Charlie’s Badge
Every mother on earth has them: Bragging Rights. Capital B, Capital R. Bragging Rights about one’s children are not only inalienable, they are absolute, sacrosanct and are part of our DNA. I brag about my son often and loud and here I go again.
On his FaceBook page this morning, Charlie wrote:
Finally. After six years, a permanent V.A. badge. With a computer chip and everything! (I should say that I have never been in the military. This is so I can identify myself when I go in to do my volunteer work every week.
To the congratulatory and complimentary responses he got from his FB friends about his volunteer work, he said:
It’s really not a big deal. More people should volunteer. You meet great people, and it’s fun.
From Charlie’s FB Page
I think he goes into the V.A. Hospital on Wednesday mornings. He’s an activity leader working with out-patients – I think. Or maybe it’s more like a recreation center located at the hospital for all vets, in-patients or out. What he has told me is that he and his ‘group’ begin by discussing the morning’s headlines and then move to the crossword puzzle. Sometimes he helps one of the veterans with their lunch; sometimes he wheels someone to another place in the complex for a doctor’s appointment. He does whatever needs doing.
I’m embarrassed that I don’t know more about what Charlie’s role is as a volunteer. He seldom mentions it and more-or-less blows it off when I ask. In fact, the last time he said anything to me about it was a month or so ago when a couple of his ‘guys’ went to see him in “Hamlet” at the Archway Theater in L.A. He was SO pleased!
Occasionally, on FaceBook, he posts a news item or a poster – usually concerning an ironic political situation – involving veterans. But mostly, he just does his volunteer work without comment. He’s that kind of guy. I couldn’t be more proud!
You certainly have a right to be mighty proud of Charlie. Volunteering is a wonderful thing and bet everyone just loves him at the VA Hospital. I think the fact that he doesn’t brag about it even makes it more special.