Messages for Elma

Elma Holder, NCCNHR Founder

Balloons, Flowers, and Fuzzies from Friends

I wish everyone only good wishes for good health and peace (and courageous, thoughtful advocacy). Please, if you have any thoughts of sending flowers or gifts, just always send a financial gift* to NCCNHR, instead of me. We all know how that helps! And, of course, I fully appreciate your messages. - EH

Message from Alice Hedt 4/6/06  We learned this week that our dear founder, Elma, has received a serious cancer diagnosis.  Elma wants you to know that she is very appreciative or your thoughts, prayers and well wishes.  We will keep you posted as Elma moves through this part of her journey.

Messages and Tributes to Elma:

Elma, I loved visiting with you and seeing you with my own eyes.  I've learned to really appreciate Oklahoma (and boys in cowboy hats! ) and understand better where you came from.  Thank you for not being annoyed when I cried during my visit– I should have been comforting YOU.  I love having some of your earrings and bracelets.  Whenever I need to be fierce, I wear them and feel like Wonder Woman.  I think you gave me a little bit of your endless strength. Love Always, Dwana Pinchock 6/22/06

I wish you all the best - be good be happy and most of all be healthy.  Danette James 5/26

Hi Elma:  I was so sad to learn the news of your illness.  Dave and I send our thoughts and prayers and wishes for healing and a quick recovery.  You are in our thoughts. Best, Carol Regan 5/10

Shelley and I had the pleasure of sharing an evening with you in Sacramento a couple of years ago. We will never forget your desire to purchase a life size, free-standing cardboard cut-out of John Wayne to take to the next NCCNHR auction at the annual meeting. You eventually decided you could find something smaller that would fit into your luggage. You are our hero. Love and good thoughts, Shelley Woolery and Marilyn Blackwood 5/3

Elma, you have been in my thoughts and this note is simply to convey my desire for a speedy recovery. Your good health and happiness is important to many people. Fred Gladden 4/28

How goes it Elma? Like the spring sprouting, please get better. Love, George Pettengill 4/28

Elma...I am sending a blessing with this message through cyber space to increase the ordinary wisdom of those caring for you to match the extra-ordinary wisdom of the person they are caring for!  That ought to do it!  Much love from Northeast (Texarkana) Texas, Patrice V. Berry 4/25

Elma -- I remember so well the early years with Maggie Kuhn and have been guided throughout my career by her mentorship and the steadfast, strong and dignified examples of people like YOU. I feel privileged to count you as a friend and role model. Jeanne Bader 4/22

Hello Miss Elma, what a joy and inspiration you are to all of us.....I am praying for you and I hope all the best. Keep a good thought. Your Birmingham, AL Ombuddy,  Karen Guice 4/14

Hi, Elma. Thank you for your recent note -  I am so sorry to hear of your illness and surgery. We here at CARIE are sending healing wishes and caring thoughts your way - - strong medicine for a strong woman! Be well. Cathy Schiman 4/13

Elma, It's another curve in the road.  You are a beacon, your light will always shine.  Greetings and best wishes.  Jo Ellen Skelley-Walley, Ohio 4/13

Ms. Elma, keep going strong! It will not prosper, get well Today. Thank you for your loving blessings! Tim Allen-Arkansas 4/12

Elma: I am always inspired by your example, guided by your wisdom, and grateful for your advocacy.  I wish you strength, courage, and the very best as you take on this latest challenge. Alison Hirschel 4/12

I just learned of your new “journey”.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do and the great inspiration you continue to be to me.  You are in my thoughts and prayers and like someone already said – spring is a great time for your full recovery! Thinking of you. Cathy Hart, Idaho Long Term Care Ombudsman 4/11

Elma—You have been an inspiration to so many people who want to improve the quality of care and life for our cherished and vulnerable older adults. I hope that you doing well after your surgery, and I wish you the same quality of care and life that you have so valiantly pursued for so many. David Zimmerman 4/11

Dear Elma, A blip in the radar?  Without knowing details, know that I keep you in my prayers especially during this Holy Week.  I trust that the love and support of so many to whom you have given so much will see you through this latest obstacle with flying colors.  Imelda Maurer 4/10

Dear Elma, Got on the NCCNHR website today and read your news.  Here is a Bible verse that has helped me through every leg of my journey that is so encouraging: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6. Will be keeping you in my prayers too.  Thank you so much for all you've done for people living in LTC Elma.  Karen Schoenman and I have been meeting with John Holland periodically and he always gives you all the credit!  Love, Carmen Bowman 4/10

Elma, know that you are a beacon for me.  Love, Geoff Lieberman 4/8

Elma, I just heard that you had some surgery and have had some recent health setbacks.  I just wanted you to know that I wish you well and a full and speedy recovery.  I know first-hand what a fighter you can be and that you will see this as another challenge to be overcome. Evvie Munley 4/7

