Thursday, December 6, 2018

Volunteering and a Shared Passion

Every Thursday I volunteer in the pediatric playroom of one of the government hospitals .
I used to wait around for the elevator like everyone else, but when one day the elevator was having mechanical problems, I took the stairs and that was the end of my elevator riding.  The playroom is on the 9th floor, and even though I can't say it gets much easier, it's definitely much better for me.  I'm not a real fan of crowded elevators anyways. 
As a volunteer I basically get to play, paint, draw, do puzzles ... whatever the kids want to do when they come to the playroom.
One of our long term chronic patients is a lovely young lady (middle school-aged) who was taught to crochet by her grandmother.
She was so very happy when she found out that I also crochet, so now every time she comes to the hospital, she brings her latest projects to show me.
She crochets gifts for all her friends and often makes small things for me and the playroom staff like the candy and donuts above.
In fact, all of the projects shown above were made by her.
It really is such a treat to see how proud she is of what she makes and that we have a shared passion that bonds us.

Two years ago, I was asked to do some crochet for one of the baby dolls in the playroom and posted about that here

It doesn't seem that I shared the ones I was asked to crochet for last year, so here they are.
This doll got a dress, headband and blanket.

And a cocoon, hat and dress were made for this little baby doll
The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.
(Mitch Albom)

Have a blessed Thursday!

11 comments:

busybusybeejay said...

What a lovely way to spend a day.Is there a language problem?

Kit said...

Oh how lovely that that little girl found a kindred spirit in you. She crochets very well. I love your baby doll outfits too. :) Kit

Betsy said...

Tammy, I love absolutely everything about this post, as you can probably guess. I love the fact that you take the stairs and the phrases that are written on them. I also love all of the crochet. That young girl is very, very talented. The things that you have made, I know have blessed many children’s lives. You are my hero! Blessings always, Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

What a wonderful young woman to crochet all those fun and neat things and gift them so readily.. she kind of reminds me of you! I love them all. And your doll clothes are so neat! I've made several doll clothes for my granddaughters over the years. I'm so glad you're back into blogging! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
*********************************************
*H*A*P*P*Y* * *H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S*!*!*!*
*********************************************

Angie said...

And this post proves my point - you are an inspiration! To volunteer in such a setting is to truly give of yourself - and what a talented young lady you have met. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
You no doubt have found purpose and meaning in your life.
What a beautiful gift for being able to give a young girl a special feeling of being bonded with another person that loves to GIVE.
Such precious gifts being created.
The baby dress, hat blanket and headband are so lovely, also the pouch.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette

Linda said...

This is all so sweet! :) I'm thinking about the possibility of volunteering in some capacity once retirement hits in April. It will take me a while as it will be all about wedding planning for the first months off, but eventually.

As for the stairs - good for you! I climb 80+ flights a day (on work days). I'm on the 4th floor and walk several times an hour up and down the stairs all day long. It's part of why I get in all of my steps and then some (fitbit) for the past many years and I guess helps keep me fit despite being in a desk job. I never take the elevator.

Happy weekend!
Linda

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

Lovely that you volunteer and help out and I used to do the same at the local hospital. Love all the beautiful crochet work
As for taking the stairs instead of the lift, is a great idea and even better having inspirational quotes on the way.
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Sam I Am...... said...

That girl can crochet! She's far beyond my skills and so are you with all the doll paraphenalia....did you use a pattern? All the things are so sweet and I love the stairs!

Jodiebodie said...

Your patient is a very accomplished crocheter for such a young age. It's wonderful that you have been brought together through your volunteering. I'm sure she would appreciate your mentoring. Illness can be so isolating and it can be hard to find and maintain connections with a 'tribe'. She's sure to be excited to make a new friend who also knows how to crochet. For a long time I was the only one I knew of my age who could crochet. To have someone to share it with is a gift.

Serena Lewis said...

What a talented young girl! Her projects are wonderful and how nice that you both share a kindred passion. I LOVE the baby doll outfits and the cocoon is so CUTE! I must have missed your other post from two years back so I'm glad you linked to it...beautiful work, Tammy! The work you do must feel very rewarding and I have no doubts that it is appreciated too. xo

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...