Shari Huber is everything the Rock Valley Physical Therapy Christmas Tie recipient is supposed to be. She is giving. She is compassionate, caring, dedicated and determined each and every day to “Making Better Lives.’’
If you Google the word “special,’’ chances are good Huber’s photo pops up.
The “Christmas Tie’’ is awarded annually to a Rock Valley family member, picked by the previous year’s recipient. The goal is to recognize someone who exemplifies all that Rock Valley Physical Therapy stands for.
Recently, Emily Pospischil, the 2020 Christmas Tie recipient, awarded the tie to Huber (PT, DPT) at Rock Valley’s annual Christmas gathering, where those on hand – an amazing group in their own rite – gave Huber a lengthy standing ovation when her name was announced.
“Obviously, this is a great honor,’’ Huber said after receiving the tie. “This is so much more than a piece of fabric and craft paint. The handmade, well-loved nature of the Christmas Tie is symbolic for all that Rock Valley is.”
“The Christmas Tie holds strength, compassion, grit, and stories of those who have been awarded it, as well as those who have witnessed their greatness,’’ added the Luther College and University of Iowa graduate. “I am overwhelmed and forever grateful to be this year’s recipient of such an honor. The back of the tie lists the names of each recipient before me, and the weight of those individual’s impact and character is felt profoundly.’’
That a room filled with high-character, compassionate souls, rose to its feet to recognize Huber, speaks volumes.
“The Christmas Tie means something,’’ said Rock Valley co-founder Steve Layer, the person behind the tie. The Christmas Tie was gifted to Layer many years ago by a dear and caring patient from Moline, Illinois, where Rock Valley first set down roots. Verna Trevor was so taken with Layer’s care and compassion, that she surprised him one day — during the holiday season — with a red, Christmas-themed tie.
Layer said he wore the tie for a couple of years and received a bevy of compliments from staff and patients alike.
“It really seemed like it wasn’t Christmas until I showed up wearing the tie,’’ Layer said with a chuckle. “People loved it. And you couldn’t just wear it once.’’
Soon after, Layer, one of life’s truly wonderful souls, decided he would pass along the tie to the Rock Valley staffer that best exemplified the values and standards of Rock Valley in and away from company clinics. Greg Blaske (PT, OCS, FAAOMPT) was the first recipient.
“It’s just another one of those “things’’ that makes us different,’’ added Layer. “It’s really special to me. This year’s recipient will do it proud. Shari is one of the best who received the tie from one of the best, Emily.’’
Pospischil admits to being caught off-guard when 2019 recipient Danny Fleener, presented her — in a video tribute — in 2020. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Rock Valley Christmas gathering was not held.
“Honestly, a little surprised,’’ Pospischil said of receiving the coveted tie. “I was honored to receive the tie, especially from Danny. He was a clinical mentor to me when I was going through residency. I will forever be thankful for his contribution to my professional career and patient care. It is expected that each person sign the back of the tie. We are running out of room. These tie recipients stand for and demonstrate leadership, excellence, admiration and caring attitude for patients and coworkers.’’
The tie’s significance and its legacy is not lost on Pospischil, ever-dedicated to making better lives and caring about each patient she serves.
“The tie signifies a legacy; a tradition; It’s amazing,’’ she said. “The story of the tie means a little something different every year. The last two years the tie represents a cultural change to a company built and led like a family.’’
A grateful – and emotional Huber – had a message for her Rock Valley family.
“Thank you to Emily Pospischil for selecting me as this year’s Christmas Tie recipient. And thank you to all of you who see me, who support me, who endorse me, and who believe in me. Because I am just one of you all,’’ Huber said. “Those of you that know me well, know that my health journey has been challenging. However, this Christmas Tie demonstrates that we are all so much more than what cards we were dealt. I vow to wear this tie proudly, for all of you. This tie is not just for the person holding it sacred all year, it is for everyone. Here’s to a strong end to 2021, and a bright future for Rock Valley, for years to come.”
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller