Jerry Herndon Facing Open-Heart Surgery
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted 2-3 weeks ago. We haven’t had space for it until now. We hope that Jerry’s surgery went well.
If you don’t know who Jerry Herndon is, you haven’t been to Salubria Center, the assisted living facility in Cambridge. For over sixteen years, Jerry has served as “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” at this home for the elderly where he was not only known for his cooking but for his great hospitality and ability to multitask.
When Jerry came to Salubria Center, he had previously worked as a short-order cook in fast food restaurants. Many of the residents at Salubria were retired ranch-women who knew how to cook everything from scratch. They took it upon themselves to provide Jerry with recipes and instruction. This gave the ladies an activity and Jerry patiently learned the art of “ranch cooking.” Truly, his cooking turned into tasty down-home meals.
Jerry was noted for his great hospitality, personally greeting every visitor that came through the door and offering them something to eat or drink.
Because he lived within walking distance of the facility, he was occasionally called in the middle of the night to help with someone who had fallen. He was a faithful employee, showing up at six every morning, working many weekends and in emergencies. As soon as his shift ended, he walked home and got on his riding lawn mower as he had a lawn-mowing business on the side. In the winter-time, it was shoveling snow for people.
Jerry had a special ability to connect with each resident and they loved him. He quickly learned their food preferences and particular habits. He could bring a smile to their face with his teasing. One resident got to where she wouldn’t take her pills unless Jerry gave them to her. So, Jerry was sent to the med-pass training required by the state to make it legal for him to hand a resident their pills.
Jerry plans to move to Washington State to be near his son. His retirement comes as a surprise to everyone, including Jerry himself. He is scheduled for open heart surgery on December 23. Salubria Center won’t be the same without Jerry. When asked if he had anything he wanted people to know, Jerry said he loved his job and the best part was getting to know the residents and their families and becoming involved in their lives. He said he felt honored to have worked there and have made friendships with his co-workers.
We pray for Jerry’s speedy recovery and that he will now be able to receive the same care and encouragement that he has provided to others for so many years.
