[TriciaR]

That would be when I worked at Captain D's Seafood when I was a junior in high school. Employees kept coming to me to tell them what to do so I was promoted to Dining Room Supervisor. This experience of making schedules and hiring my own staff led me to decide to go into Management. I graduated from college with a BS in Business Administration/Mgmt. I decided to go back to school when I was 51 and got my Master's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis of Healthcare Systems. I had been working as a bookkeeper in a nursing home for about 4 years and decided to get my Nursing Home Administrator's license. I worked in long term care for over 35 years and absolutely loved working with the elderly. I wasn't an Administrator that stayed in her office all day, I was out on the floor observing and talking with the residents. I loved that job and think that made me the person I am today.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story @NIBOR0 — what an inspiring progression from a high school job at Captain D’s to a long and meaningful career in aged care leadership. It’s clear you have a natural gift for leading others and a genuine passion for supporting people, especially seniors. I love that you stayed so connected to the residents — that kind of presence makes such a difference. Was there a particular moment or resident who made a lasting impact on you during your years in long-term care?

 

[TriciaR]

Although I served in the USAF during Vietnam, I would say that nursing taught me more about life than any other line of work. I learned good health is a blessing; and living is more than breathing a d working. It's treating others with respect and understanding the importance of respecting other cultures.
Once had a patient from Vietnam who the staff was worried was starving as he had been hospitalized 10 days but ate nothing put in front of him. I got b permission and made a homemade Vietnamese chicken dish right there on the floor he was on. I spooned up a bowl, provided a spoon and chopsticks, and set it in front of him.
He smiled, took the chopsticks and started eating the chicken a d didn't stop until the bowl was empty! The grin on his face was the best Thank you I ever got!

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful reflection @jerry — and for your service, both in the Air Force and as a nurse. That story about your Vietnamese patient gave me goosebumps. It really shows how compassion, cultural understanding, and a simple act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s life. That moment must have stayed with you — do you find that experiences like that one shaped how you approached care throughout your nursing career? And do you still enjoy cooking dishes from different cultures?

 

[TriciaR]

Working in the field of nursing well over 48 years. Also as a volunteer wi8th R C doing local, state and national disasters. You definitely learn to appreciate what you have when you go home and knowing many had nothing left.

What an incredible commitment — over 48 years in nursing and volunteering with the Red Cross during disasters across all levels. That kind of service is truly admirable. Thank you for sharing @Arkie98 ! It must have been humbling to witness such loss up close and still return home with a deep sense of gratitude for the little things. Was there a particular deployment or disaster response that left a lasting impression on you? And after such a long and meaningful career, what part of it do you carry with you most today?

 

[TriciaR]

I drove school bus for 5 years having the same routes and children everyday. It taught me that love and patience comes in many different sizes, personalities, and ways. I am now 70 years old and still have a pin that elementary students gave me for Christmas. On the back is written "To our Bus Driver. We love you .

What a lovely story — your experience clearly left a lasting mark not only on you, but on the kids you drove every day. That pin must be such a special keepsake, especially all these years later! Thank you for joining the conversation @Wheream1? ! It’s amazing how those small, everyday moments — a wave, a smile, a kind word — can shape lifelong memories. Do you still remember any of the kids in particular or something funny or heartwarming that happened on your route?

 

[TriciaR]

I learned the most about life from raising three daughters. The first was a set of twins (identical) when I was only 21. I knew nothing about parenting, especially two at once! My twins just turned 61 last month, and I'm still learning more about life from them. My third daughter was born when I was 33, 12 years after my twins. I divorced her father (my second husband) when she was only 8. So, I spent many years until she left the nest as a single parent. She turned 49 last month. Turns out my daughters were all born in July. Two at the beginning of the month (5th) and two at the end of the month (27th).

What a life journey — thank you for letting us into such a personal and powerful part of it @JoyALorton ! Raising twins at 21 must have been a crash course in patience, strength, and adaptability! And to go on raising a third daughter as a single mom — that takes real resilience and love. Sounds like July is a big month of celebrations in your family! Do you all still get together for birthdays, or do something special to mark the month?

