The most effective way to make a difference in your community is to volunteer your time. It's not about what you give but why. It's all about caring. The last seventeen years of my life have been devoted to serving my community. I have discovered a sense of purpose in caring for the lost and lonely, the terminally ill person that has opted to die with dignity in their own home, the elderly individual that spends every hour of their life in a convalescent center waiting for a visitor that never arrives. The homeless person that sleeps in boxes in the back alleys of a near-perfect town. The man or woman with disabilities that has lost hope and no longer dreams of a productive future. Modern medicine works miracles, its pills, placebos and sterile environments have extended the lives of many, but often isolation, loneliness and pain diminishes the quality of their lives and dissolves the desire to live.
My strongest emotions were evoked by a woman in a convalescent home. She was over a hundred years old, physically frail, but still alert. I had stopped to say good night and as I tucked the covers around her she looked up at me, smiled and commented that no one else ever tucked her in. The look on her face was wistful, I bent down and kissed her softly on the cheek. She smiled and said "You are the only one that ever kisses me good night" she hesitated, her voice became even softer as she whispered, "You are the only one that
ever kisses me, " how profound that statement was. There are so many stories. The elderly man alone and penniless, dying in a friendless environment, ashamed to speak to me because he was naked, lying in a pool of his own urine. Hundreds of people with disabilities reaching out for love and recognition. Desperate for acceptance and a sense of purpose in their lives.
The United States of America is the richest country in the world but it has a fast growing, often invisible population. There is a class of people that fall through the cracks of society. they are uninsured, economically disadvantaged and usually without representation. Many in that population are seniors, people with disabilities and the homeless. Most of them isolated, or alone...in need of a friend...you could be that friend.
The ability to love is not restricted by age or education; financial status does not repress the desire to serve ones fellow man. America is a country built on a history of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to provide personal encouragement, human contact and spiritual inspiration. You could make a difference in someone's life, you could be that friendly voice on the telephone,or a visitor in a convalescent facility, better yet...a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion. Reach out of your comfort zone...it's time to make a difference. You are needed...the quickest way to forget your own pain and problems is to help someone else with theirs. The local churches and non-profit organizations need you...another great place to start is with the United Way.
The first step is the most difficult...but the rewards are incredible.
www.vccaregivers.org/
www.vcunitedway.com/