Emily - CASA - Blog 4

As Thursday’s work ended, it was sad to realize our time at Huntsville was coming to an end. Today was packed full of exciting adventures and rewarding time spent with seniors at the Country Cottage, an assisted living center located near CASA’s headquarters. The home works to provide care and aid to those who wish to maintain much of their independence. Once we arrived at the cottage, our job was to chat with the residents as they ate their snacks and told us about themselves. While the work was not particularly strenuous, it was absolutely amazing to hear the lively stories of the residents as they recounted the many adventures they had been on throughout their lives. Personally, I was able to get to know two of the residents, Roy and Jack, quite well. As they told of their exciting lives, the places they had traveled, the things they had done, and the wars they had fought in, I was filled with joy. It was so nice to be able to communicate one-on-one with the residents we have been trying to help throughout this journey, and it was so thrilling to see their faces as they strove to share their stories. I felt blessed to be the person they could share with, even for the short while that it lasted. Today’s morning reminded me that interaction and a willing ear can go a long way for people, and making a difference can be however small or big one wants it to be.

Today’s afternoon consisted of traveling to the Manna House once again for the delivery of food and necessities. Because we had been there before, everything seemed to run more smoothly, and it was easier to find a job that needed to be accomplished. Today I was able to help individuals carry food items out to their cars. This was a particularly rewarding experience because I was able to have some interaction with the very people we were working to serve. Even more pleasing was the ability to help these individuals with one simple task to make their time at the Manna House a little better. As the day winded down, it was hard to say goodbye to all of the staff and volunteers, but it was fulfilling to see the clients taken care of. All in all, the day could not have gotten any better.