Bill, 102 years

(March 9, 2009)

I am 101 years old now and travel around on a motorized scooter.  I am still in good health, live independently and try to keep busy.  In my effort to keep busy and when the weather is good, I go into town and on one occasion I saw the notice on the window about You’ve Gotta Have Friends.  A few days later the office door was open.  I went in and found two ladies there who had opened a drop-in establishment for people who don’t have friends.

I have lost a lot of old friends but I do have my family close by so I’m not lonesome but in this effort of mine to keep busy I scooter into the downtown area whenever the weather is suitable.

So I have often dropped into You’ve Gotta Have Friends and have met a variety of people who are often there.  Some that I have met have physical disabilities and use wheel chairs.  I get a personal satisfaction out of the smiles that I get from these people.  One in particular, touches me with such a glow and smile of recognition that comes over his face when I approach him and take his hands in mine.  It is hard to explain but I feel changed internally somehow by my interaction with him and many others that I have met in the office.  In talking with several of these people I have learned about the past histories and challenges they have faced and if my few minutes with them gives them any pleasure or comfort then that justifies my dropping by. 

One of the young people that I became acquainted with over the past two years is a high school student whose career goal was to become a civil engineer.  Coincidentally, civil engineering was my profession so we had something in common to talk about.  She told me about her health background (she has asperger syndrome among other things) and what a struggle she has had.  She was always in the office when I dropped by and when I found out she just lived down the lane I realized that the office was her back yard!    I was sorry when she moved to Aldergrove and I wouldn’t see her any more.  I was impressed with how smart she was and enjoyed chatting with her and in time she warmed up to me and I believe I was the first person she gave a hug to.

I’ve noticed recently that there are more people in the office who are looking for work and I am wondering if there are places where they could go to get help with this.

I am struck by the relationship between people who go to You’ve Gotta Have Friends.  I have never heard an argument between any one.