STUDENT ESSAY
Senior to Senior
Lessons learned by an upper school senior serving senior citizens
By Lacy Sheppard
The clock-in scanner reads my fingerprint and
3:57 PM welcomes me into my work world at the Saint Paul Senior Living Community .
My hands are clean , encased in powdered latex
4:04 PM gloves , and ready to serve . I offer to deliver the paper bag to-go meals because it gives me the chance to see my older friends . Ms . Sandvik and Ms . Payne on the first floor usually wait outside their doors when they hear the knocking farther up the hall . They always inquire upon my well-being and sometimes have an anecdote or two up their sleeves to share . Mr . Mason knows me by name and playfully tries to recruit me to his alma mater ’ s track team when I trot by with my squeaky cart . Ms . Ferré is faithful to thank me with gusto and wish me a good night . When I am on the second floor , I can ’ t forget to pat the stony ears of Ms . Wilson ’ s pet statue rabbit named Westview because she doesn ’ t want him to feel neglected .
I water my tables and check the bulletin board for
4:15 PM my set-up side work : lemons — my favorite . I soak in the sharp citrus scent as I slice the pointy ends off of each fruit and cut them into sixths , slit in the middle to rest on drink glasses .
I line up to greet the nonagenarians as they hobble
5:00 PM into the dining hall . When I see the Parkers shuffle in , I fix one glass of tea punch for Mrs . Parker and one with unsweet iced tea topped with a lemon for Mr . Parker . He will want two or three cups of black coffee before the night is over . I take their orders and bring out their appetizers . They hold hands and pray once I have given them their food , and I smile and stop where I am to thank God for these sweet people .
I balance the tray with their metal-covered dishes , and Mrs . Parker is visibly excited about her barbeque ribs . I am awed by the elderly ’ s propensity to take advantage of every small blessing , and I pause to appreciate the child-like joy of this woman as she devours the ribs with her fingers . I bring out three individually-packaged moist towelettes and unwrap them for her so that she can wipe her saucy hands . “ It was worth the mess ,” she says , and Mr . Parker chuckles .
I refill Mr . Parker ’ s coffee and take their dessert orders . Mr . Parker wants the dessert of the day with a scoop of vanilla ice cream , and Mrs . Parker asks him if he remembers whether she prefers the peach yogurt or strawberry ice cream . Neither knows . I bring a scoop of each . When their dishes start returning to their initially clear states , I ask if they need anything else and then chat a bit with them before they head back to their room . Before they go , Mrs . Parker covers my gloved hand with her wrinkled one , aims her cloudy blue eyes at my face , and thanks me for serving them . The blind woman sees me and names me kind and selfless . I embrace her slender shoulders and wish them good night .
I change the tablecloths and set up my section ,
6:12 PM vacuuming the red and gold carpet in sweeping motions , polishing and placing silverware , and refilling the cracker and sugar holders in the center of each table , putting everything in its proper spot in a better condition than it was before .
6:52 PM
The clock-out scanner accepts my fingerprint and transports me back to my car .
I love my job . Each hour I spend there is worth so much more than the $ 9 it contributes to my paycheck . Each hour is a gift to spend building relationships and showing kindness . Each hour is an opportunity to display diligence and effort . Each hour is a reminder of the blessing of every laugh and every lesson .
CPALIONS . ORG 2020-21 11