Visiting Angels Brings Family Together After Hurricane

Nov. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- Fishers, Ind.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many families still struggle to regain a sense of normalcy having had their lives dismantled overnight.  Many of those affected by Sandy are unable enjoy their usual holiday traditions with family and friends.

For Richard Bayman and his 101-year-old mother, their tradition is spending Thanksgiving together.  Richard, who works two jobs as a security guard, lives in Long Valley, New Jersey.  His mother resides in Fishers.  Driving alone the nearly 12-hour trip non-stop is a daunting task for almost anyone, let alone for someone in their 70s.  Fuel shortages across the east coast made Richard’s already difficult journey seem impossible.  Since he was unable to drive and couldn’t afford to fly, the odds of Richard sitting down to enjoy turkey and stuffing with his mother on Thanksgiving looked bleak.

Richard’s two older brothers have passed away, and his 72-year-old sister is disabled and living with their mother.  When Richard’s mother mentioned to her Visiting Angel’s caregiver, Julie Anne Reid, that she was deeply saddened by the fact that she would not see her only son this holiday season due to the tragedy, Julie had an idea.  She called her employer, the Visiting Angels Indy North (http://www.visitingangels.com/indynorth/home) office, informed them of the situation, and offered to donate money to help bring Richard to Indy for Thanksgiving.  The staff loved the idea and also pledged money to help the cause.  They quickly brought it to the attention of owners, Tim Crocker and Michelle Bell, who were immediately on board.  “We wanted to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy in any way possible,” said Tim Crocker.  “As a home care agency, everything we do is about helping people.  This was a perfect opportunity for us to do just that.”

There was just one problem:  reaching Richard to tell him.  His power and phone had been dead since the storm.  With his voicemail full, there was no way to leave a contact number, and no one knew his email address.  After two weeks of trying to reach Mr. Bayman, a call finally went through a week before the holiday.  Richard was in total disbelief.  “I can’t tell you all how grateful I am and how much this means to me.  Thank you.  May God bless you all.”

After determining his vacation schedule, Visiting Angels turned to fellow member of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce, Kim Henkaline from TLC Personal Flight Companions (http://tlcfly.com/).  Kim helps those who have difficulty flying by making the travel arrangements, finding the most affordable flights, handling the luggage, and providing companionship.  She quickly found roundtrip tickets for a non-stop flight $200 less than any online price quote and arranged for Richard to be picked up at his house and taken to the airport.  

Visiting Angels’ owners Michelle and Tim transported Richard from the Indianapolis airport to his mother’s house early Thanksgiving afternoon to surprise her.  He thankfully explained on the car ride to Fishers why he couldn’t be gone for more than the two-day visit.  He was still picking debris out of his house, because though inland, his home’s windows were damaged by the 80-mile-per-hour winds.  Immediately following the hurricane, Bayman’s employers like the vast majority of others, closed, one for 6 days and the other for 8 days.  He couldn’t lose more time from work so as to afford necessary repairs, and he was nearing the end of a 3-week-long waiting list to have an estimate done on his roof.

The trio walked in just as the family was sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner.  Shock and confusion gave way to tearful hugs.  “We didn’t think we’d see him until next year!” Richard’s sister cried joyfully, “you guys are truly angels without wings.”  “Reaching out to victims of Sandy, helping one of our own clients in the process, and having members on every level of our agency involved”, said owner Michelle Bell, “it’s been a gift we can all share.”  

Visiting Angels Indy North is the nation’s leading provider of home care for older adults across the United States. The organization provides the highest quality care that enables seniors to live happier, healthier lives in the comfort of their own home. Visiting Angels is actively involved in the community and currently participates in many other community outreach programs such as the “Keep Downtown Warm” collection drive for the homeless, food basket deliveries, and sponsoring families through the Carmel Fire Dept. Christmas Assistance Program. If you have any questions regarding volunteer opportunities or are interested in learning more about the services provided by Visiting Angels Indy North, please call (317) 569-0262.