i have a friend: joy

“I Have A Friend”

joy

By Laurie Black

As we begin a fresh, new year, I hope we can all fill our lives with a little more joy.

Joy may start small with something as simple as a smile, but joy grows and leaves a lasting impression on our lives. Joy can help us be healthier mentally, emotionally, and physically. Joy cultivates resilience.

So, I asked the Senior Visitors Program volunteers: What brings you joy?

“Visiting a senior brings joy because you know that you are helping someone else - someone that often is just trying to live independently on their own. Life is about helping others and developing friendships with people of all ages”. - Donna

“I get joy when I hear my client laugh, talk about her concerns and just thank me for my time. It reminds me that I make a difference in her life and that is what I want to do”. - Carol

“It's a wonderful thing to fill a void that a lonely individual might be experiencing. It is also a blessing in general to hear your senior talk about their life. Reminiscing about a husband who may have passed, or childhood memories of friends, family, and food! These are things that bring joy to their day to talk about, things they may not have been able to conjure up again, without the opportunity of actively speaking with a visitor. The joy I perceive in my senior and their experience in this, transfers and becomes my joy”. - Rachel

“I get joy from my Senior Visitor friendship that is now two old guys sitting around having lunch and telling stories”. - Peter

“I'm not sure who gives who the most. My senior, though younger than me and with more physical challenges, is a constant reminder of how wonderful life is and how fortunate we all are for our many blessings. She is truly inspirational”. - Connie

“Seeing the delight in my clients' eyes when I arrive or hearing the pleasure when I call gives me great satisfaction in knowing I've brightened someone's day. Living alone can be depressing so it's rewarding to know my visits can ease that loneliness for a short time. As a senior myself, I, too, am uplifted when I share time with the senior, benefitting fromremembrances of our generation. - Joyce

“How does visiting my senior bring me joy? My answer lies in my favorite quote from Mother Teresa: "Never worry about numbers. Help one personal at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." -Mary

“Many seniors are lonely as they experience their winter years. Because I grew up with several senior relatives, I have natural desire to participate in bringing happiness and companionship to seniors. And for me, I am answering God's call to serve. I am so glad MHAFred offers the Senior Visitors Program! My senior brings me great joy!” -Laura

“I have always had a soft spot in my heart for seniors and now that I am one, I feel a need to help those who are not able to get out and do things. I also love talking with seniors about the "good ole days." - Darlene

“The opportunity to connect one-on one with someone who I'd probably otherwise not get to meet has been wonderful. My senior and I have shared stories about our very different upbringings, our family histories, and our experiences. Although all people have unique lives, there is a certain universality that connects us all. Seeing that emerge has been a joy for my senior and me. The more we share our stories as different as they are - the more we feel connected”. - Pete

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org to download volunteer or senior applications. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator.