Volunteer Spotlight – Roger Welch
Roger became a member of the Maple Ridge Legion 11 years ago and he didn’t know at the time how it would change his life. He was familiar with the Legion as his father served in World War 1 including the battle of Mons.
At a General Meeting he attended to ask for more support for playing poker: the Legion President was asking for volunteers for the “Sick and Visiting Committee”. At the same time, Roger had just applied at the hospital to visit patients that needed help and he decided to do both.
Roger visits a few dozen people a week as he walks around Baillie House to see if anyone needs a visit. Sometimes it is just a smile, tell a joke or even a quick dance. Being on the “Sick and Visiting Committee” Roger visits all Maple Ridge Legion members that would like a visit in Ridge Meadows Hospital.
A Legion member that Roger visited once a week for 6 months made a big impact on him and the member. This Legion member was in a coma for 6 months yet Roger visited once a week and just talked to him. After about 6 months he was sitting with the member who then opened his eyes and said to Roger “I love you”. A few months later the gentlemen passed away while Roger was visiting. Roger believes he waited for him to be there before he let go.
The experience left Roger with a better understanding and comfort with death. Roger came to learn that there was a difference between pain and suffering. Pain is the body telling you something is wrong and suffering is the mental part.
Helping people with their suffering, Roger says “is about helping them find purpose” by suggesting to them that at least once a day whether it is a caregiver or another patient, to give them a smile or some words of kindness will help you and them, he says.
After reading the book the Art of Happiness – Roger’s goal is to be happy and he says he has never been happier than he is right now. If you have a goal in life to be happy, the best way to achieve that goal is to make others happy.
Roger is usually in the Legion on Friday afternoons. I encourage you to say hi and even have a chat, it could be a meaningful experience.
This Sunday, September 29th, come and support our Ladies Auxiliary as they host the Branch kitchen.
