by Kara Webb, Director of Assisted Living
I do not know about you, but there are moments lately when I find it hard to maintain faith in humanity. So much of what we see and hear is an onslaught of negativity and conflict—pain and suffering flooding the news, social media, and even our own communities. We live in a time where it often feels like ‘right vs. left’ has taken priority over right vs. wrong, where people seem more eager to point out faults than to celebrate good, and where mistakes or weaknesses can overshadow meaningful achievements.
I understand that simply turning away from these realities does not irradicate their existence. But now more than ever, I believe we need to make a conscious effort to lead with kindness and compassion, to focus on human decency and to celebrate admirable actions when we see it. It is one thing for an adult to recognize and commit to this, but eight-year-old Dirkxley Curnyn of Denison, Iowa, has shown that anyone—at any age—can make a difference simply by deciding to do so.
When Dirkxley first told her parents, Troy and Trista, that she wanted to build a lemonade stand, they had no idea her vision was bigger than just selling lemonade. For the past two years, Dirkxley has quietly listened and watched as her mother visited her grandmother in a nearby nursing home. Before that, she had spent time visiting her father’s grandmother at Silveridge Assisted Living in Denison before her passing. Those experiences left a deep impression on her. Her tender heart ached for the elderly she met, and she wanted to do something—anything—to bring a smile to their faces.
She did not know exactly how, but she knew she wanted to give back to local seniors living in long-term care. She decided to donate to Silveridge Assisted Living, where her great-grandmother Curnyn had once lived. With her lemonade stand idea in mind, she shared her dream with her parents and grandparents, who helped her make it a reality—building the stand, preparing lemonade, and baking chocolate chip cookies to sell.
This past August, Dirkxley spent two full days selling her goods outside Simply Chic, the salon owned and operated by her mother just outside Denison. With the help of social media spreading the word, the community rallied behind her efforts, ultimately helping her raise nearly $600. Wanting to make a meaningful impact with the funds, Dirkxley chose to host a special event for the residents and staff at Silveridge—a grilled steak dinner for everyone to enjoy.
Her efforts sparked even more generosity. When Kelly Garrett and Dylan Williams of GLC Beef in Dow City heard about her cause, they contributed by offering their premium beef at a discounted price, allowing Dirkxley’s funds to stretch even further. Thanks to her initiative, Silveridge residents and staff enjoyed not only a delicious steak dinner but also sides, desserts, wine, and beer—all made possible by her hard work and the community’s support. Many in the community have praised her generous heart, with several already pledging support for her next lemonade stand in anticipation of the kindness she will inspire once again.
In times like these, when so many difficult things are happening in the world, it is easy to get caught up in heartbreak and negativity. In what often feels like a broken and fragmented society, kindness and compassion—though simple concepts—have the power to calm even the darkest storms and truly make a difference. One small decision, one seemingly simple gesture, can inspire others to do the same. If Dirkxley Curnyn, at just eight years old, can understand and put this into action, there is hope for the rest of us. Let her act of kindness inspire reflection and meaningful conversations with yourself and those around you. It is truly empowering to consider the difference we can make—not only in the lives of others, but within ourselves—with gestures as simple as kindness, hope, and even lemonade.
