Walter

Walter is my secret weapon. The first time I met him was in our Innovative Services NW Adult Day Health Center amongst a group of clients headed inside the living room area. I saw this gentle looking man who is hunched over, not really moving, barely audible, but whose smile takes over his whole face. He reached up to me and his arms asked for a hug. Who knows how long it lasted, but it was epic. This man needed a hug and knew how to give one. What a character!

From that point on, whenever I brought a potential volunteer to meet the group I would make sure they experienced Walter's long gaze and arms if they were so inclined. It never fails! Warmth just permeates from his eyes to his toes. As I got to know him, I found that his personality was just as powerful.

He sits in the same chair, that happens to be first when entering the center. Setting his walker to the side, just so, he would fall into the familiar arms and let himself sink into that safe space. In fact, I often wouldn't even be able to see him until I turned the corner and entered the circle of chairs. However, I have taken to checking for his walker and then just petting his head and peeking around the corner and embracing his smiling face. He sure seems to love this and holds onto me for dear life. Next, he will undoubtedly ask for a book, by which he means a magazine. If I bring him back the one he wanted, he will immediately will place it into the bag attached onto his walker. This is Walter.

Now one day I was sitting and eating lunch with Walter, when someone called me over to another table. I happen to leave me cell phone on the table for only a moment. When I returned, what did I see but the superhero, this Walter, holding my cell phone in his hand. I had to do a double take! I looked at the phone and discovered that Walter was looking at my calendar. I glanced back up at him and he flashed me a super-smile that was nearly blinding. “Walter, did you take my phone?” I asked. His answer was outstretched arms and I just cracked up.

The next day, I was downstairs with a volunteer and had just handed Walter his magazine when he pulled me in for an extra long hug. As I was lifting myself up, he whispered in his best mumbly voice, “When will you marry me?” Surprised, I responded, “Walter, did you just ask me to marry you?” He smiled and nodded. “Awww, you are so adorable!” So now I know that smile will live with me forever!