“There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer”. – James Doolittle
It’s National Volunteer Week! And wow are we grateful. I guess it’s ironic that someone named Doolittle said the above quote. And irony is funny if it doesn’t happen to us. We are who we are because of our volunteers. We’re a small staff of 8 and accomplish a great deal each year and we do that with you! Each of you who serve on committees, councils, our board, mail our fundraising letters, trudge, tote, or toil for Day of Caring – the list is endless! The work is somewhat endless although there are amazing success markers along the way. For those, for you, thank you!
Last week, our Women Living Leadership (WiLL) Council, held a great women’s storytelling event with two great community leaders sharing their story. They volunteered! They shared so many great insights and here are a couple of my favorite moments. Patsy Smullin said, “Sometimes you have to tell yourself the truth.” That stopped me. I learned in that moment to ask myself, what truth do I need to tell me.
Lindsay Berryman shared that she became angry and used her anger to fight city hall years ago. She did so kindly, politely, and galvanized others along the way. And she became Mayor of Medford. I loved the story to know how to use anger for good. And when asked, “How do you avoid answering a question you don’t want to answer?” She replied quickly, “Change the subject.” Good one! Now you’ll know the secret when I do that!
On Friday, I attended a most beautiful memorial service for Dorothy Schoder, otherwise known as Grandma Dorothy. I didn’t even know Grandma Dorothy’s last name and yet I knew her smile and love so well for so many years in her volunteering and loving kids at Kids Unlimited Academy and South Medford Lady Panther games. She was always there. We lost Grandma Dorothy in January this year at the impressive age of 97. One could see her love just being near her. And one could feel it too. As any wise 97 year old, she had many great sayings. My favorite will always be “Children who have love at home come to school to learn. Children who don’t have love at home come to school to be loved.”
Love really is the answer. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
Love,
