Commenting on what it was like to come to the Brian Center Botetourt, Mason Meacham said, “Coming from home, it was a big change. At first it was hard, but now, I’ve gotten used to it and it feels like family here.” Mr. Meacham has an interesting perspective on that family feeling. The 25-year old North Carolina native is the oldest of four siblings, however, he is the youngest resident at the Brian Center. “It’s kind of cool,” he says “I’m the oldest in one family and the youngest in the other. I definitely feel like some of the guys here look out for me and treat me like a little brother. It’s cool. I like that.”
Despite a physical condition that requires long term care, Mr. Meacham keeps a positive outlook, a trait that he attributes to his spirituality and his faith in God. “God brought me here for a reason,” he says. “I know he has a plan. Because of my condition, I can help to comfort others dealing with the same sorts of things.”
Helping others is a big part of Mr. Meacham’s life whether it’s brightening a staff member’s day with one of his smiles or extending generosity and kindness to a fellow resident. His desire to help and to give a voice to others led Mr. Meacham to take on the role of Resident Council president. It has also led him to lead a twice weekly prayer group with his fellow residents.
While his positive attitude and generally calm demeanor are the first things you may notice about Mr. Meacham, it’s hard to miss his signature, white, fuzzy bunny slippers. The movie fan says the slippers are a nod to Val Kilmer’s character in Real Genius. “In that movie he always went to his college classes in bunny slippers. I thought that was cool, so I got a pair.”
Kissito Healthcare – The Brian Center Botetourt, Fincastle