Imagine dialing the number of someone you’ve never met, only to discover years later that you’ll remember their voice for the rest of your life. Seven years ago, Angela called Robert through Friends & Co’s Phone Companion Program. That first conversation led to years of weekly calls that folded themselves into the rhythm of their lives until, call by call, they became a constant in one another’s lives. Robert’s recent passing means those calls have ended. Angela will no longer hear his familiar greeting or the words that became part of every goodbye. But the friendship they built continues to shape the life she is living today.
In her own words, Angela remembers her friend, Robert:
What inspires you to volunteer?
I’ve always believed that one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is simply our presence. Through Friends & Co, I learned that companionship isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about showing up consistently, listening, sharing life’s ordinary moments, and letting someone know they matter.
For the past seven years, I had the privilege of being paired with Robert. What began as a volunteer match grew into a genuine friendship. He became a constant in my life. I always knew that if I called, he would answer with a cheerful, “Hi Angie!” Every conversation ended the same way: he would tell me how much he loved God and how special he felt that he could be a part of my life. In truth, I felt just as blessed to be part of his.
Robert reminded me that friendship has no age limit and that meaningful connections can change both lives. He inspired me far more than I could have ever inspired him.
What do you enjoy about Friends & Co?
Friends & Co creates something that feels increasingly rare today: genuine human connection. The organization doesn’t simply match volunteers with older adults, it creates opportunities for lasting friendships to grow naturally over time.
I’m incredibly grateful that Friends & Co introduced me to Robert. Without this organization, our paths never would have crossed, and I would have missed knowing one of the kindest, most faithful, and most genuine people I’ve ever met.
What is a memorable moment that reflects the connections you’ve made?
It’s difficult to choose just one moment because our friendship was built through hundreds of conversations over seven years.
Looking back, what I treasure most wasn’t a single event, it was the consistency. No matter what was happening in life, Robert was there. We’d laugh, share stories, talk about faith, and encourage one another.
His passing has been a tremendous loss, but I will always carry those conversations with me. They remind me why companionship matters and why Friends & Co’s mission is so important.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m deeply honored by this recognition, although I receive it with mixed emotions following Robert’s passing. If anything, I hope this spotlight encourages others to volunteer. You never know when a simple phone call or visit will become one of the most meaningful friendships of your life.
Robert didn’t just benefit from our friendship, he profoundly shaped my life as well. Throughout the years, he was one of my biggest encouragers. He believed in me and continually inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. His encouragement gave me the confidence to return to school, and today I have the privilege of serving as a Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse. I often think about how excited he was to follow that journey with me, and I know he would be incredibly proud to know I’m living that dream.
Thank you to Emma, Georgie, and the entire Friends & Co team for creating a community where friendships like ours can flourish. Robert will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful that Friends & Co brought us together.
Would you like to volunteer with us at Friends & Co? Click here to learn more
