York Hospital Caregiver, Brianna Young, RN, and her husband Brian, who live in Berwick, have been volunteering for the Bridges Program for almost two years. Throughout their time volunteering, they have visited Ronald Dutton on a weekly basis. Ron lives alone now, but has led a full and interesting life, and he shares some of his memories each week with Brianna and Brian when they visit. It’s easy to see, from looking at the expressions on all three of their faces, that this pairing has turned into a friendship over time.
Of the arrangement, Ron says, “They do my groceries on a weekly basis and watch out for me. They notice things and take care of me; they are very gentle with me and suggest things to keep me safe. They don’t push me; they understand me.” Brianna responds with these sentiments: “Every time we visit Ron, he says what a blessing we are. What he doesn’t realize is that he makes our hearts happy.”
Ron was in the Navy for four years, stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Midway, which was designed and used as an aircraft carrier. He was also a musician and a member of the #1 Dance Band — did you know that there were 265 Dance Bands in the Navy? After returning home, Ron went to work for an automobile dealer who also ran a driving school; this was at a time when more women wanted to learn to drive. Ron then opened his own driving school. He met his wife Roberta (fondly nicknamed Foxie) when she came in to take driving lessons! He felt lucky to share 46 wonderful years with her. He eventually made his way to Pratt and Whitney in North Berwick, where he retired in 1989 as Chief Inspector. Nowadays, he enjoys the time he is able to spend with Brianna and Brian, although he worries that he is becoming too much for them, especially when they suggest an outing. Brian reassures him by saying, “You are family now and we are here to stay.” Ron adds: “During one of our rides, Brianna showed me her horses. I grew up loving horses. And, I’ve got something to look forward to – we are going out for a belated Christmas dinner at Strafford Farms.”
If you would like to become involved with the Bridges Program at York Hospital, please click here to visit the Volunteer page.