By Pat Buckhold, Regional Volunteer Officer
You say “good-bye” and I say “hello”. There’s a song for everything, I’ve always said.
After more years of paid employment than I care to admit, I came to realize over the past few months that it is time to transition to the next phase of my life. I have been preparing for this time- retirement- for many years. So many things to do, such little time. And now it’s here.
I have never been at a loss for interests and things to do in my spare time, especially now that my children are grown. In retirement, I saw myself as volunteering more than I do now, but what and where? How could I really make a difference in this world and become, pardon the philosophical bent, the best version of myself?
Enter, the American Red Cross. Over the course of the past three years as a paid staff member in Volunteer Services, the Red Cross quickly changed from an organization that I really did not know much about to one that I hold in the highest regard. It has truly been an honor for me to be part of the Red Cross and to spread the good word to prospective volunteers about the life-saving services provided. Being a volunteer with the Red Cross is more than just “something to do”. As a volunteer with the Red Cross, an individual can engage in altruistic and compassionate work in many areas- Disaster or Blood Services, Health and Safety, Services to the Armed Forces or at a Chapter. And the beauty of it all is that we are a volunteer-driven organization! How good does that get?
So if you are wondering, well, what is she going to do now, don’t think about it another second. Besides settling into this new life, I have also decided to transition into a volunteer position or two with the Red Cross. Well, where is she going to be, you ask? That, my friends, you will find out about in future blogs.
So stay tuned. The best is yet to come . . .
Click here to see photos from Pat’s send-off with members of the NEO Red Cross staff.
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