Me, Gordon and Timorie Stewart!
Greetings everyone. What an exciting day! I worked with Volunteer Services at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital where I was able to play barista, aka, coffee lady. We went to every floor with a beverage cart offering patients, parents and staff, complimentary coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and a tasty beverage the staff calls the “Le Bonheur special”. This consists of a packet of hot chocolate and coffee. Yummy!
My partner-in-crime was a professional volunteer named Gordon who happens to be the father of Timorie Stewart, LeBonheur’s Volunteer Coordinator. Gordon spends his days volunteering, and his heart is the size of Texas. You know that feeling you get about someone and think, surely there are angel wings there somewhere? Well that is Gordon, and the staff and patients love him. He does the beverage cart every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 – 10:30 and can always use extra help!
Me getting hot cocoa ready for a patient’s mom!
Right away Gordon and I hit off. Kindred spirits, you could say. He gave me a quick tutorial on the beverages and we were off and running! He immediately let me take the lead, knocking on patient’s doors and offering them and their families a warm beverage. I couldn’t have hand picked a better first patient room! I opened the door to find a baby with chubby little cheeks grinning at me from ear to ear who reminded me of a little Shirley Temple! “Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!”
A very happy drawing for the hallway!
Needless to say my joy was also met with much sadness. As we went from room to room I realized that many babies/children were alone because their parents had either stepped out or were at work. As a mother, this gripped my heart and I fought tears several times during my day. Another sad part was seeing complete and utter defeat and exhaustion on the families’ faces. However, I put on my big girl pants, found my smile and offered them kindness and a little sugary goodness to which I was always met with a smile and thankfulness.
The cool cart made by Gordon!
Today my biggest revelation was that volunteers are crucial at a place like Le Bonheur. While I was making my rounds, there was a nurse stopping her work to just hold a newborn because there was no one else. I challenge all of us with stepping out of our comfort zones and stepping up to lend a helping hand. There are so many people in need and so many lives to be touched!
Special thanks to Gordon for making my year by telling me, that my love of people is evident! We all need encouragement, no matter how old we are!
Thank you for reading! Know an employer that’s looking for someone who’s great with kids? Need an event planner, organizer, or fundraiser? Send an email our way: jobleads@volunteerodyssey.com or shelly2903@gmail.com.
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