So I Finally Got Off My Butt...

[TygrBright]

...after seeing that "Esquire" cover, and reading a few posts in the response thread.

I've been trying to think of something I could do for our wounded vets, for a while. I give to Fisher House, and I've sent donations to various fund drives to supply wounded vets and their families with basic needs, but it didn't feel like enough.

So today, after reading that, I phoned the VA hospital in Albuquerque and volunteered to come and read aloud for an hour or two a couple of times a week. They're sending me an info sheet to fill out, and I have to call the volunteer services coordinator next week to set up an interview, but the woman who answered the phone was very encouraging.

I figure one of the worst problems for guys who can't see and/or hold books, etc., is likely to be mind-numbing boredom, and maybe having a good book read aloud in a friendly voice would be a useful distraction. I'm a good reader-aloud with great stamina (I can go on for a couple of hours, easily, with just a few sips of water!) and hopefully the men and women will have stuff they'd like read. If not, I can bring some of our books and just go from there.

I like sci-fi, and my esposo is addicted to thrillers, I'm guessing those would both be popular choices. Other suggestions welcome.

determinedly,
Bright

[TygrBright]

1. erg... Should have put this into regular GD...

...would some kind mod please move?

sheepishly,
Bright

[NMDemDist2]

2. Good for You!!

i bet you'll find it very rewarding

I'll be looking forward to Tyger's stories (ala ShadowKnows)

:yourock:

[Horse with no Name]

3. What would be great too

If you would tape these stories when you read them so that they other vets can enjoy your reading when you aren't there.
:)

[TygrBright]

6. Great idea! I have a portable tape recorder, too...

...I can tape while I read and then leave it to be passed around until "the next installment!"

Don't know what the schedules are like but I suppose some will have PT or tests, etc., and not always on a regular basis.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it into the package!

appreciatively,
Bright

[monmouth]

4. What an enormously great idea. The VA Hospital is not very far from

me either. I have never given a thought that without arms one cannot hold a book to read and escape into another world of mystery, intrigue or whatever the heart desires. I think I will call my local VA to find out if this is a consideration. Can't imagine it wouldn't be. What a great post and great idea. Many thanks and a blessed and Happy New Year.

[Eurobabe]

5. Good on you TB!