Blessed While Volunteering
In August of 2009 I meet some very special people while working at the aquarium. It took me awhile to find this story but I finally found it in the archived of files. To this day this is one of my memories that sticks with me. I have meet thousands of people in my 10 years at Georgia Aquarium. But some people make a lasting impression that makes me remember why I volunteer.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 while working at the touch pool in Cold Water Quest. A couple came up to the touch pool. She was very nicely dressed and he was also nicely dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and his hair nicely combed. He was in a wheel chair and his lovely wife was pushing him. Looking at them you could see that she had taken great care in helping him look special. He started to get out of his wheel chair. And my fellow volunteer told her we could bring a box over with some of the animals in it. Her reply was ,"no it is good for him to get up." Then she said,"today is his 91st birthday!" Of course we both wished him a happy birthday.
Then my brain got to thinking. Since it was his 91st birthday he needed something special. So I talked to the captain of the gallery. Then she talked to the manager on duty. And I was given permission to take them back to see the penguins. At that time they were off display due to the construction.
I went and found them watching the belugas. I asked them if they wanted to go see the penguins. And of course they said yes. While walking back I found out this was their first trip to the aquarium. They lived in Athens. So even more special of a day.
We got back to the window and his wife helped him stand up to the window to see the penguins. We where meet in the back by David. He brought some new certificates we have for special moments like this. So I found out their names where Wiley and Mary. They have been married for 35 years. Wiley had taught at the University of GA for 40 years in the art department. She had been one of his students.
Mary held onto Wiley's back and he stood and look at the penguins for almost 5 minutes. She said that was the longest period he had stood in a long time. We also found out. Not only was he 91 years old. But he was in the late sages of Alzheimer's and he had cancer. Ok, I admit it I wanted to cry.
I escorted them back to Cold Water Gallery. Then it was time for my break. While on break I let everyone know about Wiley so they could wish him a happy birthday. Later back on the floor I saw a family that was celebrating their son's 2nd birthday. After telling them that Wiley was celebrating his birthday too. They said they would watch for him.
A couple of hours later it was time for me to head to lunch. While walking to the Cafe' I saw Mary and Wiley finishing their lunch. I stopped and spoke to them. And Mary invited me to come and eat with them. I went and got my pizza and happily joined them.
While sitting there I found out Wiley's favorite things where the Penguins, Belugas, and the Jellies. He just sat and watched all of them for a long time. Mary also told me that in all the galleries Wiley was wished a happy birthday. Mission Accomplished! I also found out a lot more that I will not bore you with about his life and her life. Needless to say that is one of the best lunch breaks I have had.
Well, I cleaned up all the trash from lunch and headed back to work. Needless to say my heart felt 10 times bigger that day. Having lost both my Grandparents a few years before it brought back good memories. And thankfulness for those who helped care for them at the end.
Wiley may not remember much about his trip to the aquarium. Deep down I know he had a wonderful day and the picture Mary bought will bring those memories forward. But I know Mary will treasure this day for a long time. And I am glad I was able to give them both a special day :)
I recently celebrated my 10 year anniversary at the aquarium. Every time I go in I hope I can touch someone in a special way like all the people I meet do for me. Here's to the special moments yet to come!