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"For my Golden Retriever and me, Tuesday has become more than a day that follows Monday. So much more. Mitch Albom may have had his visits with Morrie, but Roger and I have coffee with the priests.
"Our visits to the Oblates of St. Frances de Sales started off ubiquitously enough: a knock on a door, an introduction, a polite conversation, and a benign good-bye. I wondered if my visits mattered, and if I were achieving my goal of bringing life and love to these retired men.
"Roger and I returned week after week-every Tuesday morning at ten. And, perhaps by virtue of consistency, or merely the passing of time, I began to notice a shift. Rather than thinking I was bringing something to them, I realized they were doing something for me. Instead of individual meetings in rooms, we began gathering under the awning on the patio, in soft chairs in the community space, or at a craft table in the activity room. I would be sent home with a watermelon grown by Father George or a work of art made by Brother John. Roger often left with a blessing from Father Sarro.
'Roger, may the Lord bless you and keep you well. You are a very good boy. You take care of your family now.'
"My Roger has been a door-opener, a table-setter, and a people-gatherer. Our visits are anticipated - like waiting for company. After he's said his hellos, my fluffy Golden lies under the table while his friends and I share coffee and conversation, memories and dreams.
"What started off as a benevolent act, has turned into true friendship. Roger brings companionship and connection, and in return, he and I have received the love of extended family."
Denise Marotta Lopes, PAWS Member
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