On Friday, July 29th members of the South Florida Base were most graciously welcomed by Jessica Reeves, Outreach Coordinator of the Quantum House, for the inaugural visit of their Kap(SS) 4Kid(SS) program. Quantum House is located in West Palm Beach, Florida on the grounds of St. Mary’s Medical Center (non-affiliated) and performs functions similar to that of the Ronald Mc-Donald House. The South Florida Base members participating in the activities were Bill Andrea, Mavae Andrea, Larry Harjehausen, George Hoyt, Steve Laine and Keith Reynolds.
Our meeting with the eleven children present (ranging in ages from 50 to 10 years old) was friendly and rewarding. The young folks, their parents and grandparents were very curious as to our views and lives aboard submarines. During the nearly two hours spent with the youngsters, each child was made an “Honorary Submariner” and was presented with a signed Honorary Submariner Certificate. Additionally, they were presented with a special Kap of their choosing. Four youngsters who were unable to participate in our program because of medical procedures they needed that day were certainly missed. Certificates and Kaps were left for them (with the Coordinator Jessica) along with our hopes and good wishes. Three events occurred during the gathering that was quite impressive. One young many who was confined to a wheelchair appeared to be withdrawn and sullen. We learned through Quantum House personnel that this was his general over all mood since his arrival. Larry took him aside and they spend some time talking. Soon we noticed the young many was smiling and yes, even laughing. What ever Larry did or said remains unknown but to see the outcome brought joy to all of us.
Another notable instance was when George Hoyt was asked by on the children how he got his nickname (Pumpkin Pie). The answer brought the house down. The third event occurred early-on. When entering the room, a youngster about 9 years of age, came in humming the song “Yellow Submarine.” Keith hurried to his “magic bag” and pulled-out the Beatles rendition and placed it in the CD Rom. She heard the tune playing, her eyes beamed with delight and instantly we had another happy honorary submariner. Soon our inaugural visit ended. We were thanked by the staff and the parents. One staff member expressed the thought that the therapy the children received by this visit was visible and appreciated. Although I didn’t reply to her remark, I thought, “Who really received the therapy??”