Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Underwear and After All

One of the local schools recently recognized how many children are hungry at school and sent out a note telling families about our free Monday night meals. We expected an onslaught this week, so we really kicked it into high gear. Our goal was to make 900 plates worth of food.

Every guest at our dinner is offered clean clothes. Volunteers collect requests, gather the needed clothing, and put it in a bag for the guest to take home. This week some generous soul had donated hundreds of pairs of women's cotton underwear, so before we got started with the meatloaf and mashed potatoes, we rolled panties into neat bundles, taped the bundles and wrote the sizes on the tape. We were a panty-rolling machine, I tell you.

Fingers flying, I thought about a life where you have to send your children to school hungry, a life where clean panties are a luxury. I've been needing a little perspective. Those panties provided it.

When I got home, my inbox was overflowing. Among the dozens of problems and requests was a note from an editor on my team, thanking me for my help. My job often feels like trying to dig through the center of the earth using a teaspoon. One note of appreciation, and I feel recharged and ready to go.

A couple from our bike riding group has to put down one of their dogs today. I'm off now to make some soup and rolls to leave at their front door when they get home. It's not much, but it's what I can do.

Small things make a big difference: a good meal and clean panties; a note of thanks; a bit of comfort in a sad time.

I've been trying to transform my body and my self over night. Maybe that's not necessary after all. Maybe the effort is the answer.

8 comments:

Carrie Wilson Link said...

I JUST wrote a post about my new mantra, "Slowly, slowly." Let's be slowly, slowly sisters, okay?

Steph said...

This idea of taking a perspective and appreciating what you have reminded me of this video Jenni Taylor created recently.

Please check it out...it's amazing.

Also her blog is "The Site That Breathes" on blogspot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbvzLVsqrgA

Deb Shucka said...

You and Carrie are on the same wisdom energy band right now. I love that. I love you.

luckyzmom said...

You are wonderful and I love you.

Go Mama said...

You are one awesome person! Thoughtful, considerate, gracious, generous, creative, fun, caring.

You already ARE the transformation! Love yourself.

Amber said...

Kory worked today at a children's group home. People from his company volunteer to go every few months, and this is his thrid time... He always has a sad heart when he comes home. He always has a story about a little kid our kids age, and how sad he is for them. They just play games, make cookies-- try to let them be kids. It isn't much, but it is something. Just like the clean panties and the warm meal.

I think something can go a long way. Just a little kindness.

Namaste, dear woman. I heart your heart.

:)

kario said...

You are enough.
More than enough.

Love personified.

riversgrace said...

Love your words, your life, your spirit, and the way you always show up, Jerri.

Missing you.