Tita

My friend Tita is a very bright spirit.

Fellow laughter leader and receptionist at Harborview Hospital, Tita Begashaw brings joy and laughter to many many people.

I watched her one morning as I sat waiting in the lobby. Adorned in a bright red suit, her dark eyes sparkling, she had a radiant greeting for almost everyone passing by. Either it was a warm “Good Morning”, a kind word or a passing pleasantry. She lit up the morning with her cheerful attitude and abundant laughter.

I asked Tita how it is that she is so joyful. “It’s a choice. The more I practice joy, the easier it becomes.” Tita’s laughter is joy overflowing, joy in motion.

A native of Ethiopia, she moved to this country in 1988 and to Seattle in 1994. She began volunteering at Harborview soon thereafter. After being grief-stricken at the death of her younger brother, she knew that the path to healing lay in being of service to others. She is approaching her 10^th anniversary as a full-time employee this May.

Tita will tell you she loves her job, calling it the best gift in her life. Being a people person, she absolutely glows at the front desk in the main lobby. She delights in meeting the full array of humanity that passes through the doors of Harborview. Tita’s faith tells her the way to be joyful is to practice it. If there is a language barrier, she communicates with a smile. Staff members come to the lobby just to get a hug from her, “their energy for the day”, some returning in a few hours for another shot.

Tita’s a natural laugher and uses this gift to lead the Friday morning laughter club at Harborview. She claims the laughter club has only made her better. I say the laughter club has made her more of who she already is.

In a hospital environment of high-stress, Tita herself is a stress-buster. Just being with her is relaxing and joyful. Tita is a great gift to Harborview Hospital and to the world.