VA

One of my new favorite life experiences is spending Wednesday mornings at the VA (Veterans Association- Hospital). I hope you get the chance to experience it someday. The vibe of this place comes alive as soon as you walk in and you get this deep sense of awe in the history of valor , defeate and comrodery that surrounds you. War Veterans come in that are ornery, overwhelmed, and more often than not hiding fear about the unstability of their health. Most of them are WW2 or Vietnam Vets who come proudly sporting their division with hats/jackets and are ready to share stories and life advice with whoever is in earshot. I get to be a part of a team that greets them and helps them find their way around the hospital. I've gotten to ease anxieties, hold hands, push wheel chairs, make appointments, wait in waiting rooms, go for cane 'fittings', share Laffy Taffy and today have to tell an elderly man I probably couldn't marry him even if he was willing to buy me a car. Ha! Lots of big flirts still in their old age! It's been a pretty special thing for me- especially thinking about my Grandpa (WW2) and my Dad (Vietnam) and my brother and his wife who are leaving for Army Boot Camp in October. In some round about way I feel like it's my chance to support them.