I was chewing the fat with Lisa Black, the chef at Modica Market in Seaside, Florida. Chef is my word, not Lisa’s. Lisa says, “I’m a cook. Plain and simple.”
Her cookin’ is plenty good. You can ask anyone lined up at the deli there, but here’s the thing about Lisa that makes her, well, Lisa.
She cares. In general. She pours heaps of it into her kitchen and really, in everything she does. The daily stuff. Big or small. Seen or not seen.
Steve Regnier, an employee at the once Rice Epicurean Market on Holcombe, is probably the king of caring.
It got me to thinking about others who care. Like Lisa. Not just in the workplace or when it’s convenient. Not for accolades or monetary gain either. They care . . . just cuz. Usually, quiet like. Because that too is in their DNA.
I’m sure you know someone like this. Maybe many. I’m grateful to know a few.
Sissy Coffin, an accountant, goes for a walk on the beach and along the way, picks up every piece of trash she sees. Also, any stray dog anywhere. Even during tax season! Then, she’ll find the pet’s owner or, find it a new home. Sometimes hers.
Christopher Woods, a writer and photographer, takes Teddy, his Pyrenees (a therapy and rescue dog) to visit those in need — of all ages. From Alzheimer’s units to nursing homes to hospices and college campuses. If you know Chris though, you have the feeling that with or without Teddy, he would go to these places anyway. Caring for caring’s sake.
Andrea Juarez at the washateria on Richmond, has a smile that makes your day and the secret for making your clothes come back clean, folded and carefully placed in plastic bags with the subtle smell of magnolia blossoms seeping through. Sweet. It’s worth the trip though just to see her smile.
Steve Regnier, an employee at the once Rice Epicurean Market on Holcombe, is probably the king of caring. I haven’t talked with Steve in a while but I think of him often. Every time I go to the grocery store and see a sacker throwing stuff into a bag all higgledy-piggledy. I think stores should hire Steve to teach classes. The School of Steve would do the world . . . a world of good too.
This Thanksgiving week, I’m thinking of all these people — with gratitude. If you’re reading this and feeling kin to em’ – I’m thankful for you too.
Christopher Woods, writer and photographer.
