The soft blue glow of my alarm clock displayed 5:58 AM, though I had set the alarm for almost a full hour later. I awoke, fully refreshed after a mere 5 hours of sleep, to a still-dark world.
"Fired up! Ready to go!," I said to myself as I rolled out of bed.
I padded out of my bedroom and walked out to my living room, and switched on Morning Edition. With that done, I went to the kitchen, opened a cupboard, dispensed two tablets and a capsule that are my daily prerequisite, washing them down with water. An hour later, having showered, dressed for the 11 degree temperature, and wolfing down a hearty breakfast, I walked out to my idling car.
My President (-elect) had asked of me a favor, and I was not about to let him or this nation down.
Addendum: Thanks for all the lovin' on my maiden diary, and kudos to all of you who gave of your time, shared your knowledge, and lent a hand. Whether you picked up a rake, nourished a hungry soul, read to a child, talked to a senior, or helped a non-profit get online, the collective efforts of this day will reverberate forever.
Today's project, a collaborative effort of the IU School of Optometry, The Salvation Army, Bloomington Lions Club, and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, was to administer comprehensive eye examinations, complete with dilation, and, if needed, fitting for a free pair of prescription eyewear to uninsured members of Bloomington and the surrounding community.
It is a cause near to my heart, as I have low vision, and while I have always enjoyed the best of eye care, I fully understand that many in this world do not have the same access. Countless needless instances of blindness and diminished vision can be readily detected and corrected if only we can get out and reach those who by circumstance or misfortune cannot get the proper eye care that they need.
After getting in contact with the Salvation Army, I scheduled appointments for the 60 or so individuals who had expressed an interest in the program. As I spoke to them on the phone, I heard the stories of despair and grief, of precious images and people in danger of being lost forever as the curtain of cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration began to descend upon them. Unchecked and uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are among the leading causes of blindness and low vision in America, and if there was a chance that we could catch just one person before the darkness set in, we will have done our job.
Much credit goes out to the fine optometry students and opticians, who along with their faculty/OD's, treated the patients with the utmost kindness, dignity and respect. Many of them had not been to an eye doctor in years and were grateful to the staff and volunteers as they were being fitted with new spectacles, which, BTW, came in many fashionable styles. As the day wore on, the waits grew longer, and many who depended on the kindness of others to give them a ride to the clinic expressed concerns about their friends and family sitting in the parking lot on such a cold day. However, everyone stuck it out, and as they passed on their way out, sporting temporary shades to protect against the sun and snow, they offered handshakes and soft thank-you's to the staff and Salvation Army volunteers who truly made this a day to remember. I hope that this becomes an annual tradition here, and as long as I remain a resident of this community, they can depend on me to make the calls, greet the patients, and return the smiles.
OK, then; I've told my story. What did you do today in the name of service? Please give as much detail as possible (place, organizations involved, etc.) and share with us how you answered the call.
PS--this is my first diary. Please be kind.