JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Bedside storytellers haven’t visited patients and staff at Franklin Woods Community Hospital since March 2020. But during the two years before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) limited volunteers, they were a welcome sight to patients and staff, who enjoyed “story breaks” and the joy the tellers spread to patients – which also actually helped reduce anxiety and physical pain.
Broad-smiling storyteller Jeff Stratton was a regular on the hospital’s family birth center, med-surge and ICU floors. During that time, he said he did his best to lift staff spirits and bring smiles to the hardworking frontline workers.
As the pandemic began to hit our area, Jeff and his wife, Jolene, moved to Portugal. Then, as it worsened, he wanted to find a way to express “obrigado” (Portuguese for “thanks”) to the Franklin Woods staff for their “efforts in dealing with the pandemic and all its accompanying problems.”
Jeff arranged for cookie cakes to be delivered to his Franklin Woods frontline friends. He also sent them links – at their request – to some of his story performances on YouTube, so that even from Portugal, he can still bring joy through “story breaks,” and, hopefully, a little relief in the midst of a trying time. To hear Jeff’s stories, go to:
Family Stories:
Lying in South Carolina; Jeff Stratton as Teddy Roosevelt; One Storyteller’s Journey:
Have you witnessed or do you know of a story that might inspire, connect or give hope to your Ballad Health team members? Let us know about compassionate moments, talented co-workers or stories that made you smile. Share your story here.
