Third grader Nakalyn Garner, daughter of Josh and Angela Garner,
shares a warm hug with Grandma Dorothy outside Beth Maser’s
classroom. Photo by Janet Johnson
Photo by Janet Johnson Several third graders in Beth Maser’s
classroom give their rapt attention to Grandma Dorothy while she
explains the items on display: a photograph of her in 1943 when she
enlisted in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency
Service), support wing of the U.S. Navy, and a statuette given to
her by Regional West Medical Center in honor of her many blood
donations over the years. Dorothy has given 10 gallons of blood
just in the years since the new hospital was opened. She is an O Rh
negative, a very rare blood type which makes her a universal donor.
As is her habit, Grandma makes it a “teachable moment” helping the
children to determine how many pints would be in a gallon
(explaining that each pint can help four different people) as well
as describing the nature of each part of the blood droplet — clear,
red and blue.
Life hasn’t always dealt gently with Dorothy Cable during her
nearly 87-year existence, but she never fails to treat others with
all the warmth and kindness she believes they need and deserve.
This is true especially for “her kids” at Geil Elementary School
where she has served as foster grandmother for going on 25
years.
Third grader Nakalyn Garner, daughter of Josh and Angela Garner,
shares a warm hug with Grandma Dorothy outside Beth Maser’s
classroom. Photo by Janet Johnson
Photo by Janet Johnson Several third graders in Beth Maser’s
classroom give their rapt attention to Grandma Dorothy while she
explains the items on display: a photograph of her in 1943 when she
enlisted in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency
Service), support wing of the U.S. Navy, and a statuette given to
her by Regional West Medical Center in honor of her many blood
donations over the years. Dorothy has given 10 gallons of blood
just in the years since the new hospital was opened. She is an O Rh
negative, a very rare blood type which makes her a universal donor.
As is her habit, Grandma makes it a “teachable moment” helping the
children to determine how many pints would be in a gallon
(explaining that each pint can help four different people) as well
as describing the nature of each part of the blood droplet — clear,
red and blue.
