Honoring a loved one through community service

For the past three years I have been volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association. For three hours every week I take calls on the Helpline. The Helpline is a service provided by the Alzheimer's Association to assist people with questions and issues associated with Alzheimer's disease. Besides talking to people about what is going on in their life and the life of a loved one with dementia, the office has a wealth of information we send to callers by mail or email once we have identified and discussed their particular needs. The Helpline is available to callers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People call looking for answers and information, but often callers are exhausted and stressed and just need to talk.

For me, volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association is personal. My mother passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2004 after 15 very long and painful years. I watched my mother go from a vibrant, loving wife, mother and grandmother with a wicked sense of humor, to an empty shell. Like many people, I did not realize until my mother was stricken with this disease that a person loses their entire self — not just their memory. Going on this journey with her was quite a learning experience for me.

As my mother declined and her personality changed in ways I never dreamed possible, I had lots of questions and more than anything, I needed to talk to someone who would understand. I called the Alzheimer's Association and spoke with a Helpline volunteer. I never forgot the advice, understanding and compassion I received from that volunteer.

For years now, my family and I have participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. I am the Captain of Team Mary Nell. My team is named in honor and loving memory of my mother. After my retirement I continued to participate in the walk, but I knew I wanted to do more. After one of the walks, the Alzheimer's Association sent me a questionnaire. One of the questions was whether I would be interested in becoming a volunteer. I immediately said "yes."

Every Wednesday afternoon I can be found at the Helpline desk in the Alzheimer's Association office. There is nothing more gratifying to me than someone thanking me for being there for them at such a difficult time in their life. My goal as a volunteer has been to take a very sad and difficult time in my life and turn it into a positive by helping others with their journey through the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease. I believe I have accomplished my goal and have found my niche.