The Bridge of a Smile
This week we feature a guest blog which serves as a good reminder of the meaningful connection that comes from volunteering at Long Term Care Facilities. Thanks for sharing Rob.
I had always been someone who lived within the rhythm of routine - work, family, a little personal time. Everything had its place, and I rarely strayed from it. So, when a volunteer flyer showed up at my door one rainy afternoon, I barely gave it a second thought. But something about the simple words “Bring Joy, Make A Difference” caught my eye. I can’t explain why, but I found myself Signing Up to Help at the local senior center.
The first day was... awkward. I walked into a room full of elderly people, sitting silently, some staring out the window, others absorbed in newspapers that had seen better days. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do, what I could say. But then, I spotted an old man sitting by himself, his gaze fixed on the floor.
I hesitated, then approached. "Hello"; I said softly, sitting down next to him. My name is Rob. How are you today?;
He didn’t respond, but there was something in his eyes - a kind of quiet sadness, or maybe just a need for connection. I stayed with him, not knowing what else to do but to offer my presence.
It wasn’t until weeks later that he finally spoke to me. His name was Mr. Thompson, and when he looked up at me with a faint, almost hesitant smile, it felt like the world shifted. Do you like stories?; he asked, his voice cracking.
I nodded eagerly, and for the first time, he began to share. His stories weren’t just memories; they were pieces of a life that had been forgotten by most, but not by me. With every tale, a bridge was built between us. I learned about his youth, his family, the adventures he had before his advancing age slowed him down. At 90-years-old he was a living history book!
By the time I left the center that day, it hit me: sometimes, making a difference isn’t about grand gestures or heroic acts. Sometimes, it’s just showing up, being present, and offering a moment of connection. In that quiet corner of the world, between a lonely man and a stranger who wanted to listen, a bridge had been built - and it began with a smile.