i have a friend: friendships flourish

“I Have A Friend”

friendships flourish

By Laurie Black

Corinne Abrams and her friend, Carol, met and began visiting about three years ago. Their smiles say so much about their story.

Corinne explains, "I moved to Fredericksburg in 2017 - the same year that I lost my grandmother. I had always enjoyed spending time with her and thought that it was important to find a relationship with someone older who might benefit from seeing me as much as I would from seeing him or her. I also wanted to be a good role model for my teenage son. I wanted him to know how important it is to have great relationships with those who are older than we are."

Carol was already familiar with the Senior Visitors Program. Carol was a former volunteer for the program. When her circumstances changed and she found she needed friendship and support, she came back to the Senior Visitors Program as a client.

Carol says, "[Senior Visitors] means a whole lot to me because without having a visitor, I wouldn't have anything to look forward to. It's good for older people who don't have someone to listen to them. I also like the program because sometimes, I feel like I help Corinne, too, and that makes me feel like I'm needed."

Of their visits Carol says, "We laugh together! It's nice to have fun for a change and have company who cares. There was one time when I was really upset and my companion, Ralph, was really sick, - and Corinne showed up and talked to me when I was feeling bad. Even though I have a companion, she loves talking to him, too. She's wonderful and very considerate. She calls, she comes by to visit. I so enjoy having her talk to. She doesn't lecture me - just talks to me. She's family and feels like a sister."

When I asked Corinne about Carol and their visits, she replied, "Where do I start? Carol is feisty, funny, caring, independent, and constantly on-themove. She has such a wealth of compassion for others who need help. She was a long-term Veteran Affairs volunteer prior to COVID. She has maintained her independence (and helped Ralph maintain his) through some very difficult health challenges. I admire her very much!"

"[When we get together] we catch up from the last time, we laugh (and laugh some more), and we usually eat together. Either I bring takeout (Dairy Queen is their favorite) or Carol will make wonderful subs. On a serious note, we share what's going on in our lives, with our family, and most importantly, I try to be a good listener as sometimes, that's what she needs most from me."

"Our visits make me forget that I've had a long work week, or that my teenager and I aren't seeing eye-to-eye. I love knowing that she looks forward to talking with me as much as I look forward to our visits. I knew that I would "get attached" and I have! I didn't know that I would be getting two seniors to spend time with - when Carol started to spend time with Ralph, he naturally fell into place with us. I feel like I have 2 for 1!" Senior Visitors Program volunteers and the seniors they visit often say they feel lucky to be part of the Senior Visitors Program. Whether it is luck, good timing, or something else, it is wonderful to see friendships flourish. These friendships, both individually and collectively, are making a difference in our community.

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.

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Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator.

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