I am a volunteer

I am a volunteer, and proud of it. There is an old saying that says, “If you want something done, give it to the busy person.” Well, at this point in time, that’s not true in my case. As a semi-retired person, I have plenty of time to do all sorts of things. I opted for volunteering. There’s no money in it, but there are riches.
 
I had bypass surgery back in 2002 and am grateful to the hospital (St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, LI), and the doctors and nurses who gave me a second chance at life. I joined an organization that is affiliated with the hospital called the “Brave Hearts.” It’s a very exclusive club; you must have open-heart surgery to join. When an opening became available to edit their newsletter, I seized it. What an opportunity to pay back. I’ve been the editor now for five years. It is a most rewarding experience. I’ve gotten to meet new people and made new friends. I’ve also gone on trips that the organization sponsors. I’ve received kudos from many members and non-members who read the newsletter, and I can’t tell you how gratifying that is. It’s something money can’t buy. Come October, I’ll be attending our Annual King & Queen of Hearts Dinner-Dance, which is a joyous gathering of my new-found friends that is filled with music, dancing, food, laughter.
 
Then there is a website that I maintain for the benefit of my former high school classmates (Jefferson HS in Brooklyn, NY – Class of ‘55). We had a 50th Reunion back in 2005 and after reuniting with former friends after 50 years, I decided that we shouldn’t ever lose touch again. So, with the able assistance of one of my classmates, Doreen Spungin (who now contributes her poetry to the Brave Hearts Newsletter), we keep our classmates in touch with each other via the website. Again, no salary, no money; it’s voluntary. But if pays off by providing us with a good feeling when our classmates offer us their warm wishes and thanks.
 
Don’t underestimate the health benefits of volunteering. Science shows that people, who regularly volunteer, live longer lives of higher quality. Laughter is a medicine with no side effect. I should also warn you that there is a downside. My volunteering forces me to spend many hours at the computer, i.e., sitting. Not good. A sedentary lifestyle can do damage. Be on guard against inactivity. So, if you’re not a volunteer and you just while away the hours by sitting and watching TV, think about getting up and becoming a volunteer. You’ll find that it’s a win-win situation. Good for you and the people you serve.