We celebrated our anniversary with soft words, small gifts, and a warm love that has been woven through our lives since the day We met.
I can't even write adequately about the past few days. Second Harvest sent a truckload of food. We were still trying to sort out the Center, but I was able to get volunteers to give up their Saturday. We stocked many shelves and filled fridges and our big freezer.
There was more than we could receive with no electricity, so Winn Dixie agreed to hold the refrigerated items until yesterday when the lights came back on. The fire fighters even picked up one of our freezers filled with meat and loaded it onto on a huge truck and plugged it in at their station. How's that for good neighbors?!
A church gave us a gift of $2500 for food and I went today to Winn Dixie and thanked the manager who helped us. I told him about the gift and that I wanted to spend it in his store, so we walked around and ordered tuna, hot cereal, rice, potatoes, pasta, and some other much-needed items. It will all be in on Tuesday!
At 4:30 today, I received a call that there was an extra truck filled with food for disaster relief. It needed a home. I jumped on it! I made a few phone calls and texts, and now have a crew of pickup-driving dudes who will help load, transport, and offload the food.
Because We need more refrigeration space so desperately, Stabb and I dashed over to Lowe's and purchased 2 new fridges. The salesmen called without telling me, and spoke to a manager who discounted them to $400 each when they heard what it was for! Just WOW! I've been choked up for a week. Soooo many good people out there. The fridges get delivered tomorrow and will hold blessed, blessed bacon and eggs! We NEVER have bacon and eggs. It makes me cry...the families who come for food will be so happy.
I hope Images reads this. I received one of the best compliments I have ever received today. I was explaining all this to a board member tonight and he said, "I was in the Marines, and I want to tell you...you're a Marine." Of course, I'm not. I can't even conceptualize the life of a soldier, but the way he delivered those kind words will stay with me forever.
For me, the way everything dovetailed together speaks to the providence of God and the love of people. I never cease to marvel at the selflessness of people. How many more times can I say that I am so grateful? I pray that numbers go that high!
COMMENTS
When there was the horrific earthquake in Japan last year that killed thousands and thousands- a close friend of mine was there cleaning up in the aftermath and bringing food and water to the Japanese. He would post about how emotional it was and how resilient and honorable the Japanese were. Many people commented on his page that he was a hero, and he said, "I'm not a hero, this is just my job." I told him I understood, being a Marine *is* his job, but you aren't directed to *care*. He had a job and was also giving his heart to it.
That's what that Marine meant in saying that to you. And I know it's true. Thank you for not just doing your job, but caring along with it.
Your friend nailed it. It is emotional when time after time you see honorable and selfless people responding to need. It quite literally brings you to your knees. Probably where I need to be, anyway. :)
The world is blesses by people like you who do more than just react. Togo above and inspire humane behavior is the true meaning of community.
:) The people in that area need all the blessings the gods can send. Glad to know that you and your team are in the middle of it.
You embody all the goodness this world lacks; I hope you know that Joli.
People see that, feel it and respond to it in kind.
Kindness is contagious.
Thank you.
Birra said it. You inspire folk to do their bit because you radiate with goodwill x
A true social worker as well. The work you do is what the profession was built on. Kudos! Hugs too!!
When I hear the phrase "love thy neighbor" I automatically picture you beside it. With all the good you do you also inspire other including some of us here online to think about and do more for others. Leading and loving by example is your greatest gift.
COMMENTS
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BLOODLIFE
10:38 Sep 08 2012
Happy anniversary. Wishing you a lifetime full of the same sentiments you write here.
Vampirewitch39
18:34 Sep 08 2012
:) Glad to see Stabb found the one, and that you was it.
Elemental
22:44 Sep 08 2012
Yeah for anniversaries of happy things!!
ThothLestat
15:34 Sep 10 2012
Congrats!
MistakenMuse
06:16 Sep 11 2012
Lucky are the ones who find love. To many more, cheers.
birra
01:47 Sep 18 2012
:)
I'm happy for my friends.
Joli
05:00 Sep 18 2012
Thank you all so much!