May Quotation Challenge

Lynne has given us this challenge for our May quotation. It is from Mahatma Gandhi.

“ The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”

I used to do quite a bit of volunteer work in my younger years. I seem to have the energy then. Now, not so much. I think one of the most rewarding efforts for me was when I would volunteer to help out with the Special Olympics. Children with Down's Syndrome are such happy, loving kids. They try so hard to please and thrive with the encouragement, high fives and hugs they would receive during and after their sports event.  It did my heart good to see the smiles on their faces and the pride they displayed for their endeavors.

I have a soft spot for the elderly (I really miss my Mom) and where we live they are in the majority. We had a neighbor who lived two houses down and I would stop and spend time with her when I would take our dog for a walk. She loved talking and I know she was very lonely at times. She would watch for Thadd to be out working in the yard and come down to talk to him (with her walker). He would also do things for her such as changing her vacuum cleaner bag (she couldn't get the hang of it). She was so sweet and I was sad when her daughter put her in a nursing home where she passed away within a few weeks of being there. I don't think she was well but she hid it from me.

I had plans to do more volunteer work when I retired but so far I haven't gotten around to it. We live in area that does not offer many services. I wanted to do Meals on Wheels but when I checked in to it, there are no offices even close on this side of town. This area is more rural and to be truthful, there just isn't much out here. Like Lynne, I don't want to be put in a position where I am tied to a specific schedule or time frame. I am sure I will find something to do sooner or later where I can help others.

I do spend a lot of my time doing whatever I can for my family. My daughter especially has her hands full with two little ones. Sometimes just being there to listen to a family member or friends problem helps me to feel like I am helping out.