 The nation's Points of Light Award honored a former Calhoun businessman yesterday, Mel
Arnold of Deland, Florida. The award recognizes individuals
that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to
help meet critical needs in their communities.
Eighty-year-old Mel Arnold will be remembered by some Calhoun old-timers because of his association with Arnold
Motors, one of Grantsville's several car dealers. Some may remember his brothers, Lester and Doy Arnold, both deceased.
Doy was once Sheriff of Calhoun County. Arnold sold his business in 1955 to the Floyd family and moved to Florida where
he continued in the car business, also dabbling in real estate.
Arnold became a Hospice of Volusia/Flagler volunteer in 1991. Since that time, he has
consistently contributed over 2000 hours and 4000 miles of documented volunteer time, although it
is probable his official hours far exceed what he actually reports. Arnold is a patient and families
volunteer. He works with his patients and families by providing whatever he can. This includes home
repairs, errands and lending a listening ear.
Arnold has had a tremendously positive effect on the families he is assigned. In hospice volunteer
training, perspective volunteers are taught that the most important attribute of a hospice volunteer is
to meet people where they are and to never be judgmental. He truly loves unconditionally.
When he
accepts a patient assignment he never questions how far he has to drive or how much time will be
needed for the patient. His only concern is how he can be of service. He then sets out to support and
help his family, no matter the need. Arnold realizes that the patients and families he is assigned to
are strangers. He sets out to make sure they know he is sincere in his efforts by calling, visiting and
keeping eyes open for areas of need.
Arnold has replaced plumbing, installed doors, pruned trees, ran hundreds of errands, and taken
patients' pets for grooming or veterinary appointments. He lets patients know that they can call him
anytime day or night. One of Arnold's most marvelous skills is his ability to listen to people and to
make them feel safe, secure, and unconditionally loved.
He is always available to stay with a
patient to give the caregiver a chance to get out and take care of him/herself. Arnold always arrives
at the patient's home with some kind of treat: fresh fruit, homemade bread, a milkshake, or the
patient or caregiver's favorite food. He even brings treats for the family pet.
Arnold is an inspiration. He is always there with a kind word, a loving gesture, a shoulder to lean on
and beautiful prayer.
| 
