The festive season could be a tough time for some, but Jean knew the perfect way to bring a little joy to all . . .
Oh, Mum – really, on Christmas Day? Elsa and Reggie are going to miss you so much.” “No, they won’t. They’ll be so caught up in the day, they won’t even notice I’m not there. And I’ll be over on Boxing Day.” Jean said calmly.
“But it’s not like it’s a proper job where you have to work – you volunteer.”
Jean sighed under her breath.
“Christmas Day just happens to fall on the day I volunteer, and even if it didn’t, I would still go. It’s hard enough for some folk without it being Christmas, too.”
“Oh, whatever, Mum.”
Jean could sense the frostiness in the air and made her excuses to leave, indignant that her daughter couldn’t see the importance of her role.
Two years ago Jean had been looking forward to retiring, but within six months she discovered that with the holiday period over, she was bored. There were only so many lunches you could go to, and her garden couldn’t be more pristine.
Returning from one of her pointless visits to town, she noticed a poster in the window of her local shop:
Got time to spare? Why not consider volunteering at Matlocks Rehabilitation Centre for the elderly?
Jean had stared at the words, before retrieving a pen from her bag and scrawling the quoted number on the back of her hand. And that was where it had all started.
Twice a week, she made the journey to the centre. Patients from the local hospital were often transferred here, after an operation or illness, to recover if they didn’t have anyone to look after them at home. Some would never be able to return to living on their own, and would stay on there until a place came up somewhere more permanent.
Jean loved her days there. She would read a book or the local newspaper to patients, help them send messages on their phones, or video call their family on the other side of the world. If they needed help with their food, or just wanted to reminisce and chat, Jean was at hand – and for the first time, she would be there on Christmas Day.
She arrived early, with her reindeer hat, Christmas jumper and a string of tinsel around her neck.
“Merry Christmas, everybody,” she chanted as she walked through the centre. It had originally been split in two, men at one end, and women at the other, but with the shortage of beds, there was now a general mix.
“So this morning, for those of you who can make it to the day room, we have some Christmas songs and carols going on. And I know those who can’t quite make it won’t want to miss out
