Marla’s Story: Finding Help and Hope Through Meals on Wheels

Life’s Rhythm, Interrupted

Marla Pierce understands that life’s rhythm is consistent and predictable, until it’s not.

Marla, a native of Kansas, and a long-time Oklahoma City resident, began her professional career as a banker before serving as a doctor’s residency assistant, and spending the last twenty years before retirement as a bookkeeper for one of the city’s leading insurance agencies.

Early in retirement, Marla, a mother, grandmother and recent great-grandmother to two beautiful twins, enjoyed spending time with family, eating out at new restaurants, going to the movies and cooking — simple joys that filled her time.

Then, five years ago, everything changed almost in an instant.

“I had a healthy life up until my 70s, and I thought that it would continue,” Marla says.

One health issue spiraled into many, and several medical procedures and hospital stays followed: surgery for a ruptured ophthalmic artery in her right eye, cataract removal, a life-threatening bout of COVID-19 and hip-replacement surgery.

These health issues, combined with managing her high blood pressure and low-level diabetes, make daily life challenging for Marla.

And while she still enjoys many of the things she used to, she is relearning how to live in moderation, thanks to her strong support network, which includes her live-in daughter, Shellie, “brilliant” doctors and Meals on Wheels.

Five years ago, during Marla’s hospital stay following her hip replacement, Shellie, who worried about her mother’s ability to live independently while she was away at work, reached out to Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City.

“During the day, Shellie’s gone, so I’m on my own, and I had a lot of trouble,” Marla says.

Gratitude, Connection, and a Bright Spot Each Day

The local provider, which partners with three local churches to deliver meals, added Marla to a two-month wait-list.

The sixty-day wait meant that Marla had to continue relying on her daughter or cooking for herself to fulfill her nutritional needs. It also meant that she was left alone for long periods, with no one to provide the safety checks that many volunteers are trained to do during each meal drop.

Marla’s health procedures, combined with her diminished stamina and mobility, overheating, dizziness and memory loss, make standing for long periods (and sometimes even short periods) dangerous.

“My concern and Shellie’s, too, is me cooking alone, because anything could happen,” Marla says.“I’m always worried about falling.”

Meals on Wheels is now a trusted lifeline for the Pierce family. The nourishing meals volunteers deliver five days a week help Marla regain her independence, alleviate concerns about cooking alone or forgetting to eat, provide a built-in safety check by volunteers who know to alert Shellie, and offer her valuable opportunities for social connection.

“Sometimes, because of my memory, I forget to eat,” Marla says. “[The Meals] are helpful, because lunch is there and the people who come to the door are wonderful. It’s like having new friends, and that’s great.”

Marla, whose favorite meals are salads — fruit, potato, pasta or chicken — and Italian dishes, also loves the variety of options.

“You have different cuisine; it’s like a guessing game,” Marla says. “I wonder what they’re bringing. It keeps you on your toes, and that’s what I need.”

Marla believes what makes Meals on Wheels special is that the volunteers also receive something meaningful in return.

“It’s a little bright spot in your day,” Marla says. “They’re happy because they’re doing something for somebody, and I’m happy to see them doing it. I’m so grateful to be a recipient.”

Marla looks forward to the little surprises, such as the handmade greeting and birthday cards, and the Christmas cards she receives from each of the participating churches each holiday season.

“It’s like having our own little Santa Claus,” Marla says.

Regardless of the unpredictable challenges that come their way, Marla and her daughter know that Meals on Wheels will be there to ensure that they don’t face them alone.

“I’m just blessed,” Marla says.