• Table of Contents
• An Angel Named Betty
• Cherishing Time with Tenie
• Hospice is Here
• Unexpected Legacy
• Wade Wyatt's Mission to Live
• Making a Lifetime of Memories

Unexpected Legacy

In thinking about volunteering, people often reflect on what they can bring to the table; about the necessary skills or talents it takes. Sandy McCreary’s experience as patient care volunteer has taught her that it isn’t what skills you bring to the table but rather, what you are willing to learn from your patient.

This life lesson began with a unique volunteer request. John, a HRRV patient, was looking for a cribbage partner. Sandy didn’t know how to play but she was willing to learn if John was willing to teach...and so it began. Upon arrival at John’s home, Sandy immediately forms her first impression of John and it wasn’t a very positive one. She instantly flashes to the movie Grumpy Old Men and wonders if he will throw her out of his house. Fortunately, first impressions are often wrong and it was soon obvious that this gentle, loving man with the rough exterior was a wonderful person with fascinating stories.

Wanted: Eager student willing to listen

After losing his wife several years earlier, John had moved in with his daughter, his only child. He cared about his daughter immensely and worried how she would get along without him once he was gone, a fear he did not want to share with his daughter who had also become his caregiver. That’s where Sandy fit in so well; she was an objective outsider, a sympathetic listener with a genuine interest in learning the game of cribbage. She offered a gift of friendship that he desperately needed.

John opened up to Sandy over their games of cribbage. He was proud to be passing on his knowledge of the game, often commenting "I am leaving a legacy." During their many games, he shared about his time in the Army during WWII. John relayed stories of being a nose gunner in a B-17 bomber, of meeting his wife in England and of his time after the war spent in Duluth working as a custodian and playing cribbage with "his Cronies!"

When John became weaker and had to move to an assisted living facility, Sandy continued to visit - over a game of cribbage of course. As his health failed, he would occasionally make a wrong move during their weekly game. Rather than take advantage of her friend’s misstep, Sandy would point it out and John would graciously thank her for her honesty. Sandy’s gentle encouragement helped him preserve the independence he was so proud of and maintain his dignity in the face of a terminal disease that would eventually end his life.

Lasting impact

Before John’s death, Sandy told him how she had come to really enjoy the game of cribbage. She enjoyed it so much she had taught her son - who was in his late 20’s - how to play. At this John said, with a sense of wonder and pride, "I am leaving a legacy."

John has been gone for a number of years now but Sandy will always have her memories of this special friendship. Sandy’s experience proves that volunteering doesn’t require specials skills; you can make a positive impact simply by having a desire to help.