***

Dinner at ODS last Wednesday. One of many advantages of Ferris location: I am across from Target on State, and the Blue Line stop is also nearby, so it takes me no time to pick up anything they didn’t purchase, or purchased in not enough quantities, like this time, when Ms. N. texted me that there was not enough pepperoni for pizza.

It turned out that many other toppings were missing, but we decided to work with what we had, and it turned out fine. One of the new residents, M., liked to cook, and she was in the kitchen when I came. We clicked right away, which almost never happens with female residents. Very soft-spoken, she still asked me nonstop about my favorite dishes and whether I’d ever cooked or tried this or that, and I said I want to make one of her recipes next time (but now it will take weeks again to schedule!).

So we were making pizzas and talking, and after we ate, I stopped to chat with one of the residents I talked to last time. It turned out he was waiting for me to start talking, and we had a long, deep conversation again. That’s why I keep coming.

The next morning, Ms. N. texted me and thanked me for coming, which reminded me again that I am there for the staff as much as for residents.

I sent an email with my next availability, and I have no idea how long it will take to schedule something…