Last week I got to visit five of the nine elders I call each Wednesday for Telephone Reassurance at Little Brothers. Getting to finally match a name and a phone call conversation to a face was extremely exciting, and it was interesting to see how different the elders were from what I was expecting them to look and act like. The elders I visited, Maria, Olivia, Leo, Dorothy, and Aurea, were overjoyed by the Valentine’s Day presents, and many of them shared their chocolates with me. When I arrived to Maria’s for my first visit, she had all of the ingredients for turkey sandwiches on her kitchen counter, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Olivia and I talked primarily about her family, and she hopes I will be able to visit in the spring so she can introduce me to South Boston. It was great to meet Leo because I often get to hear all about his visits with Jo when we talk on the phone, thus I loved getting to hear some cool stories about his life of my own. Dorothy and I talked a lot about her grandchildren in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and even one who has been in Spain teaching for the year. Finally, Aurea and I also talked about her family, and she told me about her trip to Connecticut for Christmas and the New Year.
Having the opportunity to meet these fantastic individuals further reminded me just how lucky I am and what a rewarding experience it is to serve at Little Brothers. Hearing all of the elders ask about when I will be able to visit again makes me feel truly special, and I genuinely feel as if I have made life-long friends in each one of these people. I love knowing that, whether it’s by talking on the phone or visiting in person, I am able to provide companionship to someone who often feels lonely, and it makes me feel good to know that we are one step closer to solving the problems of isolation, abandonment, and loneliness within the elderly community. Little Brothers has truly shown me the value and importance of friendship, and I can’t wait to visit with all of my Telephone Reassurance elders again in the future!
Do you want to spend a couple of hours a month reaching out to frail elders over the phone? Telephone Reassurance takes place at our Jamaica Plain office, Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. Time commitment varies – generally 5-30 minutes per phone call.
—
Written by Haydn White, Boston College PULSE intern and Telephone Reassurance volunteer
