Creative Volunteerism: The Tiberi Triplets
I’ve always enjoyed working on political issues, campaigns, and legislative projects but at the beginning of last year, I found myself deeply involved with a new way to volunteer. On January 18, 2009, Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and his wife Denice were blessed with the safe delivery of their three healthy baby girls: Cristina, Daniela, and Gabriela. These babies completed their wonderful family that already included 5 year old Angelina. Having to care for three babies at the same time requires careful planning, endurance, and lots of patience. I know that when parents have to call on families and friends all of the time to help with multiple births, it takes a toll on everyone. So I rounded up a bunch of enthusiastic and energetic nurses eager to volunteer to add to the list of those helping care for these precious babies.
Since nurses are skilled caregivers, it wasn’t difficult to find experienced volunteers to help feed, diaper, and cuddle these infants. We’ve watched the Tiberi Triplets grow and have witnessed first smiles, backwards crawling, screams of delight, and the wonderment of the first taste of apple sauce. We’ve been thrilled to take on some of the load of this amazing caring adventure to help give some well-deserved relaxation and free-time to both mom and dad.
All of the education we’ve had as nurses on child development and infant care have been put to use in the Tiberi household. Watching Angelina interact with her prized baby sisters is a treat in itself. Ensuring that she always washes her hands before giving those loving hugs and touches is something she is ready and willing to do. Standing in the shadows of the new stars of the house can be a daunting task for a young lady like Angelina but she realizes that dad will always take her out on a private luncheon date to give her the individualized attention she loves. Having the nurses help with the triplets also gives mom some well-deserved time alone with Angelina as she tucks her into bed at night.
So volunteerism can exist in many different forms for nurses. I have to admit that even though I love stuffing envelopes for political candidates, marching in parades in support of our favorite legislators, and making phone calls to educate the community on an important issue, my favorite times have been helping with the Tiberi Triplets.
Whenever I’ve been away from them over a week, I’m eager to rejoin the group to care for these little babies. Isn’t it funny that even though you volunteer to help others, you receive so much more gratification in return. Volunteering can be quite an adventure, one that you may never forget!
Kay Ball, RN, PhD, CNOR, FAAN
Member of the Ohio Nurses Association
Tags: Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH), February 2010, Volunteerism
