Zella Sadowski thought that her life story would not amount to much.
"I was actually a little apprehensive about how it would look on paper," she says.
However, despite initial reservations, Sadowski followed through with the trial project known as Sharing Lives, Sharing Love, a joint venture of the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice of Western Pennsylvania and Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council, Team III. When asked whether she would participate again, Sadowski answered without hesitation.
"Absolutely."
The purpose of Sharing Lives, Sharing Love, is to match hospice patients, such as Sadowski, with Team III troop members. The project provides an opportunity for an elderly patient to reflect about his or her life and gives the scouts a chance to learn lessons from them. Sadowski was partnered with three girls from Girl Scout Troop 796: Jessica Bashioum and Patricia Bonzani, both from Lower Burrell, and Katrina George of New Kensington.
Sadowski, formerly of Natrona Heights, is a resident of Logan House of Lower Burrell.
The activity chosen by the scouts was an "About Us" book, which includes an account of Sadowski's life, handwritten by the girls. Comparisons between events from Sadowski's youth and today's teenagers also were illustrated in the book.
The group was given three sessions to complete the project. The first two were devoted to interviews and getting to know one another. The third session was very much like a reunion of four long-time friends and the presentation of the book to Sadowski. A lot of sharing and a lot of learning was packed into those visits, and the outcome was a labor of love.
The Scouts were unanimous in their agreement with Sadowski: All would repeat the experience.
What impressions were made on the group members?
First impressions of each other differed from what they had anticipated. "I thought (the residents) might be kind of mean from not getting out in the winter," Katrina, one of the Scouts, says. "But (Sadowski) was really nice."
Overall, Sadowski was impressed by the girls' kindness and interest in her story. "They knew what they wanted to ask. We talked about the war, my niece getting polio -- the losses," Sadowski says. "I hadn't thought about my childhood, but once I started, I went in phases. ... It was comforting to remember them and realize that maybe my childhood wasn't so bad."
Sadowski encourages other senior citizens to take advantage of similar opportunities. "It would get them out of themselves," she says. "They might find that their lives were interesting."
Sadowski's impression of teens was altered, too. "It seems like all you hear about are bad kids. ... But this goes to show you that there are a lot of good ones that you don't hear about."
And, the scouts⢠According to troop leader Olive Italiano, "It was gratifying to watch the girls learn. ... They truly changed. (Sadowski) made one huge impression on them."
"We learned not to smoke," Tricia says. "Or do drugs," Jessica adds.
Although those sorts of issues are covered in school, learning about the consequences firsthand provides a different perspective.
Sadowski's meager lifestyle, especially during the Great Depression, was another significant issue for the girls. "It makes me realize how much I have," Partricia says. "Kids today are always complaining that they don't have much."
The Girl Scouts learned that Zella Sadowski's life was full of meaning and continues to be. Sadowski was reminded of this herself.
"Sometimes I think 'Here I am. I'm 74, and there are people younger than me dying,' " she says. "Then I think that God must have something in mind for me yet."
About Sharing Lives, Sharing Love
Sharing Lives, Sharing Love is a program created by Jolene Formaini, a registered nurse who is bereavement coordinator of Visiting Nurses Association Hospice of Western Pennsylvania.
Formaini says the idea initiated from needs identified by the hospice team. The Girl Scouts, especially Team III troops (which cover the same service areas as VNA Hospice), seemed to be a natural match.
After a year of research, development and personal investment, Formaini was able to offer the Scouts the opportunity to provide an act of caring and kindness while earning badges. Girls chosen to participate in Sharing Lives, Sharing Love are mentored by an adult. Hospice patients must meet criteria, including residency at a nursing or personal-care home.
Formaini coordinated the Sadowski project, and notes that it made the girls' think about careers as care providers.
"I felt that (this project) would be good, but it far exceeded my expectations," Formaini says.
