After retirement and as a volunteer, Linda McKenney continues to show patience and compassion
Nursing is a vocation that takes a great deal of compassion. In honor of ‘Nurse’s Week,’ May 6-12, we reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals. Linda McKenney is one such individual who has spent 42 years as a Registered Nurse. McKenney is founder of the Expectant Parent classes, and the Diabetic teaching classes at Floyd Memorial Hospital (New Albany, IN) where she worked for 33 years. In retirement, Linda spends her time as a volunteer at Hope Healthcare Services. It has been said she is never seen without a smile and shows great patience when serving others.
What do you consider your greatest virtue?
I believe it is compassion. It’s served me well in my vocation.
What do you most deplore in others?
Two-facedness – those individuals that treat you well, and then talk behind your back.
What do you like most about living in Hendricks County?
I like that Brownsburg is a small community and it is where my children and grandchildren live.
If you had to live somewhere other than Hendricks County, where would it be?
Probably back to Floyd Knobs. I have many friends there.
If you could begin life over¸ what would you change?
Probably nothing as my history has made me the person I am.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
Pay off all debt my children and grandchildren may have.
What makes you happiest?
Being with family.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Siesta Key, Florida
What do you do with idle time?
It varies between reading, Sudoku and coloring.
What is it that makes you angry?
I don’t get angry much; I have decided that it does me absolutely no good and accomplishes nothing.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Grandchildren without a doubt.
Which living person in Hendricks County do you most admire?
Steve Reeds, my pastor at Connection Point Church.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Faithfulness and integrity and being a Christian.
What quality do you admire most in a woman?
Faithfulness and integrity and being a Christian.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I tend to not be extravagant.
What are your fears, phobias?
I dislike and have a phobia of caves or anything that is tightly enclosed.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
There are two: graduating from nurse’s training and the birth of my first, second and third grandchildren. Then I was lucky enough to have two more born seven and nine years later.
Which talent would you most like to possess?
To play the piano.
What do you most value in your friends?
Caring, loving people.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
None, really.
What is your greatest regret?
I regret I did not further my education.
What tenet do you live by?
Love your neighbor as yourself.
