Velma McElderry certainly knows her way around the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.
She has been volunteering there for a long time: decades, actually.
Even as she prepares to become a centenarian, an honorary 100-year-old, Velma celebrates every day that she is able to work at the hospital. She is a noble cashier at the gift shop, something she takes pride in.
“People are just shocked that I can even handle this register,” Velma explains. The fragile woman needs help operating the gift shop equipment from time to time. Luckily, her best friend, Karen Ettlemen, is right by her side.
Karen brags about her dear friend, “Everything that went on in the world, she can tell you, way back when.” She adds, “We're best friends. You Know? Yeah, we'll be very best friends for a long time.”
What Velma can't do physically, she makes up for in life experience and wisdom. Velma has been around for so many monumental events in history, and it is no question that she loves sharing her experiences with others.
So, what is Velma's favorite part of the job?
She will tell you, “Meeting people.”
Any time that a visitor steps into the gift shop in need of a break from all the hospital commotion, Velma is there to speak with them.
She acts as a supportive addition to the hospital staff, sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
Please SHARE this with someone who brightens your day as much as Velma does for her visitors!
