Friendship feature
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ONE THING THEY HAVE IN COMMON OTHER THAN THEIR
JOB is their lack of fear when it comes to speaking their mind
- a trait Cindy credits Beth for instilling within her. “I feel like
one of the things that Beth has taught me is to stand up for
myself and what I believe. I have always been conflict-avoid-
ant, but through working with Beth over the years, she has
taught me how to speak up for myself professionally. I feel
that this is something that will help me through the rest of my
career.” Beth adds, “I have always been impressed that Cindy
knows when to speak, and she knows when to listen. She will
stand up for what she thinks is right, and she has a good perception of how to approach situations.”
Both realized just how valuable their friendship was when
they were each faced with the loss of a loved one. Beth lost
her mother, and six months later, Cindy lost her father. Also
that year, several of their beloved co-workers left to pursue
other career endeavors. Both ladies relied upon each other to
help get through the grief process. Says Beth, “Cindy is much
more than just a colleague. She has become one of my dearest
friends. I look forward to seeing Cindy every day, and I miss her
Cindy has given Beth a reason to continue her work every day while enjoying life at the same time. “While I love
on days that I don’t see her or talk to her. I am happy for her
my profession, it means more to do it with people you love, and that is Cindy. She never loses her patience with
joy, and I empathize with her during times of distress. I know
me and is always willing to help me! I will be eternally grateful for her kindness.” Beth hopes that once Cindy’s
that I can trust her, and I depend on that trust to share some
kids grow older and leave the nest, that she will have a Cindy in her corner during this time of adjustment, as
of my most personal stories. I know that I can count on her in
Beth has had. Of course, Cindy wouldn’t be the woman and friend she is today without Beth. “Beth has set the
any time of personal or professional needs.” Cindy proclaims,
example for always treating people with respect and for demonstrating how to treat people with kindness and
“I feel like Beth is the most loyal friend anyone could have. She
compassion. She is the most wonderful wife, mother, and loyal friend. She has mentored me in many facets of
isn’t that way just with me, but also with her other friends and
my life that I will always cherish. What I have learned from my friendship with her is that friends do not have to be
extended family. I see Beth and her husband constantly flying
contained in the parameters of age, religion, or geographical upbringing. As wise women, we can learn from our
long distances to support family and friends during times of
differences and embrace them.”
death and for times of celebration. Seeing that type of loyalty
is refreshing, and I know she would do the same for me.”
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JULY 2016
Cindy Belk lives in Florence, South Carolina, with her husband, Eric. They have two daughters - Sophie and Laura Mason
- and one Weimaraner, Murphy. Cindy is an occupational therapist at McLeod Health Occupational T herapy Hand Center.
Beth Einziger also lives in Florence, where she is an occupational therapist at McLeod Health Occupational Therapy Hand
Center. She and her husband, William, have two children - Samantha and Sasha - and one Labradoodle, Mo.
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