23 Mar 2018 Always home: How a home leaves lessons for a lifetime

Amy Daniels (center) with Jayden Mann (from left), Bailee Mann, Addison Mann and Kaylee Mann.

Imagine a wrap-around porch, rocking chairs, picket fencing and the pure beauty of nature and peaceful bliss. The home of Amy Daniels could be the setting of a farm fairytale, both inside and out. Filling it with family, friends and fellowship have helped her to share her love of the country cabin and her gifts of hospitality.

One of her greatest joys is spending time at the homestead with her family and four granddaughters, Kaylee, Jayden, Addison and Bailee, teaching them to embrace life indoors and out, and instilling in them an appreciation for hard work. “Family is everything and this is our home base, our peace, this is where we can come and be together in the truest sense of the word of family,” Daniels said. “It’s the simple things, sitting on the porch swing, running around the yard or cooking in the kitchen.”

Originally from South Arkansas, Daniels learned how to work and live on her family farm, which her current home is modeled after. “At the old farm I lived on, I learned faith, family and work ethic. There are so many lessons that my grandparents and parents taught me there. At the end of the day, they were teaching me to live correctly,” she said. Amy’s heart lies in two states, Arkansas and New Mexico, and she devotes as much time as she can to her beloved people and places in each.

Taking pride in her work in and out of the office, Daniels makes time to slow down and savor life with personal hobbies at home and away. She enjoys hunting, photographing anything her lens can capture, gardening and picking muscadines off the vines with her girls. Her home displays many of her greatest game.

Daniels is an active member of the Searcy community, serving in a number of capacities. She diligently contributes her time and talents with the Unity Health Foundation and serves as a member of the Unity Health – White County Medical Center Foundation Board. She is chairman of the development council and is a Unity Health Ambassador.

A haven she has helped to provide for the community is through the healthcare system’s Cancer Center of Excellence. To honor the memory of one of her dearest friends and co-workers, she created the gift of the appearance center within the Cancer Center of Excellence and named it Moxie, encompassing the personality of her beloved friend. “Every time I look at that room, I know it is in Susan’s name,” Daniels said.

Each day begins in the home, and whether it means sitting on her porch, drinking coffee and reading an insightful book, making breakfast for her grandbabies or preparing for a day ahead of hustle and bustle in the community, Amy Daniels cares deeply for all that she dedicates herself to.

“Think about what you can give and reach out based on the passions that are important to you, raise your hand and volunteer,” she said. “Bring who you are, your resources and capabilities and that is the most rewarding gift you can give.”