Every other Saturday, Mark sets his alarm a little earlier. Eager to get out the door – but never forgetting his pocket white-board – he makes his way to meet Benjamin.
Mark and Benjamin met through the Senior Visitors Program. Of all the resources that Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAF) offers, Mark felt that this was the one for him.
When Mark first got approved to be a visiting friend, he couldn’t wait to get matched with someone. He missed his Dad, who had always been a big part of his life. Now, he had a chance to extend his family, and hopefully spend time with someone that needed a son – like he needed a dad.
However, it came as a shock when he was asked to partner with a deaf gentleman. He couldn’t speak sign language, and didn’t have a lot of experience around someone with that type of disability. But, willing to give it a shot, he agreed.
Benjamin, having waited months to be matched with a volunteer, was nervous the first morning he met with Mark. They had agreed on breakfast – both loving coffee and pastries.
Their conversation started slow, but it didn’t take long to realize that this was just the right match. They both love history, reading, and a good Danish. And, although Ben could read lips and respond verbally, Mark bought a little travel white-board for when the conversation got confusing.
Benjamin looks forward to their chats, reminded of his son every time they meet.
Every other Saturday, they sit down for breakfast and discuss the things that make Fredericksburg such a historically significant place. Mark even took Ben on a Trolley Tour. Since Ben couldn’t hear the tour guide’s remarks, Mark brought a book about downtown Fredericksburg. Each time they stopped to discuss an area of town, he simply flipped to the right page so that Ben could read and join in the fun.
Mark still misses his Father, but Benjamin is part of his family now, too. Ben jokingly calls Mark his son when they’re introduced to a new waitress, or bump into an old friend. And, Mark introduces Ben as his “long-lost Dad.”
To extend your family and become a senior visitor, check out our volunteer application.
Or, read more stories about the people that have been changed through our Senior Visitors Program.
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