 

[TriciaR]

Working as an aid at a nursing home at 18 settled me into career as a nurse

Starting out in aged care at just 18 must have been such a formative experience — it’s amazing how one early job can set the course for a whole career. Sounds like it gave you a strong sense of purpose right from the beginning. Thank you for sharing @Wiseoldone . Was there a particular moment or resident that helped you realize nursing was truly the right path for you?

 

[TriciaR]

What job or role taught you the most about life?

For me, it would have to be joining Hospice as a full-time aide for 9 years. I learned a lot about death and dying. It seems to me that many people want to be there when a baby is born, but to me, that's just not my thing. Nobody wants to be there when someone is dying, but to me, that is an honor and a privilege. Those who are in the process of dying are aware of being alone, and I can help alleviate that loneliness; then I'm going to do it.

Sincerely
Helen

What a deeply moving perspective @Momrobare — your words really stayed with me. It takes a special kind of strength and compassion to do hospice work, especially for nine years. The way you describe it as an honor and privilege speaks volumes about your character and the comfort you’ve offered to others in their final moments. Was there something that initially drew you to hospice care, or did it feel like a calling that found you over time?

 

[TriciaR]

Almost nine years ago I volunteered to be the bulletin editor for my church. I was already retired, but I hold an editor's certificate and had written two children's books and worked for a few newspapers and magazines, so I wanted to keep my mind active. What began as a 2-3 hour a week "job" composing two pages has now morphed into 12 pages and I spend anywhere between 20-30 hours a week doing this. Not only have I been able to keep my mind active, but I feel a sense of accomplishment and have gotten close to many of our parishioners. Though several like to chat and maybe gossip a bit, I have taught myself to be available, but to not respond to gossip or negative comments. It's a rewarding positing as well as being humbling, but I feel this has brought me closer to the Lord as well as making me a better and more trustworthy person.

What an incredible commitment. Thank you for sharing @NancyCL . It’s inspiring to see how something you took on to keep your mind active has grown into such a meaningful and fulfilling role. It sounds like your bulletin has become more than just pages of information — it’s become a true connection point for your church community. I love how you’ve balanced being available to others while setting healthy boundaries. Has there been a particular issue or edition of the bulletin that really stood out to you — maybe one that brought the community together in a special way?

 

[TriciaR]

I joined the USAF during the Viet Nam war. I contributed to keeping the major weapon systems parts stocked and available to be used whenever needed. I got parts from the wide world in ASAP. I became more aware of physical and mental strength of war in my life and in that of my fellow airman. It was the first time, I think, that shot and shown live film of our troops dying and fighting brought right into our living rooms while eating the evening meal. Shocking! My husband was a comb medic. He treated veterans who came home minus limbs. Our warriors shared their experiences and stories with him and others doing the same service. A humb experience for both of us.

Your story is incredibly moving — thank you for offering such a personal glimpse into your service during such a challenging time in history @Gayle B. . It’s humbling to hear how you and your husband both supported others in such vital, behind-the-scenes ways — from logistics to frontline medical care. That kind of strength, both physical and emotional, leaves a lasting impact. How did your experiences in the USAF shape the way you see the world today? And do you and your husband still keep in touch with any of the people you served alongside?

 

[Gibb]

I worked as a nursing assistant for most of my life. I learned to have patience and what to do and not do to help people
I am retired now and miss it very much

 

[Hazeleyes]

Thanks for sharing that story @Hazeleyes — what a memorable day on the job! It’s funny how a mix of exhaustion, a uniform, and some sunglasses can totally change how people see you. Sounds like that role gave you some great people-watching moments and probably taught you a bit about patience and humor too! Did working at the gas station shape how you approached future jobs or how you dealt with people? And do you still remember that lady’s reaction?

I was always polite and friendly at all my jobs. Working as a bank teller, cashier and candy person at movie theaters you have to deal with all sorts of people.
Yes the ladies face and reaction I remember.

 

[TriciaR]

I worked as a nursing assistant for most of my life. I learned to have patience and what to do and not do to help people
I am retired now and miss it very much

It’s clear that your work as a nursing assistant left a lasting impression — thank you for all the care and patience you gave over the years @Gibb . There’s something so special about roles where you're directly helping people, and it’s no wonder you miss it. Are there any moments or people from that time that you find yourself thinking about often? And do you still find ways to stay connected to the caring side of life, even in retirement?