I have started this new year feeling better about myself than I have in a very long time, maybe ever. The scale still hovers around the same number, the grey hairs seem to multiply exponentially while I sleep and the lines around my eyes seem to be getting deeper. But those lines around my eyes are being etched further into my skin because my smile seems to be a permanent fixture on my face.
I will be the first to admit that I have never spent much time volunteering for anything. Sure, I jumped on the “pay it forward” bandwagon and I have even blogged about that very phenomenon. But there is something much more rewarding about really putting in the time to help someone rather than just buying a coffee for the person in line behind you.
What began as helping a friend, who is currently tackling an undiagnosed medical issue, spiraled into a concept that is slowly growing into something I am becoming very passionate about. It combines two of the things that I hold near to my heart – cooking and being able to help people.
Some of my blogs over the last few weeks have alluded to the Sundays we have spent cooking in the kitchen of the family resort where I am employed. We have successfully sent almost twenty freezer slow-cooker meals to a young family who lost their home in a fire just after delivering twins, and we are gearing up to do it again this Sunday to add ten more meals to their freezer. In a few short hours in the span of three Sundays, we have provided a month’s worth of dinners, giving them more time to devote to their children and their next step rather than having to think of what to cook each night.
I also had the pleasure of delivering the first of those meals to my very dear friend on Friday, the friend who inspired this journey. Just knowing that I can alleviate the tiniest bit of his stress pays me in ways that I never thought possible. It is a very emotional feeling and, even as I write this, it brings tears to my eyes.
I have watched them before. I have seen volunteers many times and noticed the light in their eyes but, until now, I had never really understood the source of that light. I get it now….and it is a light that I would like to have continue shining in my eyes for a very long time.
polysyllabic profundities 
Not something I could do, but I have great respect for those that do.
It is a very heart-warming venture.
In a perfect world, everyone would use their skills or talents to the benefit of others. That smile you carry shows you’re doing your part — from the heart. It’s a beautiful thing you’re doing, Susan. And it shows 😉
Thanks very much Ned. It does feel great to truly help someone who really needs it.
I can’t imagine losing my home in a fire after having twins. What your kitchen is doing is for that family is truly wonderful. It make my heart happy to think of it 😉
Thank you…it makes my heart happy to do it. 🙂
This post gave me the warm squishies. You’re doing wonderful work, my friend!
Thank you very much, Mike. I do appreciate that.
This is such a wonderful idea you could spin it into a small, non-profit charity. Seek donations to help you fuel the costs of the meal prep. It’s such a wonderful thing you’re doing.
Thanks Carrie. I am trying to come up with a name for it and would love to keep doing this for other families. I have received some donations which is great since I have been involved each week in shopping, supplying bags, labels and chopping. It is nice to be able to offset some of my costs. (although it has been keeping me from finishing The Seneca Scourge, but I’m close. It’s a great read!)
Aw, thank you. You’re very kind to say. Luckily, there’s no contaminated food in my book… 😉
Lol….I never thought of that. 😉
Volunteering truly is awesome! It’s just so rewarding in more ways than one. I first got into volunteering back in college. I agreed to take a trip to Detroit, Mich., with a friend and her group for Alternative Spring Break and really had no idea what I was getting myself into at the time. We went and spoke with inner city kids and talked to them about violence prevention and education promotion and while the reward isn’t immediate or even always known, it was still so worth it. I have posts on my blog about it. It really opened my eyes in more ways than one and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Some of my best moments in this life have come when I was a bit naive and blind (just kind of figured oh what the heck) to just what I was signing up for but the lessons learned, the rewards have been invaluable. It’s so awesome to hear that you’re finding the same. I hope to increase my current volunteering (which is to write letters to deployed military men and women) and do something for kids again or helping needy families, etc. Giving time is just so precious. Thank yo for doing what you’re doing and I’m happy to hear it’s going so well. 🙂
It really is rewarding. I should have been doing this years ago but I guess everything has its time. What a great idea to write letters to deployed soldiers. I may look in to that as well. Thank you for stopping by and making me feel even better for what I am doing. 🙂
Yes I love it! I always tell them that, to be honest, part of the draw is simply to handwrite letters – it’s so nostalgic but in a good way. The group I volunteer for is for US military but I imagine there’s something for Canada or if you’re interested, you can look into the group I’m with – Soldiers’ Angels. Just some thoughts. 🙂
What a really beautiful way to ‘self-reward’. We have a program where I live called Soup Sisters, which sounds kind of like what you’re doing. It’s an amazing effort that starts with a lot of fun, great get-togethers and wine, and then direct assistance for those who need it. Winners all around. There is so much magic in this sense of extended breaking bread together. I’m glad you came across something that makes you feel this good.
Thank you. It really is the beginning of a wonderful journey!
Sue-you are inspirational by words written and acts/deeds. I am so moved-thank you for your examples to live up too!
Thanks Tracy. I really appreciate that. xx