Meet my mom, Candace Catherine. She is the little girl on the left sporting the pointy glasses, yellow dress, and forced smile indicating that even a fancy hat and dress can't keep trouble too far off. My mom is a true GIVER. My mom agreed to write about her experience as a GIVER, and this is what she shared-
DOING LUNCH By: Candace Catherine (now slightly older than above picture)
Several years ago I did a favor not knowing it was myself I was really favoring. Our local Meals on Wheels program needed volunteers to deliver lunches to clients who were mentally, physically or emotionally incapable of preparing their own meal. I started thinking I was being selfless by volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and I am fully aware this has evolved into my receiving much more than I am giving.
Volunteering is the best gift people can give themselves. Rather than “doing lunch” at my desk, I leave for lunch knowing someone is waiting for me. I may be the only face this shut-in sees all day, and it is my desire to not only check on their well-being, but also to let them know I am interested in them. My work, family and home issues fade away as I make my rounds of delivering meals.
How could I possibly worry when I have an opportunity to interact with some of the most colorful individuals I have ever met?
For example: When I complimented Domatilda on her name she replied, “Thank you, my parents gave it to me”. A former milkman had a twinkle in his eye when I listened to his theory regarding weather changes caused by foreign objects in the skies; space rockets, war missiles and airplanes, not aliens. The stoic expression on a local philanthropist’s face changed when I told her how beautiful the new wing is at a local hospital bearing hers and her deceased husband’s name.
Refreshing. Someone needs me, and all I need to do is show up with a smile and two small Baggies. I do not think it can get any better than this. Lastly, where else could a 54-year-old Nana be called a youngster? There I go again, receiving the gift. For as long as I am able to assist, I will be doing lunch with this poor, lonely, gentle and kind population.
5 comments:
What a heartwarming post! Sometimes I grumble on the way to volunteering but I am always blessed afterwards! Your mom sounds like quite an remarkable woman. I just love the picture!
Love this. And love Meals on Wheels too. Your colorful clients made me laugh and think of my own. One of mine loves to talk about his underwear, and another tells me the same story every week about how he got his vacuum cleaner, but they bring me much more joy than a free meal deserves!
Funny that you're posting your mom's MOW story today, Amy. Today over at my place I'm telling a MOW tale too, kind of a sad one, but life is a mix, right?
Wow! Thanks, Candice! What a great personal example of how giving really becomes a gift to the giver. Thank you for sharing, thank you for giving and thank you for your example.
I see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...Beauty--inside and out, runs in the family!
I loved reading what you had to say, Candee! I miss you, and I hope you are well. I learned so much about manners and respect for others from you and Amy! Thank you!
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