Well Wishes! Happy Retirement.

A co-worker (at The Denton State Supportive Living Center), Brenda Turk is retiring after 20 years of service as a Direct Care "Professional" (DSP).  In reference to her, no I do not use the word professional lightly. For she was in fact the quintessential example and standard of what we in that staff position should strive to be. Above reproach on the job and in her personal life. Frustrated and fed up a lot with all the beaucratic systematic and constant changes, Brenda remained smiles and encouragingly upbeat.  She leaves now so as to continue being the sole Caregiver of her severly ill husband.  You could always "catch" Brenda in the act of 'doing her job'. Sweet and kind but never negative of staff that were less than the standard but always wondering how to lift them up and encourage others to be even better than herself. Having once been a HTL (Home Team Leader) she stepped down from it years ago to resume the backbone position as a way of exemplifying better what even that role should be. Personally, I was humbled to know Brenda and she will be sorely missed, with her shoes never quiet being filled.

The Campus Superintendent, The Head BC (that originally hired Brenda) and one of the Master Trainers on Campus, as well as some departmental heads and coworkers signed this. Realizing the State will provide fancier documents of Service Time and blah blahs, it was my intention to provide, my co-worker a "document" from the heart and meaningful token of appreciation; knowing Brenda the way I do I am certain tears and thanks are forth coming. Miss you and wish you all the best Mrs. Turk!!!

AS A BIT OF HUMOR for Brenda (and employees): I drew a "Gait Belt" {about the Star}, A "built up handle spoon" {above the name Brenda}, and a "Cut out Nose cup" {above the Surname Turk}; as these are The Tools of our Trade in assisting Individuals with physical disabilities.

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