03/07/2026
✨ A Little Piece of My Heart… ✨
When I joined the Amber Lodge family back in May, I never imagined how quickly this place would feel like home. ❤️
Over the past few weeks I’ve been welcomed by the most incredible residents, relatives and colleagues, who have filled my days with laughter, kindness, unforgettable stories and so many special memories.
For our Talent Show, I wanted to do something a little different, so I wrote a poem dedicated to everyone at Amber Lodge and to my journey so far as Activities Coordinator. It’s my way of saying thank you to each and every person who has made me feel so welcome and supported.
Every smile shared, every game played, every singalong, celebration and chat over a cup of tea has reminded me why I love what I do. It’s a privilege to help create moments that bring joy, and this poem reflects just how much this wonderful community means to me.
Thank you to everyone who inspires me every single day. Here’s to making many more memories together! 💙
Amber Lodge – The Place That Stole My Heart
A Talent Show Poem
I started here in merry May,
A little nervous, finding my way.
I thought I’d work, then head back home,
But Amber Lodge said, “You’re one of our own!”
I found much more than just a job,
No gloomy faces, no daily slog.
I found a family, warm and true,
With hearts of gold… and a joke or two!
Now every family needs a guide,
Strong and steady, full of pride.
There’s Jacqui, calm in every storm,
Keeping everything running with effortless form.
If organisation had a Queen to crown,
She’d wear the tiara all over town!
Then Carlo, with his friendly smile,
Making everyone welcome all the while.
He leads with kindness, not with fear,
And somehow finds time for every ear.
Chandima keeps us sharp each day,
Guiding us all the caring way.
She always knows just what to do,
And somehow sees right through you too!
Then Katherine, our admin queen,
Keeping everything running behind the scenes.
Paperwork here, paperwork there…
Without Katherine we’d be lost, I swear!
Now let’s hear it for our wonderful kitchen team!
Shiran, our Head Chef, what a star,
Your cooking’s famous near and far.
Every meal is made with care,
And empty plates are everywhere!
Then Shamol and Maxi join the fun,
Keeping hungry tummies on the run.
The smell from the kitchen fills the air…
Let’s be honest… we’d all live in there!
Now Tara…
My work mum, through and through,
Always checking, “Are you okay? How are you?”
She lifts us up when days feel long,
And somehow makes us all feel strong.
Then Sarah in laundry deserves a cheer,
For finding socks that disappear!
Jumpers, blankets, clothes galore…
They always find their owners once more!
Now every hero wears no cape…
Some carry a toolbox instead!
That’s our Taranga…
Better known simply as…
T!
If a door won’t shut… call T.
If a light won’t work… call T.
If something falls off the wall…
Don’t worry…
T was probably already fixing it before anyone noticed!
With a smile upon his face each day,
He quietly keeps the home okay.
The building itself must whisper, “Please…”
And T appears with effortless ease!
Now to the people who make every day so special…
Our wonderful residents.
Jean brings kindness every day,
With gentle words she’ll always say.
Ann has wisdom, calm and bright,
Sharing smiles from morning till night.
Barb can make us laugh with ease,
Her humour puts us all at peace.
Dalia’s kindness shines so true,
Making every day feel new.
Rick has stories by the score,
Each one better than before!
Shelagh notices everything around,
Nothing escapes while she’s around!
Ken keeps everybody on their toes,
What he’ll say next… nobody knows!
And then there’s Marion…
My favourite, I have to confess,
Always making every moment blessed.
With her smile that lights the room,
She chases every hint of gloom.
A chat with Marion makes my day,
And somehow worries melt away.
Now to our incredible care team…
Leoni, caring every day,
Always helping in her way.
Amila’s kindness shines so bright,
Making everything feel right.
Jeevanthi brings smiles wherever she goes,
Deepa’s compassion always shows.
Kim is there with helping hands,
Dawn is loved throughout these lands.
Schweta works with quiet grace,
Michael brings a smiling face.
Rinosha gives her very best,
Ade helps everyone find rest.
Mary and Cathy, what a pair,
Always showing love and care.
Now our nurses, what can I say?
Zina, Helen, Heidi too,
Always knowing what to do.
Sarah, Tracy, Zinushi bright,
Bringing comfort day and night.
You care with skill, you care with heart,
You’re a very special part.
And if I haven’t said your name,
Please know you are just the same.
Every cleaner, every cook,
Every person, every nook.
Every volunteer and friend,
Helping every day to mend.
Every role, both big and small,
You’re appreciated, one and all.
Since arriving here in May,
You’ve all helped me find my way.
I’ve laughed until my cheeks were sore,
Then laughed and laughed a little more!
I’ve danced in lounges, sung off-key,
And made memories that will stay with me.
I’ve learnt that tea can fix most things,
Along with cake… and bingo wins!
I’ve learnt that kindness costs so little,
Yet changes lives, bit by bit, little by little.
Amber Lodge isn’t simply bricks and stone,
It’s love that turns a house to home.
It’s every hug, each helping hand,
The strongest team throughout the land.
So here’s to Jacqui and Carlo too,
And every single one of you.
To every resident, every friend,
May the laughter never end.
May every hallway always ring,
With songs we love to dance and sing.
Because I came here looking for work…
But I found something far greater.
I found friendship.
I found laughter.
I found purpose.
I found family.
So thank you…
For welcoming me.
For believing in me.
For laughing with me.
For making every single day one to remember.
From the bottom of my heart…
Amber Lodge…
Thank you for stealing a little piece of mine. ❤️
