Meet the Queen of Bocce, Ms. Kristine P. At age 71, she’s got a mean game, outstanding aim, and intense concentration. All at the Bocce Club know and refer to her as, “The Queen of Bocce.”
Today, with a hearty laugh, she proclaims, “I’m alive again! I’m part of the world again!”
Approximately one year ago, though, Kristine wasn’t doing so well. In fact, her family had been called and told to visit her immediately, if they would like to see her one last time. She was despondent, with no desire to engage in life.
Kristine had led an active, bustling life, filled with frequent travel to Washington D.C., New York and other exciting locales. Her career ranged from staging homes on the market to being a successful financial analyst. Many of her professional clients became her friends, she was so trusted and such great fun.
But her road ultimately brought her to a senior home in which most, if not all days, were spent inside. Kristine had always been an athlete; being sedentary made her depressed. Before, she had loved to be out in the world, to even visit construction sites to watch the workers build.
At this low point in her life, Eskaton Senior Living and Sacramento County’s Senior Companions Program, arranged for volunteer Mr. Thomas H. to step into her life.
Kristine’s life immediately turned a corner. Thomas became her “Senior Companion” and now competes with her in a mean game of Bocce or assists her with everyday tasks such as doctor’s appointments and visits to the Sacramento Food Coop (which she loves). One of Kristine’s most favorite, recently-created memories was watching the construction of the Kings Arena together. They even visited the American River where they both spotted, to their great delight, a red fox.
Thomas H. stated, “Just one day a week, helping her to do anything she wants, whether it is watching the construction of a building, or shopping, or being the Bocce Queen, makes all the difference in the world.”
Thomas H. has been a volunteer for two years for the Senior Companions Program, and currently assists five seniors a week at no cost to the seniors. If you would like to volunteer or to receive more information on Sacramento County’s Senior Volunteer Programs, call 916-875-3622.
