Portrait of a Lady - Vickie L. Gratton, R.N., Family Health Minister

Where are you from?
I was born in Savanna IL, middle child of Roland and Betty Unangst and grew up in the caring community of Hanover.  I have a brother Ronnie and sister Linda who reside in Geneseo, IL.   

What did you do before?
In the late seventies during my first mid-life crisis I enrolled as a student in the Finley Hospital School of Nursing.  There I was a 30 + year old woman in a class with 18 year olds and four children ranging from K-4th grade at home, fulfilling a dream I had had since childhood. Graduating in 1981 my nursing education became the foundation for my career as a professional which spans twenty seven (27) years with experience in the arenas of women and children’s health issues, community and correctional health, Parish Nursing, consulting, workshop and conference organizing and facilitator, grant writing, fundraising, publicity and public relations.   In 1992 I co-founded Riverview Center Inc, Sexual Assault Prevention & Intervention Services.  I had the honor of guiding the agency from a total volunteer organization to one that now serves residents of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties in Illinois and Dubuque, Delaware and Buchanan Counties in Iowa, Grant and Lafayette County in Wisconsin. I retired from the agency in 2004.

What brought you to your current position?
In the late 80’s I was introduced to the concept of Parish Nursing (a nurse who serves in a pastoral role).  I received certification as a Minister of Health from Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in 1992. I learned what it means to be a “nurse who serves in a pastoral role” and the beauty of integrating my spirituality and nursing education.  I served as Parish Nurse for Galena and Council Hill United Methodist Churches until 1994 when I became the Executive Director for Riverview. I retired in 2004 and had the privilege of working for Mary Sheahen at Wild Clover Day Spa as assistant director until 2007 when the opportunity to return to Health Ministry presented itself.  This wonderful part of my life has come full circle and Pastor Dan Schenck and I are resurrecting (pardon the punJ) the Family Health Ministry Program in the Galena, Scales Mound and Elizabeth United Methodist Churches. 

What has been the most interesting aspect of your work?
Being present to others, mentoring and being mentored, advocacy for others especially women in the workplace and growing both personally and professionally. 

What has been your biggest challenge?
Maintaining grace in the face of adversity.

Tell me about your family?
My husband Mel and I, life-long residents of Jo Daviess County, have known each other for 45 years and have been married 42 of those years. It truly was love at first sight and we have become each other’s best friends.  Our union blessed us with four children and six grandchildren.  In addition to raising a family Mel and I both have been committed to “doing the best we can in our lifetime” to make the county we call home a better place for those who live and visit here. 

Any pets?
Two cats both of which adopted us.  Rafiki is six and the newest addition who we found stuck in our dryer duct is about four months old.  We thought about naming her LG but chose Kackie instead. This is the first time we have had a cat go through the kitten stages and its fun...and challenging.

Who inspired you?
Many wise and strong women of all ages – to many to mention and my biggest cheerleader my husband Mel.
           
Favorite Movie?
I enjoy movies of all kinds. 

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party dead or alive, who would you invite?
My maternal grandparents who I never met, my grandmother Laura, Jesus, Mary S., my ancestor Princess Myeerah of the Wyandot Indian Tribe (Google her it’s fascinating) her husband Isaac Zane,  my parents and siblings and Michelle Obama. 

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Visiting our daughter in San Diego, the UK.  Would love to add Italy to the list.

Your favorite pastime is?
Reading, cooking, BEING with friends and family.

What has been your largest personal challenge?
Transcending the confines of living with chronic back pain.

What are you most proud of?
Using my gifts to make the lives of others better and healing myself in the process.

Are you living your dream?
Every day and still dreaming – I’m just getting warmed up.