My Sabbatical this year consisted of volunteering at Meals on Wheels. Last year I switched it up and I worked in the kitchen with the staff. This year I decided I would deliver again so I could have more of an interaction with the clients. I was given routes where they didn’t have their normal drivers come in or were out sick.
Day 1
Today was quite an adventure because as I am getting off my exit on S.7th there are little fires burning everywhere off side of the highway.
The fire department was there and had them under control but it was very smokey. I start my delivery which consisted of many streets and clients all in the same neighborhood. I get it done but there was one little lady, whom I did enjoy talking with about her plants and her yard. I also, had one little dog try to attack me which was suppose to be restrained. I had to open and close the door several times until it jumped off the couch and I was able to set meal down on the couch. Later I was informed she has dementia and her daughter puts dog in the kennel but her mother feels bad for the dog and lets it out. This is the only day I delivered in this neighborhood.
Day 2 & Day 3
I was in the same neighborhood for 2 days in a row. When you get to deliver more than 1 day in a row clients start to get a little more use to you. I spoke with one little lady who was 87 and said her husband had passed 2 years ago. She takes care of her son who is in his 60’s and has had 4 heart attacks. She was sitting outside in her chair and we had a good little chat. The next day one little man was sad I would not be coming to deliver anymore because he said he gets lonely and doesn’t have anyone to talk with.
Day 4
My delivery today was very nice a had a little apartment complex for senior citizens. Everyone was very happy to see me some were waiting outside and could tell I was new because I kept looking at my map. One little man was in his wheelchair next to the bus pickup are where I was parked next to. He asked if he could have my suburban. He wanted it because it would be easy for him to put his wheelchair in the back. He said it still looked very good and for me to be sure to check my belts at least every 2 years.
I enjoy delivering because many of these people don’t have alot of interaction with people and they enjoy conversating. I am very grateful that we are able to take a sabbatical and be able to volunteer and make a difference. I want to thank Kris and the Board for being so generous and giving us this opportunity. -LEO-