Volunteer

Volunteer.
 

Merriam Webster says:
 

Definition of VOLUNTEER:

A person who

voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service: as

a: one who enters into military service voluntarily

b (1): one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest

   (2): one who receives a conveyance or transfer of property without giving valuable consideration

* * * * * 

 

Over the years, I have volunteered for various things. There was a time I was a Cub Scout leader. I have been a Sunday school teacher, and a volunteer choir director. A few years ago, I was a volunteer for One by One, a program for tutoring Hispanic young people. I tutored Rosie for three years, and really enjoyed it. Currently, I voluntarily sing in my church choir. All of these activities I chose to do because I enjoyed them and felt I was meeting a need.

Many in my family have volunteered to serve in the armed forces. The two closest to me are my brother, and of course, my son, Hans.
 

One of my co-workers, Whitney, volunteers at a nursing home 3 of the 4 Thursdays a month, doing manicures for the elderly. This particular nursing home is many miles from her home, yet she faithfully drives there on Thursdays after working all day. Many of the residents have filthy hands and are at times crabby and seem ungrateful, but Whitney continues to volunteer.

I was most impressed by this selfless act last Thursday, Valentine’s Day. She is young, a newly wed, and yet she went. Her husband asked to go along with her and took this photo for me. I’m proud of you, Whitney!