The Meaning of Connection: A Story of Home Care, Friendship, and Wisdom
by Sandra Campbell-Torres, CNA
As a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) with Senior Services, I’ve been fortunate enough to serve on the Home Care team for the past two years. After working in various healthcare settings, I can honestly say that there is something uniquely fulfilling about providing care in a home setting. The sense of familiarity and comfort that comes with aging in place is irreplaceable, and being a part of that journey for seniors is something I deeply value.
But what makes my role truly special are the moments of connection I share with the older adults I care for. It’s not just about providing physical assistance—it’s about understanding the stories, dreams, and lives of the people I serve. These relationships are built on trust, empathy, and shared experiences. Ms. Mary is one of the most impactful relationships I’ve been privileged to build during my time here, and her story is a reminder of why I love what I do.
In 2022, Ms. Mary entered the Senior Services Home Care program after a change in her health required support. For her, it was the key to maintaining her independence in the place she loves most—her home.
And for me, it became an opportunity to connect with a woman who has lived a remarkable life, one filled with wisdom, strength, and a deep love for her family.
Ms. Mary’s favorite thing about the home care services she receives is how dependable and comprehensive they are, helping to support her physical, mental, social, and emotional needs, allowing her to live with dignity and comfort. When we talk about our time together, she often mentions how much our scheduled visits mean to her, especially the way they lift her spirits and give her the motivation to begin each day with a smile.
Through our visits, I’ve come to learn so much about Ms. Mary’s life. A lifelong resident of Forsyth County, she grew up in a big family with five siblings.
After getting married and raising three sons, she embarked on her own career in healthcare, working as a nursing assistant in various settings—just like me. In fact, one of the things that has made our connection so strong is how we both share a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others.
Ms. Mary is a nurturer at heart, and I’ve been lucky to witness it firsthand. Though she can no longer tend to her beloved flower and vegetable gardens due to health concerns, she still finds joy in caring for the small collection of potted plants she keeps on her porch and throughout her home. I can’t help but admire how she still nurtures life, even in small ways, and how proud she is of what she has cultivated over the years.
We also share a love for reading. On our visits, we sometimes find a quiet moment to read from her Bible or explore a random page from one of her books.
These moments of peaceful connection are some of the highlights of our time together, and they remind me that caregiving is about so much more than physical tasks—it’s about creating space for joy, reflection, and shared experiences.
I often find myself smiling and laughing during our visits, as we share stories and songs. It’s a reminder that the care we provide doesn’t just happen in the background—it’s an essential part of what makes someone’s day meaningful.
It’s this balance of laughter and service that I cherish the most. The genuine bond we’ve created feels less like caregiver and recipient and more like two friends sharing life’s moments.
What I’ve learned from Ms. Mary goes beyond caregiving—it’s about the value of family, faith, and community. She often tells me that her greatest accomplishment has been being a mother and grandmother, witnessing the growth of her extended family. She finds joy in attending church (when she can), sharing a meal with others, and helping people however she can. She has taught me so much about the importance of staying engaged in life, even when health challenges arise.
Ms. Mary also helps me keep in mind that aging is not something that just happens in isolation—it requires planning, coordination, and support from others to continue living life fully. That’s where Senior Services and the Home Care program come in. Ms. Mary speaks highly of the agency, not just for the care she receives but for the broader impact the services have on our community. By supporting older adults to live in their own homes safely, Senior Services enables them to maintain their independence and dignity for as long as possible.
As someone who has worked in healthcare for years, I understand the value of the services we provide through Senior Services. Ms. Mary’s story resonates deeply with me because I, too, have experienced the challenges of caregiving. Having been a primary caregiver for my own mother, I know how important it is to have access to the right resources and support. That experience motivates me every day to give my best to the program participants I care for.
What makes my work meaningful is the relationships I build. The opportunity to connect with someone like Ms. Mary—to listen, to learn, and to share moments of laughter and reflection—is what makes my job so rewarding. Every day, I’m reminded that caregiving is not just a profession; it’s a chance to touch lives, to offer comfort, and to build meaningful connections that last a lifetime.
As I continue my journey as a CNA with Senior Services, I am thankful for the wisdom, warmth, and friendship I’ve found in Ms. Mary. She has shown me that, no matter our age or health, we all have something to offer—and that every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect.
