On Friday, December 16, the middle division faculty from Shorecrest Prepartory School prepared and served a love-filled meal for the Beacon House Community Kitchen. Jeff Diedrich, one of the faculty members, has shared his experience:
I’m a teacher and I love what I do. My students inspire me and give me joy on a daily basis. And on occasion, there are moments so meaningful that a warmth consumes me and emblazons an unforgettable feeling to be cherished forever. Today was one of those days, but the glow came from an unexpected source.
Today, I volunteered with Shorecrest middle division colleagues at the Beacon House, a transitional shelter for homeless men that provides dinner to anyone in the community. We waited tables, prepared food, and adorned the room with student-made holiday decorations that included edible ginger bread houses, table runners, and repurposed plastic bottles turned Christmas trees.
I was stationed in the dining room, greeting guests and serving food. Immediately, I was humbled by their politeness and gratitude. Every plate I served or glass I offered to refill was followed by a heartfelt, “Thank you.” Repeatedly, I was told how appreciative they were and how wonderful the food tasted. One gentleman in particular, Rick, responded to my queries in the most engaging way which led to a very rewarding conversation.
It began when I asked Rick how the food tasted and then followed it up with a toungue-in-cheek “And how about my singing?” (we had just finished a six-song set of Christmas Carols that I had more than likely butchered 80% of). “It was horrible,” he said with a straight face that quickly turned to a smirk. “I’m just kidding,” he assured me as I complimented him on his wry humor. He then commented on how pleased he was with the end of the Iraq War and from there we talked about Afghanistan, Vietnam, his childhood horse, Betsy, and watching golf on television. I was so engaged in the conversation that I didn’t even notice that the group was leaving until I was tapped on the shoulder as my colleagues were walking out the door.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines beacon as a source of light or inspiration. My experience at the Beacon House was more than inspirational. I was genuinely touched by the warmth, gratitude and politeness displayed by the men and women I was so fortunate to spend time with today. I am still glowing, consumed by an unforgettable feeling and I’ll be going back for more — soon.
Jeff Diedrich
Assistant Director of Athletics
Physical Education Department Chair
Boys’ Varsity Soccer Head Coach
Shorecrest Preparatory School
