To The Editor,
I know that many people in our community have been wondering how our elderly have been doing during the last couple of years, so I thought I would offer a little insight into my own personal working experience with that treasured population as an activity aide at The Oregon Veteran's Home in The Dalles.
How many people can say they love their job and truly mean it? I can! When people ask me what I do for a living I tell them "I entertain the troops!". I get the privilege of serving those who have served at The Oregon Veteran's Home in The Dalles. These men and women are so much a part of my life that my husband and I got married there. Two of the veterans gave me away as my dad wasn't available. In fact one of our first dates I brought him to a dance at OVH and he joked that he was going to have to step up his game because I was constantly on the dance floor with one of the memory care veterans. My husband liked the place so much he jumped at the chance to come work here too and he now works in the maintenance department. There are so many wonderful opportunities to experience those little moments that make my job so beautiful. Where else can you sing a song every day with a member of the Greatest Generation, see the camaraderie between a band of brothers, or have coffee with a real-life Rosie The Riveter? Even during the ups and downs of the last couple of years, this is where I wanted to be. It isn't always the easiest of jobs, but I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. Though our veterans had many long months when they were unable to see their families in person, they had the staff here to hold their hands, sing with them, laugh with them, cry with them, have a good b.s. session, and build a familiar bond. As we are able to come out into the community more I hope that we will see some of your smiling faces holding the door for our honored veterans, thanking them for their service, and, if you're lucky enough to have the time, perhaps listening to a joke or a story. I promise you will never regret the precious time you are blessed to spend with an elderly person, you may be surprised at what you learn.
- Linda Waters