“Young mothers we think of the strength you have in your hand, As you reach to a smaller hand and help them stand. The Lord made this body perfect, so the hand could be guided by the mind, Reaching out to help others and being kind.”
– Mother’s Hands are Precious, by Helen Diffenderfer T
his poem is just one of many written by Landis Adult Day Services client, Helen Diffenderfer. When she was growing up, she learned how to write poetry from her father. “My father taught me to sing and to write poetry,” Helen remembers. “I wanted to be just like my dad, and his
poetry is what impacted me the most.”
Helen found every opportunity she could to bless her family with personalized poetry. When she started her own family, she began to write poems for her children. Once they grew up and got married, Helen would write for their spouses. Ten she added her grandchildren, and now her great grandchildren – totaling 73 family members! At every anniversary, birthday, or special event, one would expect a personalized poem written specially for them by Helen. “At the beginning of each month, I would check which special events were coming up for my family and then begin to write,” says Helen. Tis was her mission as she personalized each individual adult or child’s journey in life in their poem.
During one family dinner in 2004, Helen even wrote a poem about every member of the family in attendance. An excerpt:
“We were invited to dine at the home of Marian, “Te middle one” We sisters were all there, A lovely time of fellowship, We actually had fun.
Caroline has freedom today, she started to use her arm, Had a roto-cuff operation pray all will soon be normal. Her husband Leroy still works on the farm.”
After years of writing, local churches began to take notice of her talent, and asked her to write poems for special events. Examples include the above Mother’s Day poem, Christmas poems, and Easter poems.
Helen is approaching 100 years old, but that hasn’t stopped her from writing. Leone Wagner from Landis Adult Day Services states, “Her writings for her grandchildren are vast. She has invested time and talent into writing poems for the family. She still enjoys recitation, and when a poem comes to her mind, we will assist her in writing. She is approaching the 100-year mark with grace, laughter, and joy. Her faith is an important component of her daily living and positive outlook.”
Attending Landis Adult Day Services is a highlight of Helen’s week. “Te staff really cares for my needs,” Helen explains. “I just love being with many wonderful people and working with other people. I always have a great day!”
Christy Carpenter, Director of Landis Adult Day Services, says “Helen is always complimenting staff on their work and expressing thankfulness to others! She brings to the center her kindness and graciousness to share with others!”
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2022
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
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