It has taken several weeks to sort out the red tape of me volunteering at Anthony’s nursing home. Okay, let me explain: I will now get paid a small allowance if I do 15 hours of volunteer work per week at a not-for-profit organization.
As it happens, Anthony’s nursing home is not-for-profit so last week the Events Coordinator, Ev, showed me the ropes and suggested things like playing cards with Nat, an 83-year-old woman with Parkinson’s Disease and numerous other afflictions, who is in a wheelchair. Then Ev said, “You can always bring Anthony to sit and watch.” My heart did a somersault.
Well, since I already know Nat, it wasn’t exactly difficult to break the ice on Monday, but I was still nervous. I got to the nursing home before noon and helped Ants with his lunch and explained the volunteer thing then I left my bag and scarf in his room, so he would know I was coming back. Then I went to find Ev who wheeled Nat up to the dining room so we could sit at a table for the most complicated card game I have ever played! [more about that tomorrow]
Nat: At a loose end are you, love?
Me: No! I’ve become a volunteer here and you are my first victim, Nat.
Nat cracked up laughing. She is quite famous for her huge, loud, beautiful laugh. Then she said, “Go and get Anthony.”
So I did.
jmgoyder 
What a good idea. I hope it works out.
It is – wonderful!
perfect!
Yes!
Hi Julie, that is just brilliant. So pleased for you. I believe when we are serving others, we are serving God. You will bless the lives of others and in return yourself .
Thanks Brenda – it feels like a small miracle.
Julie, I love that you’re doing this! ❤
Diana xo
Me too!
What a simply splendid idea, good luck!
So far so good.
Now this sounds like it could get interesting…
Ha – definitely!
Good on Nat! 🙂
She is a gem!
absolutely stunning!.. c
I am so happy it is working out like this!
How beautiful. You have discovered a way to be with Ants and to also be paid. They have nothing like that here, but it would be nice if they did! I am so darn proud of you!!!
Yes!
fabulous! isn’t it funny how things have a way of working out that you never could have imagined? )
Yes, I am surprised!
What a brilliant idea!
It’s early days but I am hopeful.
I love it when a plan comes together. I hope it works out well.
I am becoming more confident about the plan now.
Good idea… you still get to be around Anthony and make a little spending money… So glad that things seem to be better for you and Ants… Diane
It is getting easier as it gets harder – a strange paradox
I actually do understand what you mean… Diane
Aw! and in awe, Julie! xo
fUNNY!
How absolutely wonderful! Jules if anyone can find a way to be a positive force it is you. Fantastic 😀
I couldn”t have done this last year – too sad, but now it’s great1
I am so happy for you Jules!
How great that you are able to volunteer at the nursing home
Perfect arrangement!
Julie, We became friends almost 2 years ago, and you were my hero from the 1st words of yours’ I read. Your still my hero, and your star shines brighter each day. It takes a phenomenal amount of courage to deal with the trials and tribulations of Ants disease. And while you struggle from time to time, you have always found ways to make it work. You becoming a volunteer there at the home was a natural next step. Your disposition makes it easier for you to slip into this role, and everyone that encounters you wins. Ants wins on a daily basis, Nat will now be a constant winner, and you win because of all of the above and those internal needs are fulfilled. Julie I will always be proud of you, and I will always cherish our friendship. Take care, Bill
Can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support Bill!
Hugs and fond thoughts going your way.
You too Tersia – even though I am not online as much, I do read, and reap the subsequent rewards from, you, your posts and your big heart.
Nat sounds like a character–larger than life. Sounds like you’re in for some interesting times:)
That is for sure!
Cool!
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award”.
http://letstalkaboutfamily.wordpress.com/
I’ve always enjoyed your blog and look forward to each new post. I know how strong you are and learn so much from your responses to the difficulties you encounter.
Thank you so much for the award nomination. I am not good at the award thing but I still appreciate it very much and admire how you are caring for your father.
I think that’s a great idea and there’s likely others that are going through similar challenges and thoughts… Be careful (as if you won’t) on your walk… Diane
I think mandatory volunteering of, say, 10 hours a month through the age of 22 would benefit society so much, not to mention the individual. I’m been a volunteer all my life. I’ve met so many wonderful people. Special Olympics was probably my favorite organization to volunteer for, followed closely by assisted living centers.