Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Last week, the Gazette-Journal broke the news to the community that Guy Shelton, Administrator of Riverside Convalescent Center-Mathews, would be retiring after 40 years in health care. It has been my pleasure to have had Mr. Shelton as my Administrator for almost 30 of the 40 years, minus the time he returned to Hampton to serve as Administrator there.
When he told me he was being interviewed for the paper, I tried to figure a way to magically appear during the interview to give the reporter the real story or at least “my story” of the years between 3 and 0, but decided out of respect it would not be the best choice.
This brings me to today, and Readers Write, because I must take a few minutes to continue the story!
After my children started school, I returned to work. I was a staff nurse at RCC-Mathews when first introduced to Mr. Shelton. He was very professional, expected his staff to be the same and there was only one uniform for nurses. White! And your nursing cap was to be worn at all times while on duty.
I cannot tell you how many times I would hear his heels clicking down the hallway and I would run to get that cap on my head. I actually looked forward to it. Never was he overbearing or demanding, but in a kind manner would say, “You’re missing something, I believe.” We were in the business of “caring for those who could not care for themselves” and he was and has always been very involved.
Trying to briefly summarize the past 40 years cannot be done. I cannot tell you the love, interest, and concern he has shown for every resident and every family that has walked through our front doors. His office door was always open to hear any concern, to offer advice, or to just maybe visit with one of the many residents that, it was easy to see, felt he was their best friend.
It is hard to guess the number of residents he assisted to walk in the hallways as a part of their therapy or that he sat and fed them ice cream because they were upset and ice cream always seemed to help. He has cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill for picnics, dressed up in “frills” for Halloween, and shed many unseen tears at the end of a life well lived. He managed his staff, expecting everyone to do their job and do it well. His staff respected his guidance and did their best. When he needed an escape from managing inside, he could be found outside mowing grass or landscaping the yard or maybe chasing a chicken or two.
The years have flown by way too fast. No longer am I a staff nurse, but now a medical secretary and have had the pleasure of a closer working relationship with him. Many times we have talked about his years in Mathews and the many changes that have occurred over that time and the many families that have come to be his family too.
And now we come to a time and place that we knew would one day happen. For you, Mr. Shelton, I can say on behalf of all of your staff, we will miss you more than you will ever know. The building will not crumble, residents will still be cared for, the seasons will pass, and the grass will grow … life will go on. From our hearts, we wish you many years of enjoyment doing whatever makes you happy!
Mary Pope
Mathews, Va.