Greetings to the CapitalMOM community!
I’m Ellen Beans, your new Grandparent blogger. I’m following in fantastic footsteps … those of Nancy Becker. Nancy wrote this blog for 10 years and did a wonderful job of taking us with her through life experiences in retirement and grandparenting.
A Writer of Thoughts
I consider myself a writer of “thoughts.” As I go about living this life of mine, the daily experiences and observations continually fly through my mind. I find that some things inspire me to research and learn more; other things simply amaze me, and I am ever so grateful to witness them. And then there are things that cause me concern and I begin exploring options for change. These thoughts are the basis of my writing. I’d like to share my thoughts with you in the hope that you, too, will dig a bit deeper into life’s simple joys, moments of awe, expressions of care and opportunities for change.
Growing up in a Farming Community
People know me as Ellen or Ellie. It depends on which era of my life you first knew me! I answer to either. I grew up in Arlington, Nebraska. My family name was Holstein and oddly enough, my dad was a dairy farmer with a herd of Holsteins. My mom was an accountant for Robert’s Dairy. My brother, sister and I were all “Determined Dairymen” 4-H Club members! I am so grateful that I was raised in a small farming community. I was encouraged to explore and experience life. Opportunities to grow as an individual, team member and leader were plenty.
Education
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in psychology from Doane University; a Master of Arts degree in educational psychology and measurements from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and a certification in gerontology from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Professional Life
Upon receiving my graduate degree, my advisor encouraged me to apply for the position of assistant director of Volunteer Services at Bryan Memorial Hospital. Having just earned my counseling degree, I did question this advice. His answer: it would be a great opportunity to gain experience about the healthy side of aging, and if I saw both sides of aging, I would be better equipped to counsel older adults and their families. Now, 43 years later, I am still silently thanking him for his guidance.
From 1982-2022, I had the privilege to direct the Volunteer Services Department for Bryan Health. As needs arose within the health system, I accepted responsibility in additional areas of customer care, healing arts and patient experience. But please let me be clear, I may have carried the title of director, but it was a team of dedicated, caring, hard-working individuals that carried out our responsibilities and carried forth our mission of serving. I was fortunate to have worked with outstanding co-workers and volunteers.
Retirement
On February 1, 2022, I celebrated 40 years at Bryan Health. On February 2, I turned off my computer, turned in my keys and took off my name badge. I shut the door and did not look back. As much as I loved my job and cherished the people, I knew it was time to find out who I was beyond the walls of Bryan.
My Next Adventure
Now, please join me as I traverse this new path. We’ll look at the roles of daughter, wife, mom and grandma. We’ll discuss thoughts on healthy, joyful living, community involvement, volunteerism and self-care. And we’ll bravely tackle the topic of change!
Thoughtfully,
Ellen
Ellen Beans
I’m originally from Arlington, NE. My husband, Pat, is from Cozad, NE. After spending the past 45 years in Lincoln, we are proud to call it our home.
I served as a Director at Bryan Health for 40 years. Pat served as the Chief Financial Officer for NRC Health for many years. He now serves as the Manager for Amandla, LLC.
We have two sons, Winston and Beau. Winston is married to Emily, and they have a daughter, Sophia, 5 years old. Beau is engaged to Kelcie, and we are anxiously awaiting a wedding date!
As the author of the Grandparent blog, I’ll be writing about the challenges and rewards of retirement. I’ll focus on the roles I have taken on in life … spouse, parent, In-law, grandparent, colleague and friend, and how they have changed over the years. This is the plan for the blog, but as we all know, plans can change!
