The Slice: The home to heroes and loved ones

When you visit a nursing home every day, thanking people becomes second nature.

For one thing, it seems like common sense to try to stay on the right side of those taking care of your loved one. And there’s also the simple fact that some of the routine tasks performed by nursing home employees are among the least agreeable chores imaginable.

Sure, it’s their job. Yes, they get paid to do it.

But if you ever have observed someone being patient and kind while performing personal-care duties for a member of your family (and the employee didn’t even realize you were there), you know that the “Thank you” that comes out of your mouth is as sincere as any you will ever utter.

Not everyone who works at a nursing home is a hero. There are burnouts and sleepwalkers in the mix.

But the ones who manage to be diligent, cheerful and caring through their whole shift are some of the best people in the world.

Gratitude can echo through the years: Spokane’s Bill Robinson graduated from high school in 1958. Here’s his story.

“I came from a poor family and after lettering in football my junior year, we simply could not afford a letter sweater. The next summer I was at our dentist’s office and he said there was a gift for me in the closet. When I opened the door I discovered a beautiful letter sweater.

“Dr. George Witter will always be remembered as a wonderful, caring gentleman.

“As I stood crying he put his arm on my shoulder and told me to wear it with pride.”

Following up on my pledge to help a reader rake his or her leaves: You might not think that raking in the rain sounds like fun. But I had a good time Sunday afternoon at the South Hill home of John and Marilyn Mraz. After the yardwork, I got to visit with some of their friends. We enjoyed hot chocolate, pie, homemade peppermint marshmallows and sips of seasonal spirits.

Today’s Slice question: Are you still mad about being the oldest kid assigned to sit at the children’s table decades ago?