One-to-One Friends: Calvin & Allison
Cal is a charming gentleman. At 89 his blue eyes are still sparkling and alert, taking in the nursing home world around him with humor and patience. He told me the sad story of his wife and son passing away within a short time of each other, and being alone and in poor health in his home town of San Diego. He misses San Diego, where he piloted ferry boats to Coronado Island as a young man. As he outlived his family and friends, the time came to pull up roots to live near his sister in Marin.
Cal’s sister, Ellen, called LITA a few month after his arrival. She said that he needed more social opportunities than she could provide. “I’m getting old myself.” she explained. “I just can’t handle the wheel chair and he would so like to get out of the building once in a while.”
Long time LITA volunteer, Allison, was ready to be re-matched and very sympathetic to Calvin’s plight of wanting to get out of the facility to explore his new community. Allison has been able to assist Calvin with wheel chair excursions and walks.
Calvin’s sister called our office to say that she is as thrilled by the visits as Calvin is. “Allison is the light of his life. He is so happy after her visits. She brings him out of his doldrums and introduces him to the wider world that he otherwise no longer has access to. Allison is fabulous! I am 79 years old and I hope to grow up to be like her. She makes it possible for my brother to have a little bit of happiness, it is a great match!”I called Allison to relay Ellen’s compliment and she said. ”I’m glad to hear that because I feel the same. I really enjoy our time together.”
As the nice weather returns, notice the things you take for granted like the buds on the trees, patches of daffodils and the way the birds are gathering their nests. Imagine sharing this with someone who can’t experience it unless someone has the time and cares enough to share it.