Runner Up
Kay's story

At a very early age, my mother would pack the five kids into the family station wagon, load up sandwiches, and Kool-Aid, and off we would go. Most weekends, we would drive 1 1/2 hours to visit my mother's college roommate's mom and dad. We would spend our weekends playing outside in the country while mom took care of helping these friends. We would also visit elderly family members, checking on them, doing minor household repairs, errands, etc. Now, as an adult, I always seem to emotionally gravitate toward the elderly and senior citizens. Oftentimes, our society is so busy living their own lives, they ignore the needs of these wonderful individuals. A simple smile, "hello, how are you" can elicit the beginning of an education only learned through this personal sharing. My "little people," as I often refer to them, only want to have someone to share conversation with them.

I've been asked WHY do I enjoy working with the elderly. The answer seems almost obvious....because they have a heart full of love they want to share, they appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness (i.e. a smile, a touch, or a simple hello). Take a bouquet of fresh flowers and you will almost see tears of joy and delight! I have been amazed how even the smallest act of kindness, such as a quick phone call to check on them can be welcomed with such gratitude! The blessings I receive personally far exceed the expenditures. "Love" a senior and you will truly begin to discover the greater joys are in giving! It's painless, the cost is minimal, and the dividends are priceless!