National Banana Bread Day

Today is National Banana Bread Day. There seems to be a national day for everything, but most of us can embrace this one because banana bread is the ultimate comfort food. The thought of eating a piece of warm banana bread with butter conjures up good memories for most of us.

I asked our residents and staff at Concordia Retirement Community to tell me what they think of when I say “banana bread.” Everyone’s response went beyond their sense of taste and extended to the smell of the delicious bread and the emotions it evoked. Most of them thought of a loved one or a place special to them.

Debbie was reminded of her Aunt Marge’s banana bread recipe. Mark said the smell reminded him of walking into his farmhouse after a long day. Jeremy admitted, “The smell of banana bread is my weakness. Plus, I think of my granny.”

I like to think that Concordia is the banana bread of independent living. Our visitors and residents feel so many warm emotions while they’re here. It’s the incredible smells coming from the dining room at mealtimes. It’s the sounds of laughter and conversations spilling out of the card room when the VFW drops off doughnuts on Saturday mornings. It’s hearing the heavenly sound coming from our all-purpose room when our bell choir is practicing on Monday mornings. It’s the warm embrace of a staff member hugging a resident. It’s the quiet and warmth of our cozy library nook.

I could continue indefinitely with the list of sounds, smells, tastes and touches that are expressed constantly between our residents, families and staff. That’s why I tell people who are looking for an independent living community to visit several before making their decision. A gentleman recently told me that he is willing to wait for Concordia to have an opening for the type of apartment he would like. He said that he felt like Concordia cared about him, versus another community he had visited that, he said, “felt sterile.”

As you are searching for your next home, look beyond the physical building and look at the people that live and work there. Also, determine if the community is active and keeps its seniors engaged. Do they provide meaningful programs and groups that contribute to the well-being of its residents? That means physical activities, creative projects, mindful programs, and mentally stimulating programs.

As we celebrate this National Banana Bread Day, I hope you will have a slice of bread, smile, and reminisce about what banana bread means to you.

If you would like to learn more about Concordia, please reach out to us at479-855-3714.