BORN AND raised in Monteagle, Sandy Bolin’s roots run deep in the Volunteer State. Ms. Sandy started working at Dairy Queen at the tender age of 16, which instilled in her the value of hard work and excellent customer service. It was there that her love for culinary arts began to blossom. Her remarkable journey encompasses healing, love, and the power of a warm meal.
Ms. Sandy’s journey took an unexpected turn when her husband fell ill, a battle that led them to spend countless hours at the Southern Tennessee Medical Center. The care and compassion they showed her planted seeds of inspiration in her heart. It was a chance to give back and offer the same love she and her family had received during their darkest hours. So, her calling in the hospital’s culinary department began.
After her husband’s passing in 2008, she joined the Southern Tennessee Medical Center. Little did she know that this step would profoundly impact her community’s healing journey. Ms. Sandy’s role eventually expanded to encompass event coordination, placing her at the forefront of hospital gatherings and celebrations. Her infectious smile and talent for crafting delectable dishes made her a beloved face to the hospital staff and the community.
“I enjoy what I do. I like creating different things or coming up with a new recipe that somebody might not have ever tried.”
A gift inherited from her beloved granny, her culinary skills blossomed. At age 5, Ms. Sandy discovered her passion for creating tasty dishes. Her kitchen became a canvas, where each recipe became a unique work of art. Her culinary abilities grew, eventually touching countless lives.
She said, “My daddy started me at the stove heating chili and stuff. And then we went on to other things. And so I’ve always been able to cook a lot. I love creating stuff that people love.”
Through twists and turns, laughter, and tears, Ms. Sandy found solace in her faith. She developed the belief that a smile can mend even the deepest wounds, motivating her to use her special gift in every interaction.
“God has blessed me with the ability to find good in almost any situation. And sometimes it’s not easy, but I’m a firm believer that I can get through it better if I deal with it with a smile.”
In her 15 years at the hospital, Ms. Sandy has weathered personal storms. In addition to losing her husband, she lost her mother and niece. Tragically, in 2021, she faced the heart-wrenching loss of her son to suicide. She found the strength to carry on through faith, a supportive church community at Paynes Baptist Church, and her beloved Southern Tennessee Medical co-workers.
“All of them came out here, and it meant everything because, at that moment, I just needed somebody, anybody that was not the police.”
Ms. Sandy’s hospital family, a tight-knit group with deep bonds, rallied around her in her time of need. Their support and love showed her the healing power of community. It reinforced her belief that healing transcends the physical, extending to emotional and spiritual well-being.
It’s through food that Ms. Sandy believes healing begins. She understands that a well-prepared meal isn’t just sustenance; it’s a language of love that bridges gaps and creates connections. She also believes it plays a pivotal role in the healing process. It’s the nourishment that fuels recovery, the taste that brings comfort, and the memory that lingers after the meal is finished.
Their collective commitment to serving patients goes beyond the confines of their roles. They understand the critical role that food plays in the healing process. From dietary restrictions to personalized birthday celebrations, they ensure every patient receives nourishment and genuine care.
The Southern Tennessee Medical Center is an oasis for healing. The staff shares a commitment to excellence.
“We just have a good hospital team. It’s not just one of us.”
Their special ritual morning prayers surround the hospital with compassion and hope. The hospital’s kitchen has become a sanctuary of healing through food.
Ms. Sandy’s story is one of resilience and turning personal pain into a force for good. Through her culinary talents and compassionate spirit, she has become a beacon of hometown healing, reminding us that a simple act of kindness, a shared meal, can be a powerful catalyst for recovery.
Ms. Sandy continues to work her magic in the hospital kitchen, a beacon of hope, love, and healing for all who know her. In her culinary creations, the heart of a community finds solace, strength, and inspiration, proving that sometimes, the most profound healing begins at the table. GN
