"My evening dining experience was both enjoyable and reflective. As I sat outside to finish my studies, the sunset began to paint the sky with beautiful colors. I took a moment to relax on the patio with a glass of wine. A friendly young waitress took my order and mentioned that she wasn’t very knowledgeable about wine, which made me chuckle at the innocence that often gets lost with age. She went out of her way to find some red wines for me, even showing me a photo on her phone of the options they had.
While I waited for my meal, I noticed a poster in front of the restaurant labeled "Voice of the Voiceless," which advocates for the elderly who are abused and neglected. As someone who works in healthcare, this made my experience feel complete. As I was reading the flyer, I spotted Tom, a man I’d seen in the area before, using a walker to get into his car. Despite his handicap, he was remarkably resourceful. I offered to help him, and while he was grateful, he insisted on doing things himself.
Back at my table, I noticed a dog bowl and thought about bringing my dog to the patio, knowing I wouldn’t enjoy my meal alone after a long shift. As I wrote down ideas to support the cause mentioned in the flyer, the young waitress returned to take my order. As a nutritionist, I’m always mindful of what I eat, but I believe that a meal prepared by others can still be nourishing. I asked for her recommendation, and she enthusiastically said, “The burger sliders are my absolute favorite!”
I ended up taking home a bag of sliders, eager to savor them on my patio. I ordered both a burger slider and a chicken slider, along with a side of honey mustard for the fries. When I got home, I tested my dog’s enthusiasm for the food, letting him sniff the chicken and beef to see which he preferred. We even shared a crispy French fry, which was delightful. I took small bites of each slider to appreciate the flavors, allowing my dog to pick out his favorites alongside me.
The burger slider was a hit with both of us, while the chicken slider was decent, though I usually prefer it boiled. The pickle was a simple yet essential addition that enhanced the flavor. My evening became more enjoyable as the food satisfied my hunger, and I felt grateful knowing it nourished me in all the right ways. The next day, I woke up feeling great.
The lesson I took from this experience is that food resonates differently with each individual—through taste, smell, texture, and appearance. It’s also important to offer assistance to those in need and to appreciate the little things in our community. And yes, my dog certainly has a fondness for burgers!
I want to extend my gratitude to the team at Tailgaters for creating such a lovely evening, helping me unwind and enjoy a beautiful setting, all while supporting local communities and raising awareness about issues concerning the elderly. May we all find joy in the simple acts of generosity that connect us across generations.
Keep Happy,
Baylee Lynn Adkisson"
