Laney Has Been Such a Blessing to My Family. She Is a Volunteer Companion Who Has The

“Laney has been such a blessing to my family. She is a volunteer companion who has the heart of a caregiver. Laney makes my dad’s day brighter. My dad has a movement disorder and sometimes he gets really depressed because he was always such a physically strong person and now he has trouble walking around the house. When Laney started coming to hang out with him, his spirits lifted. His favorite day of the week is when Laney comes to visit. Laney always walks in with the biggest smile on her face and a bubbly voice and says, “Hey Bud!” She makes everyone smile when she is in the room. Laney talks to my Dad about his frustrations and she motivates him to keep going. They will say to each other, “It is what it is, and that is all it is.” It is their way to say that this disease really stinks but we have to make the best of it. My Dad and Laney are close in age so they are able to reminisce about how life was when they were growing up. It is so fun to listen to their stories. Laney's husband was ill for a very long time and has passed away. She also talks to my Mom and me and this helps us to cope with my Dad’s health as well. Laney has been in our position. She is compassionate and sympathetic to what we are going through as well. She always goes above and beyond. These are direct quotes from my Dad that he wanted to share: “Laney goes above her duty, is kind and compassionate and has really helped us out;” “We talk about things we remember:” “I feel so comfortable with Laney around;” and “If anyone should win am award, Laney should.”