Volunteering for Seniors!
My friend, Kathleen, has the spirit of a child. She sees much beauty in everything around her – the credit goes to the eyes of the beholder. She radiates positivity every moment you interact with her. She loves to sew. We share stories. She asks me about my son cracking eggs, and making omelettes for me.
My friend, Eunice, is sharp, witty, and a straight shooter. She and I talk about Education and Government for as long as we can. She inspired me to run for office, and encouraged and supported me in my journey. She is a talented knitter. Her spirit touches my heart like no one else.
Lenny doesn’t make friends easily. He shared once of his pain as a young soldier. He also shared his pain being on a fixed income. He did not like all the changes and expenditure around him. He reminded me that I must work to keep the budget tighter (in my role on the School Committee).
Evvy shares stories of her youth. She is not happy about the way her eyes are looking lately. She would tell me I have a handsome husband, who is also caring. She sells tales along with wares in the thrift shop.
Jack, a superb pool player, is a voice artist, and a man of many talents. We talk endlessly about brilliant and cost effective ideas. He thinks a High School Library and a Town Library could be combined for efficiency.
Bettie is cautious about making new friends. She takes care of Peg’s dog Daisy, and has much to share about Daisy. She also has stories of growing up in Ireland. She says children should not be subjected to corporal punishment.
Jackie is one of the most stylish people I know. She is petite, accessorizes beautifully, and always has the perfect hair. She is very wise, and a proud grandmother of an award winning teacher. We laugh and share stories.
Then there is Ruth, Mary, Judy, Carole, Florence, Richard, Luis, Sue, and so many more friends, whose company, wisdom and love, I cherish. I would’ve never met any of these most wonderful people or known some of their life stories, had I not volunteered at our Town’s Senior Center.
My dear friends, Pratima Penumarthy and Ramakrishna Penumarthy, have started the non-profit organization ‘Volunteering for Seniors’ with a mission to understand and serve the needs of Seniors in our communities. I hope you make a commitment to volunteer and find the joy in being supportive to elders. I hope your work is as rewarding and fulfilling as mine has been.
-By Meena Bharath