Moving dirt, raising hopes

I’ve seen a lot of dirt pushed around in my nine years with Community Medical Centers, and in the years prior while covering health care for the Fresno Bee.

But there was something electric on Jan. 14, when earth movers and levelers, a street sweeper and even the oddly timed honey wagon went to work on Terry’s House at Fresno and R streets.

The idea of establishing a residence for families of those being treated at Community Regional’s burn and trauma centers really rested a hand on my shoulder, making palpable what so many thousands of caregivers do for those suddenly in desperate need.

Many families and friends build their days around hospitalized loved ones. Food, a shower, doing laundry, getting kids to school, taking the dog to the vet — oh, and my aunt/son/niece/cousin are still in critical condition, on the bubble between life and ….

Terry’s House, which should open later this year, will provide another bridge to a hopeful future for many, allaying some of the stresses and easing access to loved ones.

I’ve seen iron beams locked together, bulldozers toyed with by novice groundbreakers and gold-painted shovels shaking more dust into the Valley air.

But watching the dirt roil this day as the sun tried to etch a path through the Tule fog, well, something mighty wonderful was unfolding.

For more information and ways to help fund the future for Terry’s House, go to http://www.communitymedical.org/terryshouse.htm