Meet Chrissy Fried  

(Note from Beth Levine, Volunteer Coordinator--I normally write this monthly column after receiving information from the volunteer in the spotlight. However, this month's volunteer in the spotlight, Chrissy Fried, wrote such a heartwarming piece that I decided to leave the column in Chrissy's own words.)

    My name is Chrissy Fried. I was born and raised in Belgium, and had the opportunity to learn English as an exchange student in Sharon, Massachusetts, when I was 17. I met my husband in Bruxelles 30 years ago at ITT's European Headquarters, where I was working in marketing and he was working in Information Systems. We have been married for 29 years (oh God!). We lived very happily in Belgium for the first 10 years until my husband decided he was nostalgic and wanted to come back to the US (after working as an expatriate for 20 years).

    We then moved to Boston 20 years ago for a great job opportunity with Staples. 10 years later, we had the great fortune to discover Del Mar, and here we are.... We raised and survived 4 kids who benefitted tremendously from that International adventure!  They are very grateful for all of the places we have lived and visited!   I love this Country, and after September 11 decided to become an American Citizen.  I now have dual citizenship, and am so proud to be an American!

   When our last child left for UCLA, it was time to reevaluate what to do with my extra time...( I can only play bridge with my husband so many times per week without getting a divorce...). I still love travelling and photography, but it was important for me to give something back to the community!

   I feel very blessed in my life. It has not always been an easy ride! That's life! However, I am very grateful and always thought it was only normal to find a way to give back. DMCC presented me with an amazing opportunity to do so!  It's a wonderful way to give back to the Community and help our seniors!  It is an example of "giver's gain", since I truly believe that I receive more than I give. I volunteer mainly as a driver for various doctors' appointments or just a drive wherever that person needs to go. I love it! It allows me to get to know the ladies, and quite frankly, I really enjoy their company! The seniors have a special wisdom, a kindness and sense of humor that just makes my day every single time. For example, when I ask Marjorie how she is doing, she will tell me "I am behaving and I hate it". If she only knew how much I love her.

    On a more personal note, this program means so much to me because it allows seniors to live at home as long as possible. Unfortunately, I lost my Mom 2 years ago (she was far too young), and  I know how much she would have benefitted from such a program! I believe with all my heart that we are all connected... It takes a village... This program allows me to meet wonderful ladies, is not very time consuming, and it brings me so much joy!  So, thank you for sponsoring such a wonderful program :)

 (And, thank you every so much, Chrissy, for all you do for DMCC and for our community's seniors!)