12/23/2025
This is a GRATITUDE post from me, carol. I wear many hats at BELA, including being the baker and doing our social media posts. Today I am compelled to write a post about what I've witnessed at BELA, since we made the announcement of Lily's retirement and the upcoming closing of BELA. It has been an honor to witness your APPRECIATION, GRATITUDE & LOVE for Po, Paul & Lily. The connections you've made over the decades are so HEARTWARMING, INSPIRATIONAL & such a gift for me to witness. The APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE shared with me as the baker, have been completely UPLIFTING 💖 Most of you have never met me, since I'm never in the dining area, except for now during these intensely busy final days. Finally, I want to express my GRATITUDE for you, The BELA COMMUNITY, who have shown such kindness. Some of you have offered to take your desserts to go, to free up tables for those on the long waitlist. You've even commented that you're doing it so others may get a table to enjoy their last BELA meal. Others of you have said you want to enjoy your dessert at BELA but have asked us to bring your check with your desserts, so you can pay & then free up the table for others to enjoy a final BELA meal. You all are exemplifying the true spirit of BELA, moving beyond "the self" and thinking of others. Lily did this throughout the 34 YEARS of BELA through her monthly donations to: Tapestry, Safe Passage, Kibera School for Girls in Kenya, Grove St. , Riverside Arts Program and more recently for medical expenses for Camilo and Abbey. ❤️ THANK YOU for your KINDNESS 💖 It's truly an honor for me to witness it. 🥰
