Lent is a time for sacrifice and reflection. As kids, we are told to give up something we enjoy like candy or television. However now that we are older, we are able to make greater sacrifices. I personally have come to realize that one of the greatest sacrifices I can give is my time. In September, I was looking for an easy way to earn club credit. I saw that C.R.O.S.S. arranged visits to a nursing home called A. Holly Patterson where they would play bingo with the residents. I decided to go as a way to get credits. Upon arriving at A. Holly Patterson, I saw how neglected the residents were. The environment in itself was depressing, and not a place where you would want to keep your older relatives. A. Holly Patterson is a state-funded nursing home. It doesn’t get much money or much help from the community. I saw this as soon as I stepped inside. However, with all that being said, when we were led into the room where we would play bingo, you were able to feel the excitement of the residents, knowing that “Fun with Kellenberg” was coming to spend time with them. We talked with some of the residents and helped them mark the numbers on their cards. While I was there, I completely forgot that I was there for a club. Seeing how happy the residents were while we were there was truly eye-opening; it showed me the impact I can have on someone’s life by just simply spending time with them. On the bus ride back to Kellenberg, Mrs. Page, the moderator for the visits, told us some of the residents’ stories. Some were ill, some had gotten on the wrong side of drugs, and some had simply been abandoned by their families. She told us that the residents look forward to the Kellenberg visits each week. She also explained that seeing the new generations was good for the residents because it gave them hope. After seeing what I saw and hearing what I heard, I knew that I had to go back. However, this time I wouldn’t be going back for my own personal gain. Going to A. Holly Patterson each week has taught me to see life through another person’s eyes, and realize how other people’s lives can be helped by me putting someone else’s happiness before myself.
Category: Lenten Prayer Reflections
Share this post