by Linda PELLEGRINO
In all my mom’s 70 years...I believe she has never been happier than right now.
Why? Because she is as needed now as she was when she had four little kids running around.
Being needed is incredibly intoxicating and a basic human need (there’s that word
again) for happiness.
Aside from her adoring kids and her husband of almost 50 years who’s still in love
with his girl with the Boston accent...My mom has found a way to channel what she knows
best into a part-time profession. She is technically an employee of “Companions
Plus”, but to 89 year-old Rose Lapardo she’s like a member of the family.
Years ago, my mom worked as a nurses aide and, more recently, as a volunteer for
Hospice—so she’s stayed current in the medical field. “Companions
Plus” allows her to attend Rose and other people who need non-medical care. In other
words, just a little help here and there getting dressed, bathing and making sure she eats
balanced meals. She says the job is like a bridge between the hospital and home—the
independence means the world to people like Rose. Sometimes their day includes lunch while
watching “Ciao Italia” with Chef Maryann Esposito...Other days they host the
grandkids from downstairs. It doesn’t seem to matter much, it’s a symbolic
relationship that fulfills them both.
It is so gratifying to know that my mom is still meeting goals and challenges...And as she
puts it, “still learning”.
I continue to learn as well. You can love, be loved, be busy, be thought of and be
valued...But there’s something about being needed that puts a spring in mom’s
step and a rose in her heart.
Linda Pellegrino is host of AM Buffalo on WKBW-TV Channel 7.