Making a new friend at a senior home gave Arya Konanur a new perspective on a life well lived.
Last September, my friend and I were searching for opportunities in our community to earn volunteer hours. We walked into a Senior Home right across our street, asking if we could help. They jumped at the offer and said it had been a long time since anyone had offered their time.
A month after I started volunteering, a new resident came in, who I’ll call John. He had recently gone into a coma and woken up fully blind. Bored and stuck in the confines of the home, he asked the staff if anyone could take him for regular walks. Perfect timing! My friend and I began taking turns to walk John around the building.
During our walks, he talked about his life and experiences. Several things stuck with me.
Firstly, he demonstrated the importance of good relationships. He and his wife called their family every day since moving into the home, and their family visits every week. John says that’s one of the reasons he’s always happy – he has solid relationships. He even has friends caring for his old motorcycle from 60 years ago!