It was clear to me from a very young age that what I would do in life would involve People and Art. I am very proud of my successful career as a pastry chef, cake designer and a business owner. In 2016 I hung up my apron and made a decision to close my cake business after 27 years.

 

At the same time, a good friend of mine, was about to go to Florida for the winter and asked me if I would be willing to help her with her father while she was gone. I agreed.

 

Paul changed my life. I visited him several times a week. Every time it was such a treat, to see his smile, wink and wave. He was as happy to see me as I was to see him. Paul does not know my name, and really it doesn’t matter, you see, Paul has Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. I know that every time I went to see him I made a difference in his day and in mine.

 

I would be there earlier and leave much later as I got to meet and connect with the other seniors in the home. I soon realized that many residents did not have visitors.

That was my turning point. I knew at that moment that I wanted to make a difference in other seniors’ lives.

 

Knowing that just by being myself, Loving, compassionate and optimistic,

 would make such a difference in another human being, changed my life!

 

I realize that this is my calling in life.