By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

As a licensed pharmacy technician, at Publix-Whitestone, Deborah Graham sees several hundred people during a week.

“The favorite part of my job is getting to know about our patients,” she said. “We sometimes know, not only about their health issues but their families, children, grandchildren and even their vacations. We rejoice with them on the birth of a baby and hold their hand when they have cancer. We mourn when we lose a patient. They become part of us and we love them.”

Graham’s job is basically inputting all new prescriptions (whether from a patient dropping off prescriptions, phone ins, electronic fax or phone calls), insurance problems that arise from time to time, making the staff schedule, ordering products, counting actual prescriptions, putting away supplies, helping customers find items in the store and ringing up their purchases.

Born in Fort Ord, Calif., Graham finished high school in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and eventually worked in a small town bank, which she loved.

When she went to work in a corporate bank she decided for the sake of her family she needed a change.

“I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field, but I’m not a fan of blood,” Graham said. “Pharmacology seemed perfect. I’ve been at Publix for almost six years and the best part is my pharmily (pharmacy family). We aren’t just co-workers but friends who back each other up and really care.”

On her “long shift days,” Graham is thankful to have her husband Donnie and their four children, Connor age 12, Hannah age 10, Grayson age 8 and Pier age 2, wanting to make her constantly feel loved and appreciated.

Her husband is a produce manager at another Publix location.

The Graham family enjoys simple things like going to the park or watching a movie in between Karate, baseball, flag football, cheering and gymnastics.

Church of the Highlands felt like home to the Grahams from their very first visit.  “We love how involved the youth program is there,” Deborah said.

For Deborah Graham, life is good and she does her best to “pass it on.”