain and resiliency with me, as well as sharing yourselves.  It is an honor few people have in life.  Again, thank you.    

 My last day with the Burn Center will be March 28^th.  Please feel free to call and talk, send an email, or drop a letter if you would like to say good-bye.  I would love to connect with you.  It is my hope that I have touched your life, perhaps through a simple word or an act of kindness or caring.  It is with joy that I say that you have definitely touched mine.

 I will remember you.  With blessings and care,

 Chris

Chris Gilyard

Burn Support Representative

651-254-1710

Chris.m.gilyard@healthpartners.com

Regions Hospital Burn Center

640 Jackson St.

St. Paul MN  55101

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

VALENTINE’S DAY REMINDERS…

 Seems we move through the calendar-year often from holiday to holiday.  Accordingly, our next “holiday” is Valentine’s Day.  Some people embrace Valentine’s Day as a day of expressing love and gratitude towards others.  Some think of it as a day in which card companies rakes in the bucks.  Others look at it as another opportunity to get yet one more Reese’s extra big peanut butter cup.  Still there are those that see it as a day of reminders…  Reminders of the people who have left an imprint of themselves on our life.

 We literally do have the ability to imprint upon each other.  Think of how a mother gently holds, rocks and whispers words of caring to her baby.  Those soft touches, movements and soothing sounds are creating calming pathways in our brains.  Imprinting the care we experience.

 When we have distressing or scary moments in life, our anxiety rises and we can easily feel confused, overwhelmed, insecure or frustrated. Fear and stress take us out of our comfort zones.  The calmness and caring of others are two factors that help us find our way out of the anxiety we may feel.  Think of someone who has helped you in a time when you’ve felt scared or overwhelmed.  What was it about their care that made a difference?

 Of course, it’s not only the calming and caring of others that can leave an imprint upon us, but other things such as emotional connection as well.  Take a moment right now and think of someone who:   has the ability to always make you laugh… whom you feel safe enough to cry with… who listens and seems to help you find the answers. These are people who have left an imprint of themselves, not just in your mind, but actually on your mind.

 Amazing, really. These people who have left such an impression in our lives give us more than just a memory of themselves, they also serve to give us a pathway back to the calmer, strong and happier “you”.  It’s been said that just two minutes of focusing or meditating on an experience can cause our bodies to respond as if being there again. It’s the power of imprinting and a means of finding calmness.  Happiness. Strength. Love.  

Perhaps it’s a reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Even if we don’t participate in the holiday festivities, it is a good time to reflect upon the people who have imprinted in our lives and helped us find our way to today.  May this Valentine’s Day be a reminder of those who have imprinted in our lives. 

 Hhhmm… might even make us think about sending out a few Valentines!

Chris Gilyard, 2/2012.  ©

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »