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| True Words |
I
found Chicago Cares the same way
people find things nowadays – through Google.
I was looking for opportunities to volunteer and Chicago Cares showed
up. The first search I did was looking
for projects within a certain distance from my residence and that’s how I
located Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the project ‘What’s The Word’. The description seemed
harmless enough though I remember how nervous I was that evening as I entered the
place, not knowing what I was supposed to be doing and more so, not sure if I
could do it. But I need not have
worried. Not only did I survive, I had a
fantastic time and really enjoyed myself.
Then came the library project, and now there was no stopping. Not only was I exploring new projects, I had
started expanding my radius of travel and was now going to places in Chicago
that I would have never thought of visiting, using public transport facilities
that I did not think existed.
I
had heard of Make-A-Wish® Foundation
a long time ago and had always hoped of being involved. Hoped…and done nothing. But now I was intent on participating and
after a background check, I was eligible for general volunteering. I signed up for the 'Macy’s Believe Campaign' and the rest as they say is history or as I would like to put it, a path to the
future; for it has opened me up to a world of possibilities. After that two month experience, not only do
I look forward to MAW projects, I have gone ahead and committed to becoming a ‘Wish Granter’; in my opinion, one of
the most fulfilling things someone can do.
One Brick follows a very different model
than Chicago Cares, where you may not work directly with the clients, but
rather support the organizations that serve the clients. Also, they encourage socializing amongst
volunteers after the event so as to make it a fun experience for everyone
involved. My first event with them was
helping out the ‘The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’ and since then I have tried to stay involved, many times
having to choose between their projects and Chicago Cares. Just as I run into the same people at Chicago
Cares projects, I have becomes quite familiar with the One Brick crew and look
forward to catching up at different locations.
But with all of the volunteers that I have encountered, there is no one like Wilson.
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| Wilson |
It
was my first project of the year, at Imperial Nursing Home, where I first met
him. I had no idea that not only would I
keep seeing him repeatedly, but he was a symbol of volunteering in
Chicago for many people. Everyone knows
Wilson and more importantly, everyone knows they can depend on him. He is a bundle of energy and I can honestly
say, I have never met anyone like him.
He inspires me and has helped me push through some limits that only
existed in my mind. A man who refuses to
be photographed, he has become somewhat of a mythical figure for readers of
this blog. One even sent me a picture of
‘Wilson’ from the movie ‘Castaway’, saying that’s how they
picture him. Perhaps it is the most
accurate description for him. In the
movie, ‘Wilson’ had represented hope for Tom Hanks’ character, his only friend during the most desperate
moments of his life. Sometimes when I
see Wilson with the clients, it doesn't seem too different.
These
experiences have encouraged me to explore other volunteering opportunities with
different organizations and I look forward to sharing my travels through this
blog soon. Since my first article, not
only have I met heroes; I have also met some remarkable people - our
clients. The residents of Lakeview
Nursing and Pat Crowley House – site of one of my favorite projects, ‘Paint The Town Red’ – have become as
familiar as any of my other friends, as have some of my fellow volunteers. I will never forget the ‘Celebration Of Service’ project where I was proud to have members
of Target on my team. It is an absolute
privilege to serve alongside men and women who go above and beyond what’s
expected of them and from whom I learn a lot every time. The other day I was watching ‘Battlestar Galactica’, one of the great
TV shows of our time, and ‘Admiral Adama’
gives a speech to the men and women under his command; just before leading them
into battle. Those words, reproduced
below, can be applied to every individual I have met and can be repeated every
time we do a project. I had started with
an intention of finding heroes. And as I crisscrossed this city, I found them everywhere...on every street.
“Look around you. Take a good look at the men
and women that stand next to you. Remember their faces, for one day you will
tell your children and your grandchildren that you served with such men and
women that the universe has never seen. And together, you accomplished a feat
that will be told and retold down through the ages and find immortality as only
the Gods once knew. I'm proud to serve with you.”
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