A Gift That Keeps On Giving

Relationship Between Student, Randolph Manor Resident Continues Growing

By Leann Austin editorial@post-journal.com

RANDOLPH - The Christmas tree is decorated, the halls are decked with red and green decoration and residents of the Randolph Manor are excited for their Christmas party.

Yet one thing is still needed to make the celebration complete - Danica, a 16-year-old girl from the Randolph Children's Home who is a familiar face at the manor these days after forming a special bond with her mentor, Nellie Ingerson, over the summer.

"I never dreamed the day this young lady came to give us our manicures that this would come to be," stated Nellie of Danica.

Their bond went deeper than their shared similar painful pasts. They also shared the desire to help others.

"As terrible as Nellie's life was, she's still a wonderful person," shared Danica.

And it was Nellie's spirit that inspired Danica to have a hope and a dream for her future.

When Danica was in foster care before coming to Randolph, she helped at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. It was then that she knew helping people was what she wanted to do with her life. Circumstances tried to deter her and keep her from striving for her goal.

Then she met Nellie - and a life was changed.

"The day I came to the Manor to do some nails, it changed my life," Danica said, smiling at Nellie.

Danica is studying textbooks four hours every day in pursuit of her dream to become a nurse. She wants to get an edge and have a head start before heading to college. Coincidentally, Nellie had been a nurse before retiring.

Danica was invited by Nellie to attend the Christmas party at the Randolph Manor. Prior to the event, Nellie had asked Danica what she wanted for Christmas.

When Danica told her that she wanted a stethoscope, Nellie set out to fulfill Danica's Christmas wish.

When Danica arrived at the party, she was greeted by the many residents and caretakers there who have come to know her and anticipate her visits. She is greeted with hugs and smiles each time she walks through the door. What she didn't know was that Nellie had filled her Christmas wish list and purchased a stethoscope for her. At the party, Nellie made a presentation to Danica and gave her the stethoscope.

"I wanted her to have the best," stated Nellie. "She is gonna be the best."

There wasn't a dry eye in the room, and Danica's eyes overflowed with tears when she realized the treasure that Nellie had just given her.

"My own family hasn't sent me anything. Nellie is always there and right on top of things. I'm gonna achieve top status someday and Nellie's there every step of the way," Danica said, patting Nellie's hand. "At the end of the night, I'm gonna be something and do something in life."

"I know she can make it because she's got the personality and everything about her to be a good nurse," Nellie said.

Since receiving the stethoscope, Miss Rogers at the Randolph Academy has been helping Danica get job applications. Her counselor, principal and Nellie have all been supporting her in her career goal. It looks promising that Danica will be working at the front desk at WCA Hospital in Jamestown and doing some shadowing.

Danica said that she carries the stethoscope with her everywhere and uses it on everybody, including the dogs and horses at the home. The heart beats of the horses sound weird, she said. They don't beat like humans do.

"I'm awfully proud of Randolph Children's Home. I'm very very happy about the support they're giving you," Nellie told Danica. "If you strive for yourself, you can be somebody and she can be important," Nellie said.

"Every time I'm upset, I can go to Nellie. She's been there and done that. She understands what I'm going through," Danica said. "When I used to be bawling about giving up, now I'm helping the next girl who's upset.''

"I feel safe here. When I was at home, I never felt safe. Now I can get up and dance when I'm here with Nellie," Danica said. "The Children's Home is not a bad place. It's the actual kids. But there are a lot of great kids there. Everyone's helped in some way."

Danica also credited Nellie and her church along with Nellie's brother, Fred. She gave thanks to the people at the manor who love her.

"I'm proud of her to call her my granddaughter. I love her with all my heart," Nellie beamed at Danica.

"She's my personal little cheerleader," Danica said of Nellie's continual support and belief in her. "Thanks to her, thanks to the church, the program, or I would not be where I am right now. No matter how young or old you are, good things come to you," Danica said.

At almost 92 years old, Nellie told Danica, "The Lord hasn't told me how long I can live, but I'll always be here for her and when I go to Heaven, I'll still be with her."

"We're one," Danica said. "There is no Nellie no Danica we're one."

"We've both been through the same things," Nellie affirmed. "There was something there," Nellie spoke of their first meeting. "We are a part of each other and always will be."