Deidra Brown, the Marketing and Events Manager at Serving Seniors, expresses heartfelt gratitude for the strong bond she shares with her grandfather, Charles Brown, whom she describes as her favorite person. Despite their nearly 40-year age difference, their relationship highlights the vital role of family and social connections for older adults.
Deidra: We are incredibly close. Can you share a bit about our bond?
Charles: You are my eldest granddaughter, and I took you on your first plane trip when you were less than two months old. Since that moment, we’ve created a special connection. Every time I visited your house, I couldn’t leave without taking you along. I would drive around until you fell asleep just to bring you back to your mom.
Deidra: As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned so much from you. Have you learned anything from me?
Charles: I’ve enjoyed watching the way you interact with others. As a retired teacher, I compared your experiences to those of my students, which deepened my understanding of their lives.
Deidra: You value community immensely. Why is that?
Charles: Growing up, with my mom working a lot to take care of us, our neighbors were like family. Today, that sense of community seems to have shifted.
Deidra: At Serving Seniors, many of the seniors we help face challenges like food insecurity and homelessness. Thankfully, you’re not in that situation, but what would you do if you were?
Charles: It’s hard to say. I reflect on my childhood when resources were scarce, but we had a community that supported us.
Deidra: While you don’t participate in activities at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, you do walk with friends three times a week. We believe that “happy lives longer,” and I think you’d agree.
Charles: Absolutely! Staying active is crucial. It keeps everything functioning well. Without it, you risk becoming stagnant, and your health deteriorates.
Deidra: Socialization is also key for you. It’s a big part of your daily life, from family to friends and even strangers.
Charles: Yes, I love talking to people and hearing their stories. You never know the impact a conversation can have.
Deidra: Since I started working at Serving Seniors, what have you learned about our mission?
Charles: I think Serving Seniors is wonderful. It would have greatly benefited my grandfather, who came from Mississippi with nothing. The support you provide today is invaluable.
Deidra cherishes the mission of Serving Seniors, recognizing that all of us age and face an uncertain future. She often thinks of her grandparents when she sees seniors in need, reflecting on how fortunate she is to have them in her life—something many others lack.
And that’s where Serving Seniors steps in.
