Why we do what we do...

In the day to day "grind" of Care Services, it may become easy to forget or at least lose focus about why we do what we do. Hurricane Irma brought destruction and displacement to much of the Southeast. Florida and Georgia were both greatly impacted by the storm and will be picking up the pieces for months and maybe even years to come. This past week has served as a return to the basics for me, the basics of service for another. Our first 2 guiding principles are, "People First, Always" and "We Exist to Serve Our Members". People First, Always has been defined very simply from the beginning for us as putting the needs of ALL people first. That includes our team members, our vendors, contractors, and obviously the members of Marsh's Edge. The second speaks to truly why we do what we do. People are called to many different professions, but when it comes to serving those that have decided to move to a community like Marsh's Edge, we are obligated to hire and employ those that have truly been called to serve.

Consider your liberty and ability to pick up and run from danger. Think about the stress that is associated with that. Now, for just a moment, consider being even somewhat or totally dependent on others to help you facilitate such a move. It is easy to see our own inconveniences, yet we rarely think about those that can't help themselves or those that are counting on someone to assist them. I have witnessed greatness this week in the midst of exhaustion. I am absolutely privileged beyond words, to work alongside this team of individuals that have answered the call to work and serve at Marsh's Edge. I am also so thankful to Carlyle Place for their team and the accommodations that they have provided us with this week. I commented to the Administrator here that "there's no place like home, but being here ain't half bad". As we prepare to return home from our evacuation, I am thinking about sleeping in my bed soon and returning to my home. I am also thinking of our members' returning to their homes and their beds at Marsh's Edge. However, most of my thoughts are regarding the peace that I have knowing that I work with some of the most amazing and caring people that I will ever know, people that know exactly why we do what we do.

Chris Thorpe

Assistant Director of Care Services, The Retreat at Marsh's Edge