Strolling down the halls, one can see the faces of those who have lived many years, have had many memories, and are still here to tell the rest of the world what they have experienced.

For others, like Jean Jones, activities director at the Warren Manor Nursing Home in Selma, the world she enters into everyday when she takes that first step into the workplace is a world of knowledge and a world of love.

“What other job can you say that when you come into work, you hear three people say, ‘I love you,'” said Jones, with a twinkle in her eye. “Working with elderly residents is something that I consider a calling &045; it is something that I was just meant to do.”

Jones, who has worked in the nursing home industry for the past 12 years, said her job is not just another job, but in fact is an education in itself.

“When you sit and talk to these residents for so many hours, spend so much time with them, you gain so much knowledge,” said Jones. “I just love spending time with all of these residents.” Said Jones, pondering in thought, “I just know this was something that I was just put on this Earth to do.”

This week, officially declared National Nursing Home week, is a special week for the residents, said Jones, a week filled with special activities and celebrations for nursing home residents in Selma.

“This is one of the most enjoyable weeks at the nursing home,” Jones said. “There will be lots and lots of activities to do this week,” she said. “I am really looking forward to it.”

One resident at Warren Manor says there is no place he would rather be.

Willie Walter Malone, now 87 years old, relaxed in his chair, tells how enjoyable his life is and how enjoyable it has always been.

“Home sweet home,” says Malone, in describing Warren Manor. “Everything is great here, and I just love being here,” says Malone, whose last job was working as a logger at the Scott Lumber Company in Fulton. Malone has been retired for more years than he can remember.

“I loved working, and I love my life now,” says Malone.

When asked about his faith in Jesus, Malone just can’t stop talking. “Once you get me started on that, I just can’t quit,” said Malone, repeating, “I believe in Jesus, I believe in Jesus,” giggling at the same time. Malone said he still regularly attends the Freewill Holiness Church in Selma.

Despite suffering kidney problems almost 20 years ago, saying that has been his only major setback in life, Malone said his faith in God is what kept him alive.

“I was saved by faith,” said Malone. “I just prayed to God, put my hands in the air, and I was saved.”

Warren Manor, said Malone, has only improved his overall well being. “Ever since being here [Warren Manor], I have lost weight, and I feel better than I have ever felt before,” he said.

This week, said Jones, honors residents like Malone and nursing home workers across the nation. “It is a truly a special week, a week that is worth celebrating,” she said. “And residents like Mr. Malone are what make my job, and this week, so special and so important.”