FAST FIVE: Tiffinay Vargas: 'I want everyone to have the best life possible'

Meet Tiffinay Vargas, a true North Idahoan! Born at Kootenai Health and raised in Mullan, Tiffinay has never lived anywhere except Idaho. Wife of Manuel, mother of Nyah, Haggen, Sloan and Nika, daughter of Candie, Tiffinay enjoys nothing more than time with family and friends. Through One More Time Northwest, she works to enrich the lives of adults with life limiting issues or disease. Visit facebook.com/onemoretimenw for info.

1) Why did you found One More Time Northwest?

Feb. 7, 2017, we lost my father unexpectedly when he passed away from septic pneumonia complications. Seven months later I had a patient who’s death made a very deep cut in my still healing heart. These two losses were the inspiration for One More Time.

2) What are a few special memories and connections you've made with the families you've helped over the years?

I have been so blessed by the families One More Time has helped over the years, so many of them have kept in contact, becoming friends of mine and often volunteers for One More Time. Some of my favorite memories include birthday parties for a 107-year-old, and two (!) 104- -year-olds, all three of whom were still laughing and telling stories at those parties. I also really loved when my mama and I went to Hawaii to bring a hospice patient to her daughter here in Coeur d'Alene. It was the most alone time we have ever had together (that I remember!) and it was wonderful. The motorcycle sidecar rides also hold a very special place in my heart, it is because of them that I met the love of my life, my husband Manuel.

3) What does it mean to you to help facilitate such special events, trips and gatherings through your work with One More Time Northwest?

Every event touches me so very deeply. You become close almost immediately, because they are trusting you with their heart’s desire. It is also very cathartic for me, because I can never have special experiences with my Dad again, but I often can feel him there with me when I am helping the OMT recipients.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

The two things that always surprise people about me are one, I hate watermelon! Real, fake, taste, smell, I just can’t stand it, and I seem to be one of very few people that feels that way. Second, I am so scared of snakes it can be debilitating. This is surprising to people because my four kids have five different pet lizards between them.

5) What support or resources do you recommend for people whose loved ones are facing life-limiting conditions or illnesses?

Besides my work with One More Time, I am the director of outreach for Advanced Home Health and Hospice. I have found that people are so scared to accept the help of hospice, they think it is giving up. It is not giving up, we will all die some day and refusing help will not change that simple fact of life. I am a big believer of quality vs. quantity in all aspects of my life, and I want everyone to have the best life possible.