by Andrew Snyder
By Andrew Snyder
Many ask questions, sometimes the same one over and over. Others have a hard time understanding where they are and what day it is.
Most love to tell stories, talk about their families and reminisce about the past. I am 17 years old and work in an assisted living facility. Seeing the residents of Browning Masonic Community can sometimes be the highlight of my day.
My journey at Browning Masonic Community began a year ago when I got my first job there as a dietary aide. I did not know what to expect, but I knew I was not expecting much. After working there a couple of months, I knew the names of the residents, where they sit in the dining room and what apartment they lived in.
Everyone there has a story. Most of the men served in World War II or the Korean War. There is even a resident who was a prisoner of war in the Pacific for almost an entire year. The only item on the menu that he will not eat is rice, as this was the only thing he ate during his captivity.
One of my favorite residents likes to only speak in Spanish. I like to make her laugh and brush up on my Spanish, as I studied Spanish for five years. She loves to have me sit next to her at the dinner table if I have time. Although I am not always sure what she is saying I do know that she appreciates me taking the time to listen.
Residents love to talk about their families. Many have weekly visits from loved ones or they are sent pictures in the mail, even postcards from children who travel the world. Then, there is the more difficult side of talking about family. It is a humbling experience to have someone talk to you about how they have buried a spouse, child, or even a grandchild. It is important to them that they keep the memory alive, and they do that by telling stories.
Working in the environment that I do, I realize that I take so many things for granted. The residents have taught me to be a more patient person and to not always be in such a hurry. They always tell me, “Don’t work too hard, you have the rest of your life to work.”
Many have fought for the freedom of our country or lived through the Great Depression. My generation does not actually realize how the older generations have paved the way for us. Their stories make me realize how much I have to be grateful for.
As my journey at Browning Masonic Community continues, I realize that I enjoy being there. I no longer just show up, counting the minutes for my shift to end.
I can tell the residents enjoy the staff from my year of work in assisted living. The older generations used to take care of the younger ones. Now, it is time for the younger generation to take care of them.
I am glad I can play a small role in that.
Note: Andrew Snyder is a dietary aide at Browning Masonic Community and a student at Anthony Wayne High School in Waterville, OH. Andrew's essay was also published in the Maumee Mirror newspaper located in Maumee, OH on November 27, 2014.
