Sometimes, the simplest moments tell the best stories about friendship, kindness, and caring for one another.
I recently stopped by to visit one of our clients, Don, in Florence, Kentucky. His longtime friend Mike was there visiting him.
Mike and Don met in the late 1990s at First Church of Christ in Burlington, Kentucky. One Sunday, Don turned around during their Sunday school class, introduced himself to Mike, and invited him to lunch at Bob Evans after the service.
That invitation became a nearly 30-year tradition.
For almost three decades, Don and Mike have gone to Bob Evans together every Sunday. As Don has become unable to do as much around the house himself, Mike has continued to be there, visiting and helping however he can.
When I heard their story, I asked Mike what Don liked to order at Bob Evans. His answer was potato soup.
So, I called Bob Evans in Florence and shared Don and Mike’s story with them. Their team put together a card for Don, and it turned out that many of the employees knew exactly who he was. So many members of the Bob Evans team signed the card with messages letting Don know he was missed. One cashier was so touched by the story that she even offered her employee discount.
I brought Don some of his favorite potato soup. When I mentioned what I had brought, he sat up a little and said, “I think I’ll have a bite of that now.”
As we talked, Don shared again how much he loved Bob Evans and told me about his friendship with Mike and their many Sunday meals together. He also talked about how thankful he is for the wonderful caregivers who care for him, sharing a few personal stories about caregivers who have made an impact on his life.
It was such a sweet visit and a beautiful reminder that caring for someone often reaches far beyond the tasks of the day. It can be found in a friendship that lasts nearly 30 years, a familiar Sunday tradition, caregivers who leave a lasting impression, and even a warm bowl of potato soup.
Thank you to the Bob Evans team in Florence for helping us make Don’s day a little brighter and for showing such kindness to someone who has clearly become part of your community over the years.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Versailles, KY please contact the caring staff at Caring Excellence today. Louisville Office: (502) 208-9424, Lexington Office: (859) 233-8490, Northern Kentucky Office: (859) 212-3224, Southern Indiana Office: (812) 512-3008
Caring Excellence provides Senior Home Care in Louisville, Middletown, St. Matthews, Prospect, Jeffersontown, Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Frankfort, Versailles, and surrounding areas.
- Nearly 30 Years of Friendship, One Sunday at a Time - October 1, 2026
