Finding an unexpected friend

As I drove to Green Acres Nursing Home for the first time, I was overcome with feelings of nervousness. I was pursuing the most uncomfortable homework assignment I’d ever been given: find a resident of Baldwin county and tell their story. It was a vague assignment and one that was way out of my comfort zone. After whining sufficiently to my roommates and whoever else would listen, I finally decided to search online for a local nursing home and head there in the hopes that someone would have a decent story worth retelling.

That day I met Margaret Wimberly, a firecracker of a woman who told me her story of being a two-time cancer survivor. She was sweet, funny and not one bit resentful about her situation. In fact, she was one of the most positive and inspiring people I have met to this day. I listened intently to her story, asked questions and completed my homework assignment.

A few weeks later, after receiving an A on my paper about Ms. Wimberly, I decided to go back to Green Acres and thank her. Even though my last visit went well, I was still nervous. Primarily, I was afraid she wouldn’t remember me and I would look like an idiot without anything to talk about. I pushed the negative thoughts aside, went to the grocery store, picked up some flowers and headed to Green Acres for the second time.

I was blown away at the reaction I got upon walking into the nursing home; instead of being a random college student carrying flowers you would have thought I was some sort of queen bearing treasure. Everyone smiled at me, told me how sweet I was and overall made me feel like a million bucks.

I found Ms. Wimberly enjoying her lunch with some fellow residents in a setting that oddly reminded me of Georgia College’s very own Sodexo. Much to my surprise, the little woman recognized me instantly. She got up, smiled, and took me aback with what was easily the largest and most comical hug I’ve ever gotten in my life. She squeezed with all her might and paraded me back to her room, telling anyone who asked that I was her new friend making a visit. We put the flowers I got her into a vase and talked with ease about whatever it was that came up.

After just two visits I realized how rewarding it is to visit Green Acres. I had developed a wonderful relationship with a wonderful woman, who still calls me her friend and never forgets to say, “Love ya!” before I leave.

Ms. Wimberly is just one of the 90 residents that currently reside at Green Acres, a local nursing home that has seen a significant decrease in Georgia College student volunteers.

Volunteer Coordinator for Green Acres, Audrey Smith, said that there used to be a significant number of volunteers from the university, but for some unknown reason the visits have subsided.

“We really do need the students back,” Smith said, “The residents need the interaction. They want it, they crave it. Even if students come for just 30 minutes, it makes a big impact.”

She clarifies that, despite the common misconception, volunteering is a not a long-term commitment.

“It’s as flexible as you want to be,” she said. “And the residents love it.”

Not to mention, all volunteers receive community service hours.

“We have a big variety of personalities,” said Jennifer Avant, Green Acres’ Activities Director. “There’s somebody for everybody to talk to. It’s almost like you’re in a dorm.”

Avant is in charge of organizing activities for the residents, and she encourages volunteers to partake in these activities as well. Each month, she assembles an activities calendar that includes various holiday parties, Bible studies and bingo.

Sophomore mass communication major Ashley Metivier spends some of her free time volunteering at Green Acres.

“I have a blast every time I go,” she said,“everyone is so sweet and there’s always something to do.”

Metivier especially enjoys painting residents’ nails, courtesy of a fully equipped manicure cart donated and decorated by volunteers.

After the wonderful experiences I’ve had visiting Green Acres, I can only encourage others to do the same. It’s unbelievable how quickly one can develop relationships that are so gratifying. After all, one day we might be in the same position as the Green Acres residents, and everyone needs a friend every now and then.

Posted by Vanessa Whited on Feb 10 2011. Filed under Features, Lead stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.