Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
April 2017
Seeing the world through the eyes of others By Allen Teal, Rolla Presbyterian Manor chaplain
Volunteering strikes a chord with Rolla teen
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17, NIV).
After Thomas Hardwick graduated from Rolla High School last May, he wasn’t having any luck finding a job just for the summer. So his mother, a hospice chaplain, suggested he look for volunteer opportunities instead.
Perspective is important.Viewing the world from high in the sky can make all of the structures and landforms appear to be flat. Standing on the earth, we can see the majestic mountains and marvel at the height of skyscrapers. Understanding the circumstances of others requires us to stand where they stand. Until we can get their perspective, it is impossible to know how they feel or what they really need.Three thoughts about April may provide a new point of view about those around you.
Thomas’ search led him to Rolla Presbyterian Manor, and he began visiting once a week with his guitar and banjo. He played roots music like bluegrass and folk, first for memory care residents and then in health care, too. He was a little nervous at first, but he hoped he was doing something the residents enjoyed. His confirmation came, he said, “when my name stuck.”
EYES, continued on page 2
Once the summer was over, Thomas packed up his guitar for the last time. But he decided to take a year off before starting college. Thomas said he was getting bored at home, so he got back in touch with Activity Director Joy Parker. Joy was happy to put Thomas to work again – this time, to help with the Music & Memory™ program. Music & Memory provides individual iPods for residents in memory care, pre-loaded with songs that they or their family members have said VOLUNTEERING, continued on page 4