Posted on Mar 29, 2018 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
By Joan Frances –
Fort Bend is one of the most diversified counties in the state where many conscientious individuals continually seek out ways to improve the quality of life for everyone. Originated in 1974 by community leaders, Fort Bend Seniors is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the area. Accredited through the Meals on Wheels Association of America, volunteers distribute over 1,000 meals to seniors daily throughout Fort Bend and Waller County. One generous individual who devotes her time to assisting senior citizens is Sue Lang.
Lang is retired from Shell Oil where she worked for 33 years in Information Technology. Married to Joe since 1982, they have a son, Eric, and a daughter, Jennifer. They moved to Sugar Land from Houston shortly after they got married, settling into suburban life.
Volunteering was a part of Lang’s upbringing. “My mom is my inspiration. She volunteered as a telephone assurance caller for 25 years. She would call a list of senior citizens every morning to make sure they were doing well. I saw how deeply she cared about her clients and how she always made time to call every one of them, even when she had so many other things to do.”
After she retired, Lang was looking for ways to volunteer her time. A colleague suggested Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. She said, “After a bit of research, I decided to give it a try. I have been a volunteer driver for five and a half years, delivering meals two times per week in Sugar Land and Stafford. I am honored to be able to bring a hot meal and some conversation. Many of them have had interesting lives – one was a NASA engineer, one was a nurse in World War II, some have traveled the world. Most of my seniors have a good support system – family or friends who look after them – but some are alone and enjoy a bit of company when we stop by. If I see a need, I try to lend a hand, perhaps picking up their prescriptions or a couple of items from the grocery store.”
Sue Lang ready to serve hot meals to senior citizens in our community.
Lang is so much more than a driver; she is engaged in the lives of every individual. Her stories are both enlightening and compelling. “One of my sweet clients was nearly 100 years old when I started delivering her meals. She was so very appreciative of any time we could spend with her. One day she didn’t answer her doorbell. Immediately fearing the worst, I called the Fort Bend Seniors office and told them that this was very unusual. They checked with her daughter and confirmed that my client was home and well, but had forgotten to put in her hearing aids that morning.”
Lang goes over and above her regular commitments. “I became close to one of my ‘ladies’ who was still driving but was beginning to struggle with her driving skills. I offered to give her a ride to an occasional doctor’s appointment, and before long, I was working with her doctor’s office to schedule her visits when I was available to drive. She has passed away, but I still think about the time we spent together.”
In addition to her devotion to Fort Bend Seniors, Lang is a volunteer tax preparer for Baker Ripley Neighborhood Tax Centers, a member of Christ Church Sugar Land and belongs to the Festival Choir and Hand Bell Ringers. Thank you, Sue Lang, for your irrefutable devotion and commitment to improving the quality of life for your fellow man.