Elma, I am wishing that only good comes to you.  You have been such an inspiration to so many over the years. I want you to know that tomorrow will be the first meeting of an Advocate Group in Delaware: For lack of another name right now, it is “Citizens for Long Term Care.” Things have been happening here, and it just seemed the right thing to do! I will keep you in my prayers. Pat Engelhardt, NCCNHR member 4/7

Elma, Our very best wishes for a positive outcome. We are distressed to hear the news re: cancer. Janet & George Ruboy 4/7

Elma, You have been an inspiration to all of us and your leadership to make a difference in the lives of seniors who are most vulnerable has been very successful.  I’m just one of your biggest fans and friend. You are in my prayers. Much Love,  Marie Tomlin 4/7 

I and all of us here in Arkansas continue to have Elma in our thoughts and prayers. Kathie J. Gately 4/7

Elma:  I followed the doctor's orders and am in remission.  I pray that you will also follow the doctor's orders and will soon be in remission.  In the meantime, you'll be in my prayers! Ralph Erwin, AANHR Arkansas 4/6

Elma,  I know that anytime you go through these health challenges is a struggle.  My thoughts and prayers have been with you.  I wish you all the best as you recover.  A big bunch of metaphorical flowers and my love to you!  Diane Menio 3/31

Elma, We are thinking about you, God Speed! Maryann Lidestri and Cathy Wilson (AFLON) 3/30

Dear Elma, In all the time we worked together I noticed that when life gave you a pitcher of water, you usually made lemonade. With this in mind I have a feeling you will come out of this adventure with the health care delivery system with new advocacy ideas and that soon you will have us all on the bandwagon. Hope you are feeling much better and are at your regular 150% speed as soon as possible. Julie Trocchio 3/30

Elma, greetings and best wishes from the great state of Texas.  Thanks for everything and get well soon. John Willis 3/27

Hi Elma - Wishing for you: smooth sailing and feeling better each day!   Springtime is a great time for recovery.  Cheers and best wishes,  Martha M 3/27

Dear Elma,  Get well. Stay well. Be Happy. Live long. God's very best blessings be yours. Deborah Hanson 3/23

Aloha Elma, So happy to hear your surgery was a success but now I'm curious what surgery you had done?  Hope you weren't "kicking someone's butt" again? It is so hard having that big toe removed once inserted.  Hey I never made it to NASOP's conference to Oklahoma so you still owe me a tour of your favorite road houses. Praying for a complete recovery and that we meet again soon. I love you Elma. John G. McDermott 3/21

Elma, You are an amazing, awesome lady and we owe you so much!  You are a part of our Arkansas Ombudsman family and we love having you here every time.   You have all our love, hugs, kisses, hearts and prayers with you as you recover and regain that El-ma spirit that we can't do without!  Your Ombudsman little sis, Kathie Kathie J. Gately 3/21

HI Elma~ This message is filled with lots of love and good wishes.  You are in my prayers, Sue Misiorski 3/20

Elma, Am so grateful for Alice's note to say you are doing much better. Our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Keep up the good work! Best wishes from all at the Michigan Campaign for Quality Care. Keep snuggling with the afghan! Paul Van Westrienen 3/20

Dear Elma: Growing older is not so bad with a few exceptions.  Please tell me that, like mine, your doctors look too young to shave!  Over the years, we may have improved their bedside manners but not their stereotyped view of elders.  When I had eye surgery a year ago, the doctor was so impressed that I, aged 80, lived in a two story house and had walked 14 blocks to the hospital that he did not order any pre-op tests!  It's a good thing we grew up tough.  Freddie Pincus 3/20

Hi Elma, Hope you're feeling better soon! Joseph Rodrigues, CA State LTC Ombudsman 3/20

Elma, All my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery, Joanne Rader 3/20 

Elma, you need to get better ASAP. You are due in Kansas this spring at the Ombudsman conference. Deanne Bacco at KABC 3/20

Hi Elma, My thoughts and prayers are with you –hope you will be well enough to join us in Salem With warmest regards, Mary and all the Massachusetts’ Ombudsman Mary E McKenna 3/20

Hi Elma, you have much love and best wishes from everyone at the Citizen Advocacy Center--hope you are back on your feet soon; we all need you!! David Swankin 3/20

Hi, Elma, Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and wishing you a speedy recovery!  Neyna Johnson 3/20

Elma: Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Victor Orija, State LTC Ombudsman--Delaware 3/19

Hi Elma!  You are in our hearts and prayers.  You're a very special person, a real gift to the world.   Morris Kaplan 3/19

Hi, Elma, I hope you have a speedy recovery!  May you have only sunny days ahead! Sincerely, Marguerite Schervish 3/19 

