Local woman makes life a little easier

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - They've only known each other five months, but their weekly visits inspire each of them in different ways.

It all started when Barb Colson answered an ad asking for volunteers. Barb Colson said she feels a great joy in being able to give.

Running to the grocery store to buy a few things is a chore most of us take for granted. As Barb Colson goes over a shopping list, she knows how important this trip is to John Mitchell. John suffers from a form of Muscular Dystrophy and severe arthritis. He relies on his time with Barb to buy enough food to stock his kitchen.

"I don't know what I would do without her," said John Mitchell, who called Colson his guardian angel.

Colson volunteers through Wabash Center. She said she and Mitchell clicked instantly. Each week, Colson takes Mitchell where he needs to go, whether it's an afternoon buying groceries, a trip to the bank, or a visit with a doctor.

"Mitchell and I both want to make this world a better place, so what better way than showing love, and helping him out this way," said Barb Colson.

"I can't lift heavy things, and her got to do all the shopping," said Mitchell.

Colson has worked as a nurse and started volunteer work in high school. She says getting involved with Mitchell through the Wabash Center has made a big difference in her life.

"He's got such an interesting perspective on life, and everytime I go into a store with him, and he says 'Hello gorgeous,' and freely offers his little pieces of gum, just a little token of who he is, and it reminds me a lot of that positive feeling that I get from giving," said Colson.

Mitchell has raised thousands of dollars for the Jerry Lewis telethon.

Colson said the few hours she spends each week with Mitchell have brought back the joy of giving.