John O’Brien has called the same Birmingham house his home since 1963. Now 79 years old and completely blind, he’s still able to live alone thanks to his familiar routines, his community and — for the past 15 years — daily visits from United Way Meals on Wheels.
“It’s not just the food,” John said. “It’s friendship. I try to get to know the people who deliver.”
Service Passed Down Through Generations
One of those people who bring hot meals to John is Barry Smith. She’s been making Meals on Wheels deliveries in Homewood for nearly 20 years. A writer and editor, Barry first began volunteering when her oldest son was a toddler. Over time, deliveries became part of their family routine — with one child walking beside her and another in a car seat.
Barry’s connection to Meals on Wheels, however, began long before she started volunteering. Her grandfather delivered meals through his church in Forestdale after he retired.
“That became his calling,” she said. “He took it seriously and loved visiting with people on his route. Seeing how much joy it brought him — and how much the people he served looked forward to seeing him — made a big impression on me.”
That same spirit of service continues in her family today. Barry’s younger son, now a graduate student, still joins her when he’s home.
“He’s always excited when we get to deliver to Mr. O’Brien,” she said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
Little Things that Mean So Much
John looks forward to those little visits. Over the years, a quick hello and drop-off have grown into a genuine friendship. Barry checks in on John and helps with small tasks, such as updating his choir music — something especially meaningful to him. John has sung in the choir at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church for 30 years, relying on a volunteer each week to help him review the service music.
“It helps me keep doing something I love,” he said. Help from Meals on Wheels volunteers is instrumental.
For Barry as well, helping with those little things makes the Meals on Wheels program especially meaningful.
“You might be the only person who steps into someone’s home that day,” she said. “You make sure they’re okay, you listen, you connect and you see the impact immediately. It’s something anyone can do. It’s contagious in the best way.”
In fact, one of Barry’s friends, who lives near John, began delivering meals after seeing the difference it made.
Continuing to Live Independently
Between Meals on Wheels and some friends who help with groceries, John is able to stay in the home he’s known for more than six decades. And that means everything to him.
For John and many more homebound seniors throughout Jefferson County, it’s that reliable support that makes their independence possible. To help ensure that even more people receive the nutrition, care and connection they need in order to stay in their homes, click here.