The Power of Service

Alaina S., the President of the Danville Area High School Chapter, shares her heartwarming visits with senior Roni, who has become an essential part of her weekly routine.

“Knock, Knock.”

I open the door decorated with the name Veronica Whalen and covered in flowers made from scrapbook paper. It’s Sunday at 2:34 pm, and Roni, without looking up from her knitting, greets me with a familiar, “Hi, hon”. Our routine has become a comforting ritual: the Golden Girls playing softly in the background, as I settle on the floor, folding the blanket she just finished knitting. At ninety-seven, Roni’s resilience inspires me. Each visit feels precious, a moment of shared history and warmth. Together, we join the other residents in the garden, feeding the birds and pulling weeds. Service heals the heart, and these Sundays are a testament to the power of connection and the joy of simple acts of kindness.

My journey with Roni began, when I first met her through GlamourGals. Initially shocked by Roni's candid wisdom—“Life is hard hon. It isn’t for the weak… and clear,” she requested for her nails to be done, and I quickly found myself eagerly awaiting our conversations. From tales of 1960s motorcycles to running a house for runaway pregnant teens during WWII, Roni’s stories enriched my understanding of resilience and faith. Now, as I prepare for nursing school, I reflect on these experiences and their impact. Visiting Roni and others at the home taught me invaluable life skills and the profound importance of intergenerational bonds. The seniors, in turn, cherished our visits, shown through moments of pure joy when we delivered holiday care packages. Heartfelt gratitude from residents, like Ms. Debbie and Mr. Bob, poured in. These moments affirm the power of presence and the deep connections forged through compassionate service. I am forever grateful for the seniors I have met, and I will never forget my dear friend, Roni, and the endless laughs that we shared.