For the last six years, Dan Wehner has been a dedicated Aging Ahead volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable, homebound older adults in House Springs.
Dan became particularly attached to Susan, a recipient of Meals on Wheels and commodity boxes (providing a month’s worth of shelf-stable food). Susan lost her eyesight about ten years ago, and at the beginning of 2023, she was unfortunately diagnosed with terminal cancer. When Dan heard about her diagnosis, he spent extra time with Susan during his deliveries, talking with her and cheering her up. Dan would often play an old song on his phone, and they would twirl around the living room together like it was a dance floor, reminiscing about the “good ole days.” Dan would sit on Susan’s deck with her, describing the beautiful view overlooking the woods behind Susan’s house, so that she could imagine the colors and scenery. Every time Susan spoke with someone at Aging Ahead, she would tell them how much she looked forward to Dan’s visits and how the visits kept her going. She said, “he’s the light in my dark life right now.”
Susan recently passed away. Her son called Aging Ahead and wanted to thank Dan, letting him know what a profound effect he had on his mother during her last days. “Dan lifted my mom’s spirits through her illness, and I’ll be forever thankful for him.”
When asked to reflect on volunteering, Dan said, “Serving is good for the young and old alike. Volunteering has helped me find another purpose in my life. I can help bring joy to people who might not have a lot of joy in their life—it’s something I’m passionate about. Everyone deserves to feel joy and feel like they matter.”
Aging Ahead is lucky to have Dan as a dedicated volunteer. He, like many of our volunteers, goes above and beyond, making deep connections, and changing lives one delivery at a time. We are so proud to be Aging Ahead with Dan.
Support Highlights
- Meals on Wheels Program
- Commodity Box Program
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Wellness Checks
If you would like to donate or volunteer to support Aging Ahead and critical programs like Meals on Wheels, please visit us at agingahead.org. Thank you!
