Search This Blog


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Days Ahead Look Brighter

We had my Dad stay with us for over a month while he recuperated from his heart attack.  He got better with good progress every day.  Even though he enjoyed being here, he wanted to go home to his house, so with coordinating things with my brothers and sister, we shuttled him home to NJ, meeting one of my brothers halfway there in Virginia.  He is home now with the family keeping a close eye on him with several regular visits a week.

While he was here, we did a lot of little things to get him out of the house each day and some larger things like a visit to Charleston.  Dad had never been there, so it was a treat for him to see the city in person.  Because he is not able to walk long distances, I bought a wheelchair and pushed him around.


He enjoyed the sights and sounds of Charleston, like the market with all the items for sale there.



Then we took a horse drawn trolley tour around the city.





It was a good day with great memories.

In the mean time, I have been doing a bit of volunteer work of a slightly different kind.  I've been helping hour a few hours each week at the USO at the Columbia airport.  I've been enjoying serving all the military folks and their families as they pass thought the airport on their way to and from assignments.


It's amazing how many businesses support the USO mission to serve the troops.  The donations are something to see, like Coca Cola donates all the soft drinks and the cooler to keep them in.


Starbucks donates the coffee and tea.


Stores in the airport donate snacks.


The USO has tables and chairs for the service members to sit and relax at as well as computers and TV's to use.



Located on one wall is a display showing the airline flight information.


The USO has about 150 volunteers staffing the center 7 days a week. form 8am to 9pm.  In 2016, this USO handled more that 130,000 service members and their families.  The volunteers work three hour shifts with three volunteers per shift. 

It's been very rewarding to be a part of the USO team.  I've been enjoying the time, interacting with the service members of all branches.  The thing I enjoy the most is being able to volunteer on something that doesn't require the use of a paintbrush!  :cD

Now we're getting ready to head out in the Journey the last week of May to California to visit our granddaughters that live there.  It's been a long time since we've been out that way so we're looking forward to the trip.

Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.



13 comments:

  1. So glad to hear your dad is doing better. We have missed your blog glad your back. Enjoy your trip to California.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad your dad is doing better and you had the chance Enjoy a special outing with him.
    It's also nice to be able to give back and helping the USO is a great way.
    Enjoy your trip to see the grands and try giving up the PDD awards and smell the roses along the way.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Really great to hear from you and that your dad had such a nice time with you and such good recovery that he was able to return to his home. I know that the USO is grateful for your service. Looking forward to reading about your trip.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So glad your dad is doing well. There is no place like home to mend and get better!!
    The USO work you do is fantastic!! What an honorable service!! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good news about Dad. I dont remember seeing a USO in the airports. But I think that is so wonderful. And you get to take off. Time to enjoy. Wave as you pass through AZ. We're still in Apache Junction til after Memorial Day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great news about your Dad, now enjoy a nice leisurely journey across the country and your time with the grands.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Now volunteering at the USO would be something even I would be interested in doing if we were in one place long enough. Sorry to hear about your dad but good that he's improving. Take care and stay out of trouble.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I bet your Dad enjoyed getting out and seeing the sights. Loved Charleston! Kudos to you for volunteering for the USO. What a great way to continue serving your country!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great news on your Dad Paul. Here's hoping for an "uneventful" trip to CA.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like your dad is doing great:) Nothig like a little sightseeing to make you feel better.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good for you Paul. We've been to many USOs over the years. Thanks to folks like you we are always well taken care of. Thanks. Glad you dad is doing better.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm thrilled to hear your dad is doing so much better. Interesting about the airport USO. I'm sure they could find something for you to paint if you ask. ;-D

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm thrilled to hear your dad is doing so much better. Interesting about the airport USO. I'm sure they could find something for you to paint if you ask. ;-D

    ReplyDelete