story & photos by
Maren Schober

Having family and friends and enjoying their company and support can easily be something we take for granted.   The fact is there are many adults in our communities who do not have the love and support of family and personal friends.  There are men and women with disabilities who yearn for that personal contact, love and support that a friend can bring.  The Thames Area Citizen Advocacy Program (TACAP), Norwich exists to improve the quality of life for people living in health care centers by bringing together a volunteer Citizen Advocate with an isolated  senior or disabled person.  Norman Atwood, Gales Ferry is one such volunteer working through TACAP.

“Stan and I have been meeting together for three years now,” Norman  shares with me. “I meet with Stan every Friday and we always go out for his beloved cup of coffee and three donuts.  Then we do whatever shopping he wants.”

Today I am sitting with Stan and Norman.  It is obvious how much Stan loves and appreciates the weekly visits with his friend Norman.

“Norman comes and takes me out,” Stan tells me with his wide smile. “He’s the only ride I have.  He took me to Jewett City so I could see my brother.”

“Stan has no family that interacts with him, so we are it!” Norman acknowledges.

“I love him as a brother and he says he loves me.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  I have been blessed with so much.  What good is it if it is not shared?”

Norman does a lot of sharing of his time and gifts.  Monday through Thursdays Norman works at the Sub Base Power Plant as a contract buyer, an employee of  33 years.  His Fridays and Saturdays are spent in volunteering his time helping others.

“Every Friday morning plus one Saturday per month I volunteer my time as the breakfast chef and also as the back-up lunch cook at St. Vincent de Paul Place Soup Kitchen in Norwich,” Norman reflects.

“My wife Ellen and I also are volunteers for Hospice. We provide respite care when needed for Hospice patients.  Journeying with Hospice has completed the circle of life for me.  I was born, am living and am close to those who are dying and beginning their “new life”.  This has given me humility with the living.  This is God’s plan for me as His vessel.  It is hard to explain the beauty and love that comes from sharing and giving of one’s self to someone in need.  All I can say is come follow me and you will know the same happiness.”

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