The League and credit unions across the state served families during Inheritance of Hope’s Legacy Retreat in Nashville last weekend. During the Legacy Retreat, families facing the loss of a parent to terminal illness made lasting memories together at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Families enjoyed the beautiful property and accommodations, as well as a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Families also participated in daily group sessions designated for each family member, where they gained meaningful resources and built community with others in similar situations.
Cristy Skinner, CEO of Nashville Post Office Credit Union, signed up to volunteer. She was paired with a family of five and helped with the children, taking them to classes and meeting any additional needs that the family had.
Still to this day, I can’t express the number of emotions that ran through me and really can’t express all of my feelings. It is taking me some time to decompress and really come down off of this emotional roller coaster ride.
Cristy Skinner, CEO, Nashville Post Office Credit Union
It was the most humbling experience I have ever had the privilege of being a part of! It is truly life-changing to see these sweet little innocent faces sit down and try to express their emotions in a group of complete strangers!
To hear a 6-year-old say to the group that no one understands how he feels because none of his friends have parents that are sick is a punch in the gut. To watch and listen to these sweet children want to make their mom a matching Kendra Scott bracelet is the most selfless act and pure love you will ever witness! As I sat with our sweet family to help the kiddos write down their emotions and to watch them color their hearts with emotions that they shouldn’t have to bear; as a parent I just can’t comprehend how this could be real and/or fair.
As I type this, I can’t help but to stop and pray for the father who is losing the love of his life; who is a full-time caregiver not only to his wife suffering from ALS but also to their three young children who need their mom and dad the most. He is the real deal! He never stops, he never quits, he never has time for himself, he never complains but rather he steps up to the plate and accepts the challenge!
The Nashville Retreat is just one example of the need that Inheritance of Hope fulfills for young families. As a nonprofit, Inheritance of Hope is powered by people who volunteer to serve the families.
“To see all of the volunteers who devote their time to such an amazing organization that is dedicated to helping these families with unimaginable challenges ahead of them; giving them a weekend getaway to take their mind off of the day-to-day struggles and make new memories, is something unimaginable,” said Cristy. “Every one of these volunteers has a servant’s heart and definitely reminds me of the credit union mission of ‘People Helping People’!”
The Tennessee Credit Union League was first introduced to Inheritance of Hope through Kim Bohannon, the League’s chief innovation officer and Inheritance of Hope board member. Kim and her family attended the Orlando Legacy Retreat® in May 2015 while her late husband faced Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Impacted by their experience, Kim is dedicated to giving back to families like her own, which has led to a partnership between the League and Inheritance of Hope.
The need for Inheritance of Hope is great. Every day 562 children in the United States lose a parent to terminal illness. For more information about how you can help, please visit the League’s Inspire Hope Campaign page.
Photo Caption: Cristy Skinner, CEO at Nashville Post Office Credit Union, works with a child during the Legacy Retreat.
