It’s easy to overlook those small moments of joy in life when you’re constantly working toward something bigger and better. Rather than appreciating what you have, you wish for more and remain dissatisfied. Unfortunately, there have been too many times when I’ve taken simple pleasures and gestures for granted. Today reminded me to appreciate those things.
For the third day of my Odyssey Week, I joined Gordon for a morning of special deliveries for patients, their families, and the employees of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Gordon, an all-star volunteer, is in charge of the beverage cart. The famous beverage cart, which includes a nice selection of drinks and condiments, visits the twelve floors of the hospital several times during the week. It’s a hit! From tea to the Le Bonheur Special (a hot beverage with a mocha-esque flavor), the beverage cart is designed to quench any thirst. While the beverage cart does have quite the fan-base, so does Gordon. His small meaningful acts of kindness are remembered and appreciated by different people at the hospital. Rather than retire, Gordon decided to look into community service opportunities several years ago. His daughter Timorie Belk, who is Le Bonheur’s Volunteer Services Coordinator, invited Gordon to contribute his skills at the hospital. With the beverage cart, Gordon provides hope and encouragement to those facing tough challenges. Every cup is truly made with love, as Gordon carefully pours and stirs the ingredients for each drink. Through this experience, I am reminded that we should never underestimate the power and impact of the small things in life. With this seemingly small service, Gordon is able to help make people’s lives so much happier.
All morning, Gordon and I travelled from room to room to see if patients or family members wanted anything to drink. We had an awesome system! Gordon would typically enter each room to collect drink orders, and I would be ready to prepare the drinks in the hallway. There were instances when we’d switch, and I’d ask individuals what they’d want. During my visit, I noticed how recipients benefited from the beverage cart’s convenient pick-me-ups. Staying positive is sometimes easier said than done but through this service, patients and employees are reminded that there are people who really care about them. At Le Bonheur, it could be a friendly smile from a staff member or reassuring words of a doctor that make the biggest impact on a patient’s day. These ongoing small gestures allow people to create deeper, more personal connections with others, as well as, enjoy fuller and more satisfying lives.
If people missed the cart during our stops, they’d ultimately follow us until we’d stop again. Like I said, the beverage cart is a hit! No one wants to miss out on a cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows! We only had enough hot water and coffee for four floors, but I was ready to refill the urns and restock the cart for more visits. I understand why Gordon’s beverage cart has been successful and appreciate how small acts of kindness can heal, inspire, and help make life better. It’s important to find the joy in every little thing, as well as, share those special moments with others. I admire what Gordon has done with the beverage cart, bringing comfort and happiness to the Le Bonheur community. It inspires me to find little ways to help others and simply slow down to enjoy life to the fullest.
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