Birthdays are a joyous occasion. They are, after all, a celebration of life. As importantly, they’re a celebration of an individual and their uniqueness.
Recently, we celebrated the birthday of Linda, a remarkable woman and member of our CFS family at our Bryant Avenue IRA Residence in Staten Island!
The staff and residents at Bryant Avenue call Linda “the Mother of the House” because she is so loving and always looking out for the well-being of the residents and staff. She treats everyone like a member of her family, doting on all, and always trying to make sure everyone is okay. She even wrote a heartfelt poem and prayer for a staff member who was grieving the loss of her mother. She does things like that all the time. That’s the kind of person Linda is!
When it came time for her 46th birthday this year, Linda told our award-winning Bryant Ave DSP and Medical Coordinator Crystal Cortes that she wanted a Little Mermaid-themed party for everyone. Her wish would be our command! Crystal and our staff got to work to ensure that Linda’s birthday would be everything she hoped for and more.
The party included a delightful barbecue, where friends, family, and the CFS community gathered to celebrate Linda’s special day. The decorations were adorned with all things Little Mermaid. Linda, dressed in a beautiful mermaid-inspired outfit, had her hair done in cornbread braids to honor the new African American Little Mermaid, Haley Bailey.
The celebration lasted for four hours and was filled with delicious food and lively music. Linda’s two birthday cakes, a mouthwatering red velvet and a scrumptious strawberry blueberry cake were swiftly made sparse.
Linda’s selfless and caring nature revealed itself during the festivities as she made sure we took two slices of her birthday cake to the CFS residence’s neighbor and her daughter across the street.
The birthday party was attended by all seven residents of Bryant Ave, along with peers from Bryant Ave’s sister house. Linda’s mom and dad made a heartwarming appearance, leaving Linda teary-eyed with joy. A throng of CFS staff and their partners joined the party, including Tamara Rouse, CFS Staten Island Senior Residence Manager, Tamara’s husband (who manned the grill and was the event’s official photographer), and Barbara Greenwald, Chief Operating Officer at CFS, who gifted Linda perfume, a mug and some stylish clothes!
One of the highlights of the day took place when Rachel Torres, Linda’s best friend in the house, sang Linda’s favorite song for her, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. Tears ensued (naturally!) as the festivities continued on into the early evening.
Linda Tucker’s birthday celebration was a testament to the love, care, and sense of community that thrives at CFS’ residences. It was an occasion where everyone came together to show our love and to honor Linda, the Mother of the House, and express our gratitude for her kindness and selflessness.
We thank our incredible staff for all they do, everyday, and for their hard-work putting these kinds of events and celebrations together for the wonderful individuals we care for and serve!
