Raincross Senior Living Center had always been a place my school had visited during Christmas growing up. When I got to seventh grade, a new experience awaited me. I, along with my peers, was given the chance to walk over to Raincross every week and interview the seniors. This provided an opportunity to talk to wonderful individuals who had experienced a part of history for themselves. Just recently, my class was joined by our kindergarten prayer partners. Mrs. Trudy Thornell, OLPH kindergarten teacher, recounted how the residents’ faces lit up with joy when the kindergarteners walked in.
I remember how chaotic the first day was when we began this adventure last year. Yet, now as I look around, it has become a routine. We’ve learned to interact with the residents. At first glance, it’s obvious there is care in my classmates’ eyes and our time isn’t just for us to learn, but a time to enjoy being with the seniors. We enjoy each other’s company and having the ability to learn about their lives. Looking around the room at the residents reminds me, once again, to cherish this experience as I will remember it for many years to come.
Going to Raincross wasn’t just important to me, or my classmates, or my teacher. We later found it was important to the City Council of Riverside. On May 17, we were asked to attend a City Council meeting at City Hall. As a class we knew what we were doing was important, but to attend such a meeting proved to us our actions and our time were important to so many others. Oh, what a surreal experience it was to be in Riverside City Hall, recognized by the members, and applauded by a mix of familiar faces and people we’d never seen before. Now, when I look at the certificate, applauding us for what we had done, I can feel the tears well up in my eyes, for all the memories and for every single resident at Raincross. The certificate will never be a piece of paper, but a constant reminder for me to live my faith and to remember the wonderful people I met at Raincross.