Mollie Washington, 77, feels good about her participation 13 years as a volunteer in the Senior Companions program, saying it has helped her feel energetic and even improved her health.
For that, she is grateful and she gives God all the praise and honor, thanking Him for enabling her to do what she does.
Mollie learned about the program shortly after she retired and asked her daughter to help her find “something to do,” because she knew she would deteriorate if she stayed home and watched television.
Mollie rarely misses a day of her volunteer commitment. When she does, she can’t wait to get back to doing what she loves: being a companion for “Miss Miller” sitting with her; reading the Bible to her; fixing breakfast for her; and even helping her with bathing.
On a recent “day off,” Mollie received a call from “Miss Miller,” saying she was lonesome. Mollie assured her someone else would be there with her, but she replied, “I don’t care who comes, I want to see you.”
Mollie is grateful to have a reason to get out of the house every day. She had triple bypass surgery seven years ago and back surgery four years ago. After each one, she asked her doctors, “When can I go back to volunteering?”
As soon as she was given permission to resume her normal activities, she was back. Not even arthritis and having to walk with a cane could keep her away.
She has had a heart for seniors ever since she was 14 years old when her grandmother died with no one to look after her. Mollie thanks God every day that He has enabled her to, “Let me work. Let me be a help.”
Most of all, she is grateful that she has the opportunity to meet people, often becoming like family to those who have no one else to care for them.
Nov 7, 2007 9:00 PM
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