Much has changed this year so far. For the younger people reading this, life is full of opportunity and the excitement felt as you look forward to experiencing relationships with friends, maybe growing a family and a career give you much hope. Revel in it for before you know it, you will be looking over your shoulder wondering where your life and all the opportunities that you put off until tomorrow went. Many of us find that the tomorrow that we long for never comes because of changing priorities and life’s demands. That’s not what you wanted, but it is the hand that life dealt you.
This summer, reality hit me up alongside my head. A good friend and active trustee in this chapter was diagnosed with cancer and in less than 60 days later, he was gone. A short time later another dear friend unexpectedly passed away. I have always been one to help other people and all of a sudden I began to question what am I doing for me? What am I doing for and with my family? These are all good questions that if you have not yet been faced with them, you will one day. I have come to understand that there are two kinds of people in this world, givers and takers! Losing my friends caused me to evaluate where I am going from here on out. It is good and healthy to evaluate the path that you are on from time to time throughout your life.
Many of our members are up in years and the older we get, the smaller our sphere of influence gets. A decision was made to contact many of our older members that we had not heard from in quite some time and let them know that we care and if there is anything they need, don’t hesitate to ask. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One widow commented how touched she was that someone she didn’t personally know cared. Another’s spirits were raised that we took the time to check on him that he asked if there was anything he could do for us. Genuine concern for others is and always has been a life blood of this chapter.
Do you care? Would you have a few hours a month to help a widow or older member? Maybe just play a game of cards with someone or a game of chess or just talk with someone who hasn’t had anyone to talk to since their spouse died. I guarantee that while the one receiving the attention will appreciate it tremendously, you will actually benefit much more than you can imagine.
If any of this strike a chord with you, give me a call at 541-601-8467. I guarantee you that you won’t regret it.