For Elma- On behalf of Connecticut's long term care consumers as well as resident and family councils, we send you our very best wishes. Your legendary advocacy efforts and unfaltering perseverance continue to inspire us all. May that same spirit carry you through a quick recovery and well beyond. Our best wishes, The CT Long Term Care Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers 3/19

Here's wishing you a speedy recovery and you are in my prayers. Gay Nell Harper 3/19

Our concern at your being unable to attend the Ombudsmen Celebration was compounded by the news of your continued illness and need for surgery.  Take it slow - smell the roses and know how dear you are to all of us.  Blessings, Nancy Allison-AANHR 3/18

Dear Elma,  You and yours are in my prayers. With love, Jackie Case 3/18

Elma, my thought and prayers are with you. -- Ruth Morgan 3/17

Dear One, Know that you are loved and surrounded with good thoughts for your speedy recovery and return to "normal" (whatever THAT is!).  Be gentle with yourself.  I will see you soon. Dinner is on me, when you want something better than Ensure! ;-)  Esther Esther Houser 3/17

Elma, Lou O’Reilly told me of your surgery the day before that event. I kept you in my prayers throughout the day.  Take time to recuperate and appreciate every minute of every day. With love, Imelda  Imelda Maurer 3/17

Elma, Just wanted to let you know that I and my colleagues in MA are thinking of you, and sending all of our good wishes for a speedy recovery. Arlene Germain, MANHR 3/17

Elma, you are unstoppable!  I hope your recovery is smooth and you'll be feeling well soon. Bev Laubert 3/17

Dear Elma, You have been such an inspiration to all of us. And of course, you were one of the very first people on the National Level who agreed with us that nursing assistants are important. Thank you for being an advocate for good care and good caregivers as well.   Jeni Gipson and company, National Network of Career Nursing Assistants 3/17  

Hello Elma, My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Pat  Pat Tunnell 3/17

Wishing surgery outcome was successful and your recovery will be soon. Hope to see you at the NCCNHR annual meeting. Love, Lou O'Reilly 3/17

What would any of us do if you weren’t there to lead the fight and keep us all going.   Much Love and Prayers, you taught me well. Marie Tomlin 3/17

Elma, just a note to say I am thinking of you.   It sounds like you went through an ordeal with flying colors. You are amazing and I am sure that your good attitude has a lot to do with how well you always do.  Thinking of you and wish I could see you.  Charlene Harrington 3/17

Elma, not sure that I really want to write you today.  I'm still sore over the hearts and things that you sent in the mail.  (That is, stooping down to pick them up!) I'll be getting you (and Sara H.) back someday.  Looking forward to seeing you.  Love you!! Carol Scott 3/17

Tell Elma I ran into Sarah Burger at the ASA/NCOA meetings yesterday evening and got the news.  Give her my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.  MJ  Mary Jane Koren 3/17

Elma,  I can only imagine what you must have gone through during the first days of this ordeal. You're a true survivor and an inspiration to all of us. Larry Foust wanted me to send you his sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery also. God bless you. John Kafka 3/17

Elma,  My thoughts were with you yesterday and I'm thrilled that everything went well.  Hoping you have a speedy recovery.  You are always with us in everything we do at NCCNHR.  Carol Teal 3/16

Elma, I don’t think that they will ever make rechargeable batteries that can keep up with you. You are an the inspiration that has kept me going for all these years, and now tapped me on the shoulder to do something extra for NCCNHR and NORC. I am so pleased to be working with the office crew for the next several months! Keep getting stronger to help keep me going, and going, and going! Remember NY- The Energizer Bunny! Eileen Bennett 3/16

Elma, these past few weeks, I've realized what a great gift you are to nursing home residents and to everyone who has ever known you. Spring is just starting -- enjoy! -- Janet  Janet Wells 3/16

Congratulations on leaving the hospital so quickly. We did pray for you during this distressful affair and we know you'll be up & at'um very soon. Ralph Erwin, AANHR 3/16

Elma,  There have been so many people across the country praying for you! Take care of yourself and we will keep praying for a speedy recovery. We love you. Barbara Hengstebeck 3/16

Cynthia Rudder 3/16

I am so happy the surgery went well. This adds one more way in which you are a miracle and blessing for all of us. Love you, Gail Gail MacInnes 3/16

Elma, I am looking for a fuzzy balloon in the shape of a flower to send you :) along with my prayers and love. Alice Hedt 3/15    

With Love in her Heart and a Blaze in her Soul by Columnist Bard Lindemann. Tribute to Elma on the occasion of NCCNHR's 25th anniversary.

Send a short greeting to Elma by email to dokrent@nccnhr.org or fax 202.332.2949. 

* Donations to NCCNHR in lieu of gifts for Elma may be made online.