Back in April I shared how I was gifted two African Violets.
I have been doing Meals on Wheels for the past year and a half, in September it will be two years.
As you deliver you also build a friendship with some of those you deliver to. In the case of the African Violets, a friendship began with the caregiver to one of our participants.
Wednesday of last week, I was greeted by the daughter of a participant, who had been caring for her dad for over a year, to share he was passing. For the past year, for that five minuets, we would visit about weather, family and give each other household tips. At times on a hard day for her to be that caregiver to her ailing father, Meals on Wheel was that light, that little break for the day.
Wednesday of last week, we said our good byes. She thanked Doug and I for delivering the meals and for taking time to be the friend she needed on those hard days.
This is the first of my Meals on Wheels participants to pass on me that I was a friend too. It felt strange inside to say "Good Bye" after all this time. When I shared the news with my boys, both said to me "Mom, you were the light to them when they needed it, they will have good things to say about the Meals on Wheels program. Not just about the food, but about the those who deliver."
Oh Carla my heart is sad that you had to say good bye to one of the people you help with Meals on Wheels.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad when we lose those kind of connections in life. You are an angel and hero in my book to do what you do to help others. I know you will touch so many more lives. The violets are beautiful. Happy Friday. Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Kris
Yes, I know they looked forward to your visits and encouragement even more than the nice meals. I've been on both the receiving and giving side of similar home visits and you do form a real bond. The violets are a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story, to be the light in someone’s life, so important xx
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed a light, Carla. And you are appreciated. A hug.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Your boys are right. You were the light to them, and you are the light to others!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who cared for an ailing parent at home, I agree 100% with your boys. It can be a very lonely and isolating experience. The smile or warm word you shared went a long way, I'm sure. I know it was also such a great relief to know that the meal would show up without fail when it was supposed to. Trust me, that alone is huge...and I am sorry...
ReplyDeleteCarla, this is a beautiful story and I am sure you are the light to many people you don't even know about. Sometimes just a smile and a few kind words work miracles.
ReplyDeleteI think 'meals on wheels' is a wonderful service and it's so true - it isn't just about the food, but about the those who deliver. You and others like you who provide this service are doing a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteKeep on being that light - yours is shining brightly.
God bless
All the best Jan
You are doing a great service but unfortunately it's inevitable that the people you deliver to will, at some point, no longer need it and that can be hard to adjust to. But everytime you look at those violets you will know that what you are doing is worthwhile and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to be a part of his life. Sorry to hear about his passing.
ReplyDelete