This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Two years ago, I had graduated college and was soaking up every moment with family and friends before moving from the Midwest to the East Coast. One of my friends hosted a cookout gathering for mutual friends; having arrived early, I got to chat with his family and met his grandmother, Grandma Shirlene. Grandma Shirlene and I instantly connected and laughed away most of the evening before I knew it was time for me to head home! As I said my final goodbyes, I made sure to give Grandma Shirlene a tight hug and let her know it was a pleasure to have met her, she responded, “Would you want to keep in touch?” Of course I said yes, and to this day she is one of my best friends that I text and talk to weekly, and visit each time I am in town.
Ruby Lopez Peña is the One to One Program Volunteer Coordinator of the Center for Healthy Aging at InterFaith Works of CNY.