What I have been up to

[Zariah]

 

Other than schoolwork and a lovely Spring Break at the beach in Northumberland, Va., I have been dedicating my time working at an organization entitled Senior Services. This place helps the elderly with cheap transportation, employment opportunities, and reducing bills. I worked at the agency, but my favorite (and now permanent volunteering position) is working at the nearby Independent Living Facility. While it is independent, this place is for low income and basically poverty level senior citizens. Of the 98 residents, 94 of them live alone and rarely leave their apartment. I am here now to encourage EVERYONE (in the building) to participate in the free events that are provided such as art and dance lessons. I am also helping a couple from Peru speak better English. While I know that I cannot pursue this as a career because it is too hard to handle the emotional aspect, I am capable of dedicating my Wednesday afternoons there.

I just wanted to let you all know that volunteering isn't that hard (if even I can do it...) and I hope that everyone can remember the senior citizens.

(Off of topic: I know this sounds maybe "flashy" o something...but I didn't mean it that way...I have had no time and no motivation or 'muse' to write any poetry or r/p, so this is my contribution to the community today)

[SoaringIcarus]

Whisks Zariah away for a brief hug before Nyyark starts glaring at him Heh...Heh.. Gives Zariah an exhuberantly friendly handshake

 

I know what you mean, Zariah. I used to hang around Paul Spring's Retirement home all the time when my Oma was still alive, and there was a very distinct and irreplaceable pleasure one got from the grateful look in the eyes of an elderly person after simply playing a game, or what have you.

 

Tears begin to well up in Icarus' eyes as he thinks of how ungrateful he's been to all the swell elders here at The Pen. He grabs a jar of apple-sauce and a spoon, and begins to hunt down Peredhil, with a giant grin.

[Brute]

Brute laughs at SoaringIcarus as he runs off searching for Peredhil.

 

Zariah, I admire your efforts.It's not something that most younger people think of, but the elderly that live in the retirement homes have years of memories and experiences that they are usually grateful for someone to share them with. By doing that, you will have gained some of your own memories. A smile on a grandmother's face as she relates tales of her family, the look in a man's face when he tells about the time he served in the military during the war.

 

I've had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with elderly patients when I worked in a hospital, and I always tried to make time to listen to them when they wanted to talk. That simple act seemed to help them in whatever condition they were in as much as anything else.

 

Zariah, I'm sure that you're aware of it, but I'd bet that each time you helped out there, you made someone's day.

Edited April 22, 2003 by Brute

[Ayshela]

Ayshela carefully stays out of Icarus' way so as not to get applesauce spilled on her. Listening absently for sounds of a scuffle when Icarus *does* find Peredhil, she turns to Zariah:

 

i'm glad you had a lovely break! It does sound like you have a challenging and rewarding position at the Independent Living Facility. i remember working as a Personal Aide at a similar facility in our area, though i did more in the meal prep and personal care line. i always found it rather sad how many of the residents had no visitors. We had quite the interesting crowd there, who often wanted nothing more than for someone to sit and talk with them for a little while. i was always glad when my duties allowed me to. The bright smiles when i could listen to their stories or trade jokes could light up a whole room.

 

You're most likely providing more of a service than you realize. Well done.

[WrenWind]

My Gran is 99 years old and still lives with my folks I have had the pleasure to have her stay with us for a few weeks at a time when my parents go on vacations . She has amazing stories and life experiences to tell . Thanks for reminding me how lucky I am to still have a living treasure in my family.