Working during the holidays can be exhausting. There's so much to do, not enough workers, and lots of visitors. But despite the challenges, we pulled together and did our best to ensure our residents had a wonderful weekend.
It's heartwarming to see families come to visit, especially during the holidays. The joy in their eyes when they see their loved ones is truly special. However, it's also sad when some residents are visited so infrequently, leading to feelings of disappointment.
I remember one lady whose daughter visited her after a year. She was initially hesitant to join her daughter for lunch, but after some encouragement, she decided to go. Seeing her enjoy herself brought a sense of fulfillment.
Working long hours can be draining, but with a supportive team, anything is possible. Despite having fewer staff than before, we managed to create memorable experiences for our residents.
On Sunday, we organized a movie day, featuring old German films like "Winnetou." It was a hit among our residents,and seeing them enjoy themselves was truly rewarding.
We agreed over the weekend that on Monday we will organize a good dinner together. We purchased all the necessary groceries, and come Monday's break, we began marinating the meat – it was steak night. Our workday wraps up at 7 in the evening, and as the night shift took over, we dove into cooking and preparing the rest of the meal. One of our colleagues was adamant about making steaks because, according to him, he makes the best. So, we had no other option but to comply. As the aroma of his cooking filled the air, he couldn't help but ask repeatedly, "Doesn't it smell good? You'll see what a pro I am." It's become a routine with him, he always seeks validation for his culinary skills, and we always oblige, no matter what. And truth be told, when we finally sat down to eat, his steaks were truly delicious, earning him genuine praise that day.
Throughout those three days, amidst the hard work, we shared countless laughs. It's incredible how, even in the midst of challenges, we manage to find joy and humor. My sides ache from laughing so hard, but despite the exhaustion, the satisfaction of bringing joy to others is unparalleled. When you're feeling good, it resonates with the residents too.
I hope your holidays were spent surrounded by loved ones and filled with delicious food.
*“Hard work always pays off, whatever you do.” – Dustin Lynch
With love, 