Par: Shari Deere
I haven’t been volunteering as long as many ladies at Bayview hospital, located right next door to me, at 27 Lakeshore, Pointe Claire, QC. But I’ve come to love the staff, residents and volunteers there. The summer view of bay Valois can be breathtaking. You’ll see a few residents out with their family or volunteers.
I am seriously disabled from a stroke and can’t work. My schedule is busy with doctor appointments but I found I had extra time on my hands so I walked into the hospital and spoke with the volunteer coordinator to apply. I could only give a few hours per week but every hour is precious. Here’s why.
Maggie Riley, 87, independent but wheelchair bound. She never married, put her career first and had no children. She travelled in Canada extensively. She had worked at Bell for many years. Not sure of exact times, I never pushed for details! Her brain was foggy at times and I was told to listen to her talk. She loved and missed her long-time dog friend! The Pet therapy visited her. Her face would light up and you could see the beautiful young woman she was!! Blue eyes that pierced right through you if she was mad. A die hard Canadians fan who enjoyed wearing the cap on her head to shade her from sun on our numerous walks on the lakeshore or the pic-nic at Bayview Park.
For me to push another individual in wheelchair made me feel grateful. I could walk now and had regained my own autonomy.
Covid came and all visiting was stopped!! I called Maggie often. When she picked up, we’d talk. I was so happy to hear her voice!! Living alone through this time has been difficult for me. A few days passed and I had not been able to reach Maggie. Then I got a call telling me Maggie had died from Covid. I was devastated.
I think the volunteer coordinator saw we (the Bayview volunteers) needed a pick me up during isolation, and Zoom meetings were held regularly thereafter.
Volunteering saved my life.