- November 25, 2018
- Member Stories, The Wellspring Team Stories
“There is an invisible strand directing and guiding me towards giving”, commented Barbara Payne as she shared her thoughts. “It’s been a very personal experience from childhood; I just have a desire to help others”. As a nurse, Barb knows first hand how Wellspring Edmonton is a perfect place to make a difference. Her greatest reward comes from sharing her professional experience as a nurse in a meaningful way.
As a child, Barb recalls hearing her mother telling stories of Florence Nightingale. Those stories have remained in her consciousness to this day: “A vision of Florence Nightingale in white, walking amongst the beds of those who were ill, carrying her famous lamp as she consoled those in need. That image captured me and was my inspiration”.
“When you think about it – Florence Nightingale was able to do a lot with very little. My mother was the same. We didn’t have a lot, but she made us feel like we did. She was generous, insightful and had a beautiful way of framing things so that even though things were perhaps not going well, we felt everything would be OK. This was a gift from my mother – a gift of being able to connect and talk with others. My work here with Volunteers at Wellspring Edmonton is about connecting with kindred spirits. Life experience teaches and guides us in so many ways. In giving, I have received, and with this, there is an incredible sense of satisfaction in seeing people thrive”.
