It took a week for these frantic, yet thankful women to compile a tiny list. I think it was hard for them to believe an able-bodied person, let alone someone different-abled, would want to relieve them of some of their rigorous duties. It took a lot of coaxing for me to reassure them I was for real and that I wanted (NO NEEDED) a bigger list. Finally they complied one and I was allowed to start my new assignments.
I visited people that never got visits, kept lonely people company, directed lost people where things were located, ran after-hours games, cheered people on in contests, read to the mentally disabled and bed-bound, helped the confused to play bingo and became a sounding board for others.
After about two weeks of this, the administrator called me to his office. Flashbacks of my school days crossed my mind and I was sure I was in trouble. Slinking into the room, with my head bowed, I prepared for my usual tongue lashing. It never came!
Standing and grinning broadly, as I came in the room, the administrator said, "Merrym, I've been watching you lately and I want to thank you for your exuberance. The people in this facility, staff included, are in the highest spirits I've seen since I started here fifteen years ago. It started with you and the joy grows daily. I would like to offer you an official volunteer job as the 'Facility Welcomer'. With your personality anyone who comes in contact with you will feel at ease and they'll have a friend right away. Please consider this?" Without a second thought I agreed. The next week I received a staff name tag with my name and title on it. (So cool!)
During my stay at my home away from home, I was rewarded many times for my volunteer work. I was in the newspaper, got an award for my giving freely and made many new friends in everyone. But the best reward was seeing my wonderful co-patients become more energetic, more outgoing and happier...
A man finds joy in giving!
Proverbs 15:23
I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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