06/06/2026
Lilly D
One of our first hires. Our most tenured employee.
She’s been here over 4 years. She carried us in the early days, and more recently has helped carry us through Friday nights. The only person that has logged more hours in this place than her, is me.
She hasn’t just been here, she’s lead the way. She’s helped train every person that we’ve ever hired. She does every single thing that needs done around here.
You don’t work with someone that much, empower them to lead like that (as a HS kid), or rely on them that much, unless you have faith in them. And I’ve had unwavering faith in her since she was a kid in HS.
She’s worked extensively with my daughters. She’s worked a lot of hours alongside my wife. And she’s been by side more than any other person on this journey. She’s a part of our family.
We’ve watched her navigate HS – proms, graduation, all of it. She bought her first car with money she made right here (which she then wrecked, and saved again to get a new one, etc – sometimes she’s just as big of a pain in my ass as my own daughters 😊). We’ve been here for the college experience, boyfriend, all the stuff.
And now we send her off.😢
Somewhat fittingly, the end of our time in Thornville, marks the end of her journey with us. She’s moved right through her nursing program and is heading off into the real world.
Making this the hardest one of these shoutouts I’ve had to write. It’s like sending one of your kids off, but not knowing actually how much you’ll get to see them, if ever, again.
While I will do everything I can to force her to pick up a few shifts at the new place 😊, she’s all grown up and has places to go.
If tonight was really the last night I get to be the boss of her; then all I can say is that it’s been an absolute honor to be a part of her journey, and to be able to call her family!
Thank you for everything you’ve given us; we’re rooting for you always!
