Page 10 - 2019junejuly
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Fortunately For Us All... They Can Still Be Found



                                                                          By  Dave Friant
               e’s not another of the Gibbs brothers who through the
               Bee Gees in the 1970’s provided us oldsters with some
        Hsmooth sounds.  We sang along and on occasion gyrated
        with some attempted John Travolta dance floor maneuverings.
        . . moves which would leave most of us in traction if we took a
        crack at ‘em these days.                               of others in exercising good citizenry is evident.
        No, it’s  Allan Gibbs; the 74-year-old  Tarrant County retiree   Gibbs grew up as the son and grandson of medical doctors,
        whose volunteerism in a variety of capacities  benefit us all.  For   having accompanied his father on many house calls.   This
        starters, Gibbs has since 2011 been involved in the St. Michael   was the impetus for his post-high school educational pursuits.
        Catholic Church hospital ministry.  He serves communion   He earned his undergraduate degree in History from Emory
        once-a-week to anywhere from five to twenty patients at Texas   University.  For three additional years, Gibbs continued with
        Health Hurst-Euless- Bedford (HEB) Hospital.  “I take the   graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati in  Ancient
        role of a ‘soul doctor’ and interact with patients who are often   History, the Classics, and Anthropology.
        nervous about their medical predicament.   They are glad to   His life is a quiet but effective reminder of the value of
        spend time with somebody who listens and cares.  We often just   involvement in the lives of others.  Deeply driven character
        talk for ten to fifteen minutes,” says Gibbs.  He views his role   stakes are on full display when you interact with Gibbs.  “The
        as a morale builder during the difficult times associated with   world is a fallible place.  I try to put myself in the lives of
        hospitalization.                                       others and realize we all have setbacks.   This doesn’t mean
        Additionally, Gibbs has since 2017 volunteered once-a-week   you have to be defeated.  I always make it a point to count my
        within the Emergency Room at the HEB Hospital.  He takes   blessings,” says Gibbs.  “You’ve not lived until you do good
        patients to treatment rooms and handles significant amounts of   for other people.  Doing so will write your story,” he continues.
        the logistics not associated with medical interventions. “I make   His are involvements in the lives of others without the intention
        the effort to free-up the time for the professionals to do their   of personal praise or reward.  Gibbs doesn’t roll that way.  His
        jobs.  I try to talk to and engage the patients when possible and   are efforts to provide hope. . .  interventions to make situations
                                                                                                           Downsizing
        encourage them.  You get a good feeling when helping people   a bit less stressful for folks and doing so with sought-after
        in difficult situations,” says Gibbs.                  divine direction.
        Providing services to shut-ins through Meals on Wheels is still                                            Done Easy.
        another interaction with others in which Gibbs is involved.
        Since 2009, he has worked routes in the Bedford area of the   Are you thinking about making a move?
        metroplex and typically has upwards of 22 stops four times a
                                                                                       Bridget Bell
                                                                                       Bridget Bell
                                                                  The Upside to
        month.                                                    The Upside to
                                                                                         Can Help!
        Okay.  That should do it.  Simply not enough time for other                      Can Help!
                                                                  Downsizing.
        involvements of any kind during what’s left of his spare time.    Downsizing.
        Wrong!                                                    Bridget Bell
        Gibbs has visited Central America four times and Cuba twice.                                        REALTOR
        He met his “sweetheart” (Penny) in 2017 on a blind date through   Can Help You.
                                                                                                            REALTOR
        a Veteran’s benefit.   The two are special companions and enjoy
        their times together.  Gibbs is additionally a working Rotarian
        and an active volunteer with the Euless Library Foundation.  What’s The Upside to Downsizing?
        Gibbs was married for 38 years prior to his spouse’s death in   • Someone else will take care of the lawn
        2005.  The two parented a son who currently resides in Mesa,   • You can call maintenance to change your light bulbs
        Arizona.
                                                                  • Enjoy meals with friends in the dining room
        Gibbs  retired  in  2008 from the  Boy  Scouts of America  after   • Have fun in your new carefree lifestyle
        38 years of service.  His involvement went well beyond
        perfecting slip-knot techniques for curious cubbies and bonfire   Call Bridget Bell Today!
        preparations during rainy conditions.  Gibbs was a professional   Bridget Bell is a certified SRES Realtor,
        scouter; one who understood his role in favorably impacting   Seniors Real Estate Specialist, trained
                                                                  to address the needs of the
        youth with the solid principles of God, country, and assisting   50+ community.
        with the needs of others.  At the point of his departure, he had
        held for eight years the position of Associate National Director
        of National Events.  He ended his career in Los Colinas after         214-663-3247 or Bridget@Ebby.com
        having served in four states.  His passion for aiding the efforts   8333 Douglas #100 | Dallas TX 75225  www.bridgetbell.ebby.com
                                                                                  ,
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