After dedicating more than four decades as an Occupational Therapist at McGuire Veterans Hospital, and continuing my service for another 15 years working with Assisted Living patients, I stepped into retirement with a lifetime of experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of human connection. Throughout my career, I had the honor of working with countless individuals—many of whom were navigating pain, isolation, or transition. Time and time again, I witnessed the incredible power of a kind word, a gentle gesture, or a simple reminder that someone cares. It’s in those quiet moments of connection that true healing often begins.