My friend’s grandpa awarded us points for every visit and even named me in his will—while his entitled sons walked away empty‑handed.

A Game with Meaning:
Mr. Reinhardt’s “point system” seemed like a quirky habit at first—a playful way to track visitors. But it was actually his detailed record of every act of kindness, a system that would later deeply affect me.

Service Becomes Purpose:
I began working at Maplewood Retirement Home to fulfill community-service hours, expecting a quiet task. Instead, I learned caregiving skills, formed emotional bonds, and discovered the value of truly listening to others’ life stories. What started as a requirement became a life-changing experience in empathy and connection.

A Call for Help:
Months later, unsure of my path, I received a message from my friend Leo. His grandfather, Mr. Reinhardt, had fallen and refused to enter a care facility. With his family pushing for a nursing home, Leo turned to me for help—setting the stage for the point system’s true significance to be revealed.