Meals goes above and beyond!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:01:43 GMT

My involvement with Meals On Wheels is minimal currently. My very best friend in the whole world works with Meals On Wheels and loves her job. I have volunteered only once - I guess you would say, I have been trained to deliver meals. Unfortunately, I have yet to become an active volunteer due to my current enrollment in Nursing School. I must say that one day I rode with my very dedicated, loving, awesome friend, who goes above and beyond not only for her job but the lives's she touches, I was touched. There are so many in need of food and to see the way she had bonded with the individuals on that particular route was amazing.

In addition, my great, great Aunt receives meals, not in GA but in Connecticut. She is my favorite person in the whole world and at the wonderful age of 97, finally can not cook for herself any more. Luckily, she gets Meals. And every week when I call her, she describes what she gets. She always seems pleased with the quality & quantity!

So thank you Meals! For bringing so much fulfillment to a friend and a loved one!

Tara Funk, Cleveland, OH -- Meals On Wheels Volunteer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:50:00 GMT

I have been delivering meals to Lakewood seniors for almost 2 years now. Although my schedule only allows me to deliver once a week, I feel fortunate to have met these wonderful people who I otherwise would have never known. In our weekly conversations, I have learned that my meal recipients include a decorated Korean war veteran and 35 year steel worker, as well as several dual language speakers. They have spoken fondly of their families; spouses, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They have also told me about the careers and jobs that they have had throughout their lives. To a lesser degree, they have discussed their health issues (diabetes, blindness, emphysema, heart trouble) and frequent trips to the doctor or hospital. Due to their limited mobility, it might be easy to overlook the seniors in one's community. Through listening to their stories and looking at their photographs, though, I realize all that they have sacrificed and contributed over their many years.

Although I have been bringing meals to their doors, I feel as if they have been providing a service for me. They have taught me important lessons about life. These include (1) don't hurry so much that you miss out on what matters most. (2) Enjoy playing make-believe with your young children, as they grow out of that phase so quickly. (3) Take a walk outside whenever you can, simply because you have the ability to do so. Again, I feel very lucky to have met these bright, vibrant seniors. Their knowledge has benefitted me in ways that I never thought possible.

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Meals goes above and beyond!

Tara Funk, Cleveland, OH -- Meals On Wheels Volunteer