A Heartwarming Story from Pensacola, Florida
At Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, there’s a customer who never misses a meal. Charlie Hicks, 78, has a unique routine. For lunch and dinner, he orders a cup of gumbo, light on rice and no cracker. He’s done this every day for ten years.
Chef Donell Stallworth says you can set your schedule by Hicks. “Mr. Hicks is here when we open,” he remarked. But one day in September, he stopped showing up.
Concerned, Stallworth left work and went to check on him. He knocked on Hicks’ door, but there was no answer. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a faint voice calling for help. When Stallworth entered, he found Hicks on the floor, severely dehydrated and with two broken ribs.
Stallworth helped Hicks get to the hospital, and the Shrimp Basket staff quickly began looking after him. They brought his beloved gumbo to the hospital and even helped him find a new apartment close to the restaurant, so they could keep an eye on him. They also got him new appliances for his home.
Three months later, Hicks returned to Shrimp Basket for the first time. Stallworth welcomed him back warmly, and Hicks settled into his favorite table, ordering his regular dish. “We made a connection,” Hicks said, reflecting on their bond.
Stallworth, who considers Hicks family, shared his thoughts: “He’s like an uncle, a grandfather—everything in one.”
This story highlights the importance of community and connection. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 50% of Americans feel a strong sense of community ties, showing that relationships matter more than ever. In a world filled with screens and distance, stories like Hicks and Stallworth remind us of the warmth and support that family, even if chosen, can bring into our lives.
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