Friday's Feast 07/06

Appetizer - What was the first job you ever had?

The first job I ever had was, of course, babysitting. My first “real” job out in the “real world” was in a Nursing Home, as a Nurses’ Aide. I know, it is one of the worst jobs on many people’s lists, but it really was so much more than changing beds and emptying bedpans.

The contact I had with patients and families of patients taught me life lessons that I do not think I could ever have learned anywhere else. My parents taught me compassion and love for others, but to actually put those characteristics into action gave me such a sense of God’s power and love over all of us.

I think we do a horrible service to our elderly in this country! We talk about throwaway kids all the time, but we also have throwaway elders! Our elders have so much wisdom and life experience to share with us all and they are so willing to share it with anyone who will take the time to visit with them.

Of course, there were those few who had dementia and lived in their own little world, some who were also violent towards me - I was once kicked as I walked by one of the men and one night while attempting to put another man to bed he would have bashed my head in with his shoe had I not had another aide in the room with me. Thankfully, she grabbed the shoe from him just in time!

It’s a job few people want and I greatly admire those who are in that position by choice who are full of the compassion and love that our elders need!

Soup - (Taken from Bravo's Inside the Actor's Studio) - Name a profession you have always wanted to try.

I always wanted to be a nurse! At the age of 18, while I was still working at the same nursing home, one of the nurses offered to send me to nursing school in return for two years of work at the same home after my graduation from nursing school. I’m afraid I could not see the big picture then and thought two years out of my life after four years of college was a commitment I wasn’t ready to give to anyone! Wow! Hindsight is 20/20!

Salad (also from the Actor's Studio) - Name a profession you would NEVER want to try.
I would never, never, ever be a septic tank cleaner! Have you ever seen the show “Dirty Jobs” with Mike Rowe? Nasty, nasty job!

Entree - (also from the Actor's Studio) - What is your favorite sound in the world?
I love the sound of children laughing! I also love to listen to a cappella music – that is, of course, if the singers have true talent!

I remember when my children were younger and we would go on long car rides – my girls would sing songs of praise and even get their little brother involved with the singing! They always sounded so beautiful! All four of my children have beautiful singing voices and I’m thankful for that – such a blessing!

Dessert - (and from the Actor's Studio) - If there is a Heaven, what would you like to hear from God when you arrive?
I know that there is a Heaven and I want to hear my Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

The Friday's Feast chef is away, gathering new recipes and letting special questions simmer. Michael is hosting this week, so visit him over at Valtool's Box and set up your own feast!