Service with a Smile...

Vickie Debbs began her commitment to serve through compassionate care almost eight years ago here at Texas Health Fort Worth in the Nutrition department; since then, she has come to be known as ‘Ms. Vickie’. You see “Ms. Vickie has the presence of a dignified elder and makes you feel like smiling” (Anonymous Patient). I asked Ms. Vickie what she liked most about her job, and without hesitation she replied in her own sincere and passionate way, “the patients….I love the patients…I like to see them smile”.

Her principle of service is grounded in something she learned from Dr. King. "Everyone has the power for greatness—not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service (Martin Luther King Jr).”

As a hostess Ms. Vickie deliver’s bed side meals and snacks to patients, as well as assists them in making menu choices. She also “enjoys meeting new people”. “Sometimes I get pastors and really spiritual people and we spend time talking about the Bible.”

That is what service with a smile looks like.

"He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's your new definition of greatness. … It means that everybody can be great because everybody can serve. … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. And you can be that servant." — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

- Chef Hugh Gittens