We only have four days to go until we leave Livingston. It has been a long two months in some regards but we’ve met many wonderful people here that have made an impact on us that we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives. Since this was our first volunteer assignment of what we hope will be many more (whether right away or years from now), here are the things I’ve learned.
I’ve learned:
• That two months is too long to stay in one spot if we work only part time hours and our “work” doesn’t keep us busy
• That life and our health are precious and not to be taken for granted for one minute
• That you meet the nicest people, while on the road, and you hope you meet up with them again “down the road”
• That caregivers go through so much, emotionally and physically, and it’s important for them to have someone to talk to for support.
• That for some people, retirement and volunteer work are an opportunity to “play boss” (something perhaps they never got to do) and it’s annoying as hell to the rest of us.
• That there are various styles of management but ultimately you need to take care of the “customer” or you won’t be successful.
• That it’s fascinating to sit and listen to retired folks talk about their lives and sometimes you’ll hear the story more than once.
• That Texas is really unbearable in the summer months and that is why everyone who’s a resident…leaves
• That there are a lot of volunteers out here with really big hearts who enjoy this life
• That I really take issue with food service personnel who don’t follow proper food safety procedures for the health of their customers
• That all the money in the world can’t buy you happiness or good health when you need it
• That after 25 years of supervising others, that it isn’t difficult to take direction from others and I don’t mind that I’m not the “Chief” and can be an “Indian”
• That Linda and I both hate fire ants and wouldn’t ever care to see another one (yes, she got into them too)
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