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The second thing that kept rolling through my thoughts was the parallels of my life experiences and my volunteer experiences. As my life transitioned through various phases so has my volunteer service. One of my earliest memories about service is picking up debris in a public park with lots of other little girls donning Brownie beanies and sashes. When I tutored fellow students with special challenges as a ‘tween, I learned much more from them than I ever imparted to them. The time I spent doing chores, like shopping errands or cleaning, for seniors who were no longer capable of doing for themselves most certainly kept me grounded as a young adult with the new freedoms a driver’s license brings. When my daughter died, a support group of wonderful volunteers helped me tremendously. Years later I found myself leading this same group reach out to other women faced with the tragedy of losing a child. As the homeroom mom my heart swelled with pride over the years as my son, daughter and hundreds of my classroom kids glued and glittered their way through countless field trips, holiday plays and cupcake parties. Every hour I’ve spent working with homeless families, every can good donated, every child I’ve weighed and measured at a free clinic is the only way I have to pay back the kindness of strangers who gave me and my children shelter, food and kept us well during a nasty divorce. A few years ago I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. I was also morbidly obese and suffering from many obesity related conditions. There were many wonderful people and organizations who offered me support every step of my long and sometimes difficult journey to the good health I enjoy today. The more I learned about diabetes, the more I was determined to help other people struggling as I once had. I am absolutely passionate about wellness, helping each other achieve it, and supporting all efforts to find a cure for diabetes. Whether it’s riding in the Tour de Cure, blogging for Diabetessisters, raising awareness through public speaking or one on one to those who seek me – they are all just small things, done with great love. Take a moment reflect on your life experience, what are you passionate about? Ask yourself “what small things can I do with great love?” Please let us know what you come with, you never know who you may inspire! |
