ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING ASPECTS BEHIND THE GIFT OF
FRIENDSHIP is how God can bring that special person into our lives
in unexpected ways. Only 19 years old at the time, Cindy Belk had no idea
that she was about to receive that gift by meeting the woman she now refers
to as her lifelong best friend.
In 1997, while preparing for an occupational therapy degree from MUSC,
Cindy was working with the McLeod Occupational Therapy Hand Center in
Florence to obtain observation hours. It was here that she met Beth Einziger,
an occupational therapist. This was Cindy’s first professional medical setting, so she was a bit nervous and slightly intimidated. However, Beth took
Cindy under her wing to make the experience as enjoyable and exciting as
possible for her. Cindy says, “She made me feel very welcome in her work
environment, and she was encouraging to me.” Beth recalls, “I remember
“
DESPITE BEING RAISED IN DIFFERENT CULTURAL
AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS...
our friendship balances each other..
“
thinking that Cindy’s dedication to her education and respect for our pro-
agement. When I found out I passed, she was just as excited for me as my
fession would be qualities that would make her a great future occupational
own mother was.” Beth confesses, “One of my proudest moments was when
therapist.” Beth was compassionate to her patients, which left a lasting im-
Cindy passed her exam. She persevered and took on a very challenging
pact upon Cindy. She wanted to be just as inspirational to her patients one
exam while raising a family, working, and participating in all of her commu-
day. “I think I owe a lot to Beth for my career. She set a positive example for
nity activities. This was truly inspiring to me!” Whether they’re at the movies
me before I even set foot in my first class at MUSC. She has not only taught
or with patients, Beth is grateful for the time spent with lighthearted Cindy.
me clinically, but on a personal level as well.”
“I don’t think that she realizes that she helps me remain calm through diffi-
Three years after Cindy graduated from MUSC, an opening became avail-
cult situations. Cindy helps me manage my stress through her even-keeled
able at the Hand Center, and Beth agreed to mentor Cindy in hand therapy.
personality. She has taught me that humor in any serious situation makes a
That was 11 years ago, and the ladies continue to work alongside each other
bad outcome look better. Very simply, Cindy brings joy to my life.”
at the center today. “During this time, I have learned a tremendous amount
With Beth being 20 years older, Cindy looks to her for guidance and wis-
from Beth about patient care and how to increase my confidence in therapy
dom. Cindy says, “Because Beth also has daughters, I have been able to
as a career,” reflects Cindy.
experience their proms, boyfriend tales, what really goes on with teenagers
While they worked side by side every day, Cindy and Beth shared stories
in high school, and the ins and outs of the current college life. Also, Beth and
about their famil ies as they grew closer to one another on a personal level.
her husband, William, have a marriage that sets high standards. My husband
Once Cindy started a family of her own, she realized Beth was more than
and I often say we hope we can have the relationships with our daughters
just a friendly co-worker and influential peer. “Beth was always so support-
that they have with theirs.” Another difference is their background - Beth
ive of me when I was going through the new mother phase of sleeplessness
is Jewish and from the Midwest, Cindy is Baptist and Southern. “We have
and learning how to be a mother. She always made it very clear that family
always been very respectful of each other’s religions and have learned from
comes first, and that meant the world to me.” Cindy took inspiration from
each other. I attended the Bat Mitzvah of her daughter, Sasha, and Beth re-
Beth’s example, as she watched how involved Beth was with her children
cently attended the ladies’ dinner at my church. Instead of placing judge-
and how she displayed what seemed to be the perfect balance of work and
ment on these differences, we have always embraced them.” Beth adds,
family time.
“Despite being raised in different cultural and religious backgrounds, we
During their lunch breaks, Cindy and Beth always try to eat together. In
were both raised with strong moral values. With this in common, we over-
the office, there’s never a dull moment between these two friends. “Working
come any differences because we have a mutual respect and admiration
alongside Beth is always entertaining. She is computer-challenged, so we
for one another as humans. Our friendship balances each other, and I think
always laugh when a new computer task is added to our workload.” There
we are both better people because of that. It takes people with different
are more serious, heartfelt moments as well. “When it comes to patient
perspectives, and I always learn something from listening to my friend. No
care, Beth is very compassionate, and she gives her all to help patients make
two people are alike. It’s the differences and the willingness to accept those
a good recovery. Last year, I set a career goal for myself to become a certi-
differences that make us better people.” Cindy believes that Beth has added
fied hand therapist. This requires months of studying outside of work and
value to her life by helping her see from a different vantage point, broadening
having to balance my family life on top of it all. Beth gave wonderful encour-
her horizons on how she views others and their differences. CONTINUED
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SHEMAGAZINE.COM
JULY 2016
79