The gifts of charity have never been so evident than they were this past week while helping a bit over 60 homeless persons within The Loop of Chicago. There’s the obvious benefit from the donations of food, medicines and clothes to those on the streets. Above all basics, there was a continued necessity for medical attention in the form of severe infections, recent amputations, malnutrition and such.
What I didn’t expect was the emotional exchanges. I found that with such quiet moments of sadness and vulnerability coupled with the gratitude of personal contact, you can’t help but feel that you’re in a special place doing something important. It’s a long way of saying, I felt blessed for the opportunity for such intimate relations; it’s not somethings I’ve experienced prior.
And then there’s the growing connections that we’re making with those donating. Friendships, broadening perspectives and the commonality of service. I hope I have the continued opportunity to do this.
Thank you so much, Tonya Calvert, Bill Calvert, Jean Grys, Cindy Eberly Quiles, Teresa Bruck, Missy Ranney, Jennifer Oberle Schaltz and Carey Stu Alexander.
