03/24/2026
This may not mean much to everyone, but it means everything to me.
About a month ago, I stepped into a new role as Kitchen Director at a retirement community, and I can honestly say it’s been some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. From day one, they told me what they wanted. Hot soup that actually has flavor. Peas with seasoning, not just sitting in hot water. And yes… grits made the right way.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to make them happy. These folks have worked their whole lives. At this point, all they’re asking for is a good, hot meal and to be treated with a little care and respect. That’s not too much to ask.
Some of them say I’m spoiling them. I say if my parents were still here and living in a place like this, I’d want someone to take that same care with them. So that’s exactly what I do.
I treat them like family. And the reward I get back… you can’t put a price on that. The little gifts, the smiles, the conversations… it fills my heart every single day.
They think I’m doing them a favor by showing up, but truth is, they’re the ones doing something for me.
