i have a friend: quincy & holly

“I Have A Friend”

the world By Laurie Black

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world."

Though I've heard this quote attributed to more than one person, including Dr. Suess, the truth of its message is evident in the lives of many seniors and volunteers in the Senior Visitors Program. Most recently, I have seen it in the lives of Quincy Crecelius Click and her senior, Holly.

Holly and Quincy began visiting through the Senior Visitors Program in 2018.

Holly said of Quincy, "She couldn't be more perfect. We've done just about everything together from shopping for new dog beds to playing with our animals. Quincy reads for me. I like to cook, and Quincy helps me put what I cook in containers for later."

I asked Quincy what a typical visit is like, and she replied, "Our visits aren't typical. We get into all kinds of trouble including running errands, phone calls, walking the dogs, learning a new device together, chatting, preparing food, emails and small house projects."

Quincy went on to tell me about Holly's, positive and dynamic life. "Holly [divides] most of her time between running Volunteers for the Blind and enjoying her five animals. She likes Rotary, books, knitting, National Federation for the Blind and trying different restaurants with friends. She has a great sense of humor and is really good at talking through issues in navigating her own life and helping friends or other groups she is part of."

Indeed, when I spoke with Holly, she impressed me with her humor, energy, and dedication to helping others. I also learned she plays four musical instruments!

Though Holly is outgoing and involved in the community, she really wanted a volunteer that could visit her in her own home. Holly heard about the Senior Visitors Program at a health fair and wanted to give it a try.

Quincy explained, "I was [already] aware of Mental Health America and when I reached out to volunteer, I found a good match in the Senior Visitors Program. Everyone at MHAfred is top notch and such a valuable part of our community."

Specifically of volunteering with Holly, Quincy said, "I can tell Holly really appreciates me. I enjoy her jokes and stories. It is such a regular part of my life; I refer to 'my senior' all the time, and she has taught me a lot about seeing the world from a different perspective."

Holly and Quincy clearly have great admiration for each other. Their friendship is further evidence that as we step outside our own world to connect with someone else, our world becomes that much bigger, better, and brighter.

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.