Bea Edwards said she has found a new sense of purpose in her life as a volunteer at Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

Edwards, 70, signed on 4 1/2 years ago after retiring from the Veterans of Foreign Wars service organization to take care of her dying husband.

“Rather than waste time sitting at home, I get out with the public helping them with their situation,” she said.

Edwards works primarily in the surgery waiting area, a busy hub of activity where family and friends await the outcome of surgery on their loved one.

“I really act as a go-between for the surgeons, doctors and families,” she said. “I keep track of where the family is at. I talk to both and tell them where each one is at. I reassure them that things are all right with their family member. I keep a log of when they go into surgery and when they come out. I hope I make them comfortable and let them know they matter to the hospital. Anything I can do for them.”

Edwards said she doesn’t have any problem helping worried family members stay calm.

“I’ve had a lot happen to me in my own life, so I’ve learned to take it as it flows,” she said.

Edwards’s hours are 8 a.m. to noon, but she is usually there at 7:30 a.m. because that’s when the surgeries start.

In a facility with 175 adult and junior volunteers, Edwards said she fits in very well.

“I get along great with all of the other volunteers,” she said. “I feel like we’re all one big, happy family. I’ve worked in other areas like the gift shop, delivering newspapers on a holiday, and at the information desk.”

Volunteers at MRMC give at least four hours a week and some give as much as 40 hours per week.

Vicki Cormier, volunteer coordinator, said there is a lot of variety in the volunteers.

“Many of them are looking for friendship, many were professionals and retired and were looking for something fulfilling.

However, they often share similar personality traits.

“Most demonstrate empathy for others,” she said. “They love to be with other people and interact with them.”