As part of our digital Hearts and Hands series, we asked you what you love about your job. Today, we're highlighting this submission from Anna Maria Van der Linden, who was also selected as the winner of a $25 gift card.

“I just turned 60, and I have always worked with seniors. My first experience with older people was when I visited my grandparents at a care home in the Netherlands, where I grew up. When I turned 18, I became a student nurse and ended up working at long-term care homes for people with memory loss. I did a couple of years of home care nursing until I found a job at a "daycare" for seniors. I fell in love with the work and what the activity workers did with them. I gave up my nursing and became a recreation therapist.

In 2007, my husband and I moved to Victoria, where I began working in a "small" care home with 80 residents. I got to know them all. I love many things about my job. I love to see the smiles and the greetings from the residents. They're happy to see me and I love to see them. I love it when a resident finally tries to do art and is so proud of the results. While they may refuse many times to participate, I never give up on them.

I love my job when a resident tells me after a program or activity that they had a good time because it brings back good memories for them. I love my job when a resident gives me a birthday card. Those treasurers I keep forever. I love my job when a family member tells me she is happy that I got her spouse out in the garden for a visit. I love my job because I work with a nice team and while we are all different ages, we support and learn from each other.

I never regret choosing the work I do. I believe that older people are wise, and I can still learn from them."

What do you love about your job? Let us know by emailing zbutler@safecarebc.ca