I was so moved reading about what happened at Urban Olive & Vine in Hudson, Wisconsin. When owner Carol Trainor fell seriously ill and spent eight months in the hospital, her teenage staff didn’t just keep things going—they became the heartbeat of the restaurant. These were young people, just 14 to 18 years old, who stepped into adult roles with no hesitation. They cooked, prepped, managed schedules, paid bills, ran errands, and even wrote the weekly newsletter. They did it not because they had to, but because they cared.

To me, this is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in the next generation. Carol and her husband Chad had always shown up for these teens—celebrating their milestones, encouraging them, and making them feel valued. When crisis struck, the loyalty and love they had built came back tenfold. That’s leadership, and that’s community.

Even after Carol’s passing on May 5, her legacy clearly lives on in these young people. They didn’t just keep a business open—they carried forward her spirit of care, connection, and commitment. It’s proof that when we give young people trust and purpose, they can rise to any challenge. And in this case, they became the very reason a beloved part of the community survived.