Since February, I've been volunteering for an organization called, The Caring Community. The program I signed up for is called, Friendly Visiting, where you get paired up with a homebound senior citizen and hang out with them in their home for about an hour a week. I chose this program because for some reason, I've always enjoyed the company of seniors. I love hearing their stories (whether they're true or not doesn't really matter - it's how they tell it, how they try to remember it, the look in their eyes - that's what makes it special.) The thought of an older person living alone and growing old alone really makes me sad, so just visiting them a little a week can make a difference in their lives. Plus, I don't have any grandparents in this country, and the ones I do have, I can't even communicate with because of a language barrier, amongst other things. So, The Caring Community made the perfect match for me back in February. They paired me up with an 86 year old lady named Martha. Martha was born in Los Angeles, CA and is of Japanese descent. What really intrigued me in the beginning was the fact that I was talking to an older Asian person who spoke perfect English, without an accent. I rarely meet anyone like that. Martha's father was a film actor back in the 20s and 30s. She mentioned that he had had small parts in films - a rarity back then for Asians. She actually grew up in Hollywood, CA. Imagine growing up in Hollywood in the 20s and 30s! (Since I lived in Hollywood, too, we shared familiar landmarks in the neighborhood.) She was in internment camps and spoke very briefly about that. But she did recall stories about hanging out in big production lots, meeting famous actors, and also threw out names like Greta Garbo. She told me that once Miss Garbo allowed the kids in the production lot to hang out in and around her car, while it was being waxed. True? Not sure and who really cares. Martha really enjoyed telling that story. After Hollywood, she moved to Illinois and worked in an advertising agency. She lived there for a few years then eventually made her way to NYC. She lives in the same studio apartment in Greenwich Village since the 1940s. She never married and never had kids. About a year ago, she slipped in her bathtub and injured her back, thereby confining herself to her home. She's been seeing doctors and doing physical therapy, but is still not well and strong enough to venture outside. But we've had such a marvelous time together every week. She would give me old Japanese recipies from the 50s (some of which called for MSG), clip me articles from the NY Times (she's an avid reader and loves doing the crossword puzzle), share her fruit with me, etc. and I would do favors for her like take her trash out, mail letters, or even type up letters for her. This past Friday was my last meeting with Martha, for now. I've been getting really tired after work and need to slow everything down a bit. I bought her a decorative box and she in turn gave me a beautiful plant that she's been growing for over 50 years. (see pic above) She's had it since she moved into her apartment. It's grown so big but she's clipped off a couple of leaves/stems and has been growing them aside for me. Despite the fact that Martha is 86, she seriously looks and acts at least 10 years younger. She is full of energy and is committed to getting well and being independent enough to go outside. I still plan to keep in touch with her via phone and hope that in a few months, she'll be able to meet Lily.
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