My name is Jennifer, and I am the assistant manager at Puzzle Piece Pastries. Today, I would like to share my story with you.
Long before I ever worked here, my husband and I came every Wednesday for ice cream. It was our little midweek tradition. We ordered every birthday cake from Puzzle Piece, too. It wasn’t just a dessert shop to us; it was a place filled with joy, comfort, and family memories.
In October 2023, my husband and I faced the most heartbreaking loss imaginable: our son, Josiah, passed away at seventeen. He had severe autism, was nonverbal, and lived with epilepsy. He was tall, limber, and full of life, always moving in ways that reminded us of a playful frog. We love him so very much.
After his passing, I stepped away from work for nine months. When I knew it was time for me to return, I asked God to show me where He wanted me to go. The very next day, I saw a post on Puzzle Piece Pastries’ Facebook page saying they were looking for a daytime manager. I went in for an interview, and soon after, I was offered the position of assistant manager.
Honoring Josiah’s Memory
Working at Puzzle Piece helps me grieve the loss of my son. Working with special needs adults, like our son, helps me keep Josiah’s memory alive. It’s as if, through this work, God gave me a way to honor my son by continuing to pour love and patience into helping others who are like him. Being surrounded by this community helps me feel close to him.
After Josiah passed, my husband and I started noticing frogs everywhere: on home décor, garden signs, even little trinkets in unexpected places. Seeing those little frogs pop up became a reminder that he’s sending us his love in his own special way.
JoJo’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie
One of the sweetest ways Josiah’s memory is honored at Puzzle Piece Pastries is through a special treat we call JoJo’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie. The idea came from Brittany, who wanted to create something in Josiah’s honor. Cinnamon Toast Crunch was Josiah’s absolute favorite cereal, so it felt like the perfect inspiration. Right in the center is a little green chocolate frog, a symbol of the love and reminders we still receive from him.
Baking a Difference
What began as a simple ice cream shop my family loved has become a place where I can honor my son every single day. Josiah’s spirit continues to shine through in every smile, every act of kindness, and every little green frog that crosses my path. My hope is that when people come to Puzzle Piece Pastries – whether for ice cream, coffee, or a JoJo’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie – they feel that same sense of love, joy, and connection that I feel. Because here, every piece truly matters.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you for helping all of us here at Puzzle Piece Pastries continue to bake a difference in our community.