Working vacation has its own reward
I just returned from one of those "working" vacations in Norfolk, Va. You know — the kind of vacation that requires a day off when you return.
Organizing the annual reunion for a group of World War II veterans has its challenges.
The theory — plan a convention for the group without knowing how many people will attend. It has to be in a nice, reasonably priced hotel, include a couple of meal functions, a few tours, and lots of time for visiting.
That's the easy part.
The difficulty comes from trying to keep track of 500 senior citizens who, at one time or another during the week, need my undivided attention to answer a question, solve a minor problem, or just spend a few minutes listening to a story. It can be exhausting.
It's not without a few laughs. Probably the silliest question I answered during the week was "Where do we meet the bus for the tour?" This question usually was asked at the fourth-floor registration area.
I spent the week shouting, guiding, pushing wheelchairs, and dodging canes. I also spent the week being needed, appreciated, and hugged.
At the end of the week, I came home exhausted and ready for a vacation. I also came home humbled by the comradeship of these veterans.
That's the greatest reward.
— Donna Bernhard
