Still Serving
By Jake Lilleghaug
The automatic doors slid open as my kids and I walked hand in hand into Fairway View.
We were only planning to make a quick stop.
School is out for the summer, so they had tagged along with me as I dropped off a pin recognizing one of our American Legion members for 70 years of continuous membership. We had already honored him publicly during our Memorial Day program, but his commemorative pin had finally arrived in the mail. I figured putting on my Legion commander’s cap would add a little extra decorum to the presentation. Besides, it has a way of starting conversations whenever I visit a nursing home.
After a short visit, one of his caregivers stopped in, and it seemed like the right time to head out.
Instead, we wandered just a few doors farther down the hallway.
There sat another member of our Legion Post – a 101-year-old Korean War combat medic. Some readers may remember him from an earlier column. He’s the gentleman who smiled at me and said, “I can’t walk, but I can talk!”
He still can.
We talked about Clinton, the people who live there, and the changes that come with time. Then I introduced my kids. They were especially excited to meet him because we’ve been watching M*A*S*H together, and suddenly one of the characters they had seen on television seemed a little more real.
As we left that afternoon, one thought stayed with me.
The greatest history museum in Big Stone County doesn’t charge admission. It has comfortable chairs, long hallways, and residents with stories that no textbook can teach.
My family has discovered that over the years. On Christmas Day and other occasions, my wife loads a bunch of digital sheet music into her tablet and we visit area nursing homes so she can play the piano for the residents. The kids and I sit nearby, visit with people, and listen. It isn’t a big production or major event. It’s simply sharing a little time and a little talent.
But I’ve learned that simple things often leave the biggest impression.
This week’s call to action is one of the easiest I’ve ever written.
Visit a nursing home.
Bring your kids. Ask questions. Listen to stories. If you play an instrument, offer to perform a few songs. If you’re an artist, share your work. If you simply have an hour to spare, pull up a chair and have a conversation.
You may walk in expecting to brighten someone else’s day.
Don’t be surprised if you leave with something far greater.
Because some of the richest treasures in our communities aren’t found in buildings or monuments.
They’re found in the people who have spent a lifetime building them.
If you have a story idea, know someone making a difference, or would simply like to share your thoughts about the column, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at jhlillehaug@gmail.com. Please put STILL SERVING in the subject line so I don’t miss it.
