My Wheels Are My Wings

Family, faith, friends, violets, poetry and coffee are just a few of things that were important to Viola Marie Robinson. As Mrs. Robinson aged, her mobility decreased, and she progressed from using a cane to using a walker and then a wheelchair. She never wanted to be a burden on anyone, and one day received a gift of a scooter, which restored her mobility and independence. “My wheels are my wings,” she told her daughter Jeannie. Mrs. Robinson frequently “drove” to the drugstore not far from where she lived, buying cards that she loved to send.

After Mrs. Robinson’s passing in 2003, her daughter and son-in-law, Jeannie and Jack Brunk, decided to create a fund in her memory to help seniors who need assistance to stay independent and in their homes. To date, The Viola Marie Robinson Give Them Wings Fund has helped dozens of seniors acquire lift chairs, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, portable showers, hearing aids, eyeglasses, utility payments, medical supplies and prescriptions, and even a stove and refrigerator. “Mom would love that we are helping other people maintain their independence,” said Jeannie. “She found such joy in the little things in life, and was able to continue doing those little things because her independence was extended with the help of the scooter.”

Carolyn True, Director of the Frederick County Department of Aging, has worked closely with the Community Foundation and Jeannie and Jack to facilitate help for those most in need. “The people who benefit the most are in the Senior Care program, which provides light housekeeping, assistance with chores, and personal care services,” said Ms. True. “Being able to help so many individuals through the Give Them Wings Fund is a relief.” Social workers and case workers determine who needs assistance and provide recommendations; those are presented to the Community Foundation for review. More than $35,000 has been awarded from the fund since 2004. “The impact of these grants goes far beyond providing a piece of equipment or services or supplies,” said Ms. True. “These things help seniors stay safe, preserve their independence and allow them to continue to be engaged in their community, rather than be isolated at home. It’s the little things that mean so much to them. Mr. and Mrs. Brunk saw a need and did something about it. I appreciate their sensitivity and generosity.”

“The Give Them Wings Fund file at the Community Foundation office contains many thank-you notes and acknowledgments from recipients. The poem included in this article was written by a woman who needed new appliances in her kitchen; her existing ones were so old they presented a fire hazard. When Jeannie read the poem, she noticed that not only was the recipient’s first name the same as her mother’s, but that her initials were the same, too. “This is so cool that it gives me goosebumps,” said Jeannie. “Mom also wrote poetry and we drank coffee together every day. The similarities here are amazing!”

The Brunk’s “imagine the future” of the fund providing assistance to those who need it for many years to come. They are committed to helping seniors maintain their independence and stay in their homes as long as possible. “We want seniors to know there is help for those who need it,” said Jeannie and Jack. “We are doing a little bit to pay-it-forward, in the spirit of Mom’s loving and generous nature.”

A Thank You for the Stove and Refrigerator

By Viola May Rippeon

Each time I enter my kitchen
for food, coffee, or tea,
I’ll be thinking kindly of you
and the money you spent for me.
I have lived a solitary life
because of circumstances beyond my control,
at last someone has cared enough
to give pleasure to my soul.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart
for the compassionate, thoughtful deed.
I pray that God will bless you
for helping someone in need.

If you yearn for conversation
beyond some future bend,
pick up the phone, give me a call -
I’d love to be your friend.