Tangible, memorable, real experiences have the most impact on our lives. Even now, take a moment to remember an experience that encouraged you, exhilarated you, gave you joy…and to this day you remember its impact. Perhaps it set you in a new direction, made a lasting friendship, or released your gift of writing, art, or song.
One Christmas my three-year old granddaughter came to visit. I wanted to give her a tangible, real, impacting experience. She loves art and creating masterpieces for my frig. On Christmas Eve we decided to decorate some foam stars with colored markers and all kinds of glitter. It was messy and wonderful fun.
On Christmas afternoon, we took our stars to a local nursing home. I prepared her for what she would see and the people she would meet. Hand-in-hand we walked the halls singing carols as Lili gave out the stars to the patients in beds and wheelchairs. At first, she was reluctant, but then came the hugs and the smiles. She wanted to stay the whole day.
Lili is five now, and whenever we pass someone in a wheelchair, she wants to stop and help them, talk to them, and sing to them. She is not afraid.
“VOLUNTEER…give your child the experience of helping others” is the winning word we are giving out in December. DFCC is passing out winning word magnets to parent pick-up lines at three elementary schools. This is now our fourth round of the winning words outreach, and I am getting more and more time to speak to and encourage parents and grandparents of precious elementary school children.
To volunteer is an adventure that comes in many forms and experiences. It softens the heart, takes attention off self, values the needs of others…
…costs nothing…
…yet is priceless…
…a win-win for everyone.
Rachel Struebing, RN – Elementary Prevention Coordinator Drug Free Charlotte County