“Humankindness”.
Nope, not misspelled. Not at all. Looks like a typo, though, right?
Think it’s two words? Believe there should be a space between home and kindness, don’t ya? Little spacebar action, perhaps?
Well, it really does need to be one word because of the way it flows, and because of what it means. Just ask Laurie Labishak, a local lady who is a daughter, a wife, a mother, a singer, a caregiver, the kindest soul, and an expert in marketing the care necessary for healthy bodies and mindful souls. Simply, Labishak loves and cares and worships and cherishes every touch, sound, breath, sight, taste, and smell every moment of every day.
Not most. Every.
And that’s because the audience inevitably changes one day and that’s what all the practice is for anyway.
See, humankindness. Because of the way it flows and because of what it means.
What is your most favorite song to sing?
As I thought about this question, so many songs come to mind. One song that I especially love to sing is the Ave Maria.
A couple of years ago, while on a pilgrimage in Italy, I was able to sing this song in a beautiful church, Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli). This is the church where St. Francis studied and also where he died. There is a beautiful statue of Mary at the front of the church and I was struck by the beauty of it. The acoustics in the church were amazing and there was a such a peace in the space. I was the only one in the church at the time and I couldn’t resist the tugging at my heart to sing.
It was simply between me and God. Not a performance. Just between God and me.
I’ve had the privilege to sing the Ave Maria at many weddings, Christmas services and funerals over the years. Each time, the song is very special and sung in Latin it is one of the most beautiful songs I believe ever written.
What is the smartest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Twirl”!
Years ago, I was talking with a group of young children and the topic of stress came up. Each child was asked “What do you do when you are stressed or overwhelmed?” This little girl, about 8 years old, looked at me with all seriousness and she said, “I just twirl.”
When I asked what she meant, she stood up and began turning round and round in circles. One by one, we all joined in. Twirling, it turns out, is pretty fun and eventually you fall down laughing, and laughter is a great stress reliever.
I’ve used this “tip” on many occasions throughout my life – it really does work.
Why is your favorite photograph your favorite photo? (and please include it if you can)
I have a photograph from about 1977 or ’78 of my older sister Carrie and me. We won a contest to sing at the Ohio State Fair and we opened for Ronnie Milsap. We thought we were really something in our black satin jumpsuits – which incidentally would be in style today – and our black cowboy hats!
This reminds me of a time when my sister and I sang as the “Wade Sisters”. We loved singing harmony. I remember we sang “Blowin in the Wind” (that’s the only song I remember). Carrie was a junior and I was in 7th grade. I often wonder what we could have done had there been the singing reality shows back then.
What do you feel CommonSpirit Health’s main mission is for the Steubenville area?
Showing HumanKindness in everything we do.
What is HumanKindness? It’s acting with respect to one another. It’s listening, not just hearing. It’s being available to the most vulnerable. I’ve heard it said “we’re all human,” so recognizing that first and maintaining a person’s dignity regardless of their circumstances or situation.
Everyone deserves the highest quality of healthcare available and that should be delivered with the highest level of HumanKindness, always.
What is your favorite dinner when eating out with your husband, Michael?
Michael and I really enjoy pizza. Almost any kind, but especially Ohio Valley pizza – yes with cold cheese!
We love trying new places and new toppings. We especially like mushrooms on our pizza and the Wellsburg DiCarlo’s has the best mushrooms. We also like fried pickles, spears or chips!
