After a year of separation, Gilbert and Judi are back together—swapping stories and smiles. Gilbert met our volunteer friendly visitor Judi on Valentine’s Day 2020, and they formed a fast friendship. “We just kept sharing more and more and discovered all kinds of things we have in common,” smiles Judi. “We both love history. He lived in Seattle, and I have family in Seattle. Sometimes I’m surprised at just how much we have to talk about.”
Of course those in-person visits came to an abrupt halt shortly after they met due to COVID restrictions. Undeterred, Judi immediately stepped in as Gilbert’s telephonic friendly visitor. “I like the way ElderHelp handled it. Right away we were asked to stay home, but right away we were given options on how to stay involved. I knew I had to stay in touch with Gilbert.”
Joining the Marines right after high school, Gilbert saw combat immediately. He still bears the scars of battlefield injuries. But at 93, Gilbert faced a different kind of hardship—loneliness. He lovingly cared for two wives who have since passed away. “That’s why having someone like Judi means the world to me. I just like to have someone to talk to–something to look forward to, and I look forward to talking to Judi.”
Throughout the pandemic, Judi did more than call. She’d occasionally send cards and even enlisted the help of her grandkids to create special notes while Gilbert was briefly hospitalized last Spring. “As a volunteer, I get as much if not more out of this than the clients.” Judi shares. She also makes check-in calls one day a week and enjoys brief weekly chats with about 30 other seniors. “But Wednesdays are reserved for Gilbert,” she adds. “I’m so glad we can see each other again. I love hearing the lift in his voice when we chat, and I know I’m making him feel better. Isn’t that what life is about? Making each other feel better?” Yes, Judi. We think so too.