Traditions …

Renee spoke to the girls about the elderly that are living in nursing homes as she used to work in one for many years. Many of them either no longer have family around or are quarantined away from loved ones since they are some of the worlds most vulnerable when it comes to the pandemic. She was able to explain that although they live together they can sometimes feel very alone. Much like a group home. And some of the girls can relate by knowing those feelings of loneliness all too well.

Some of us used Renee’s extensive collection of stamps to create our cards while others used the Cricut cutouts that had special messages of hope and love. There were fun bright stickers washi tape and lots of sweet notes and sentiments about keep on going and not giving up.

The girls were so animated and talked up a storm while we made cards. You could tell they were having fun and really enjoyed it. They tell us each time how they like to create things. Lucky for us, that is right up Renee’s alley!

Abby, Renee’s daughter is now able to be there for workshops since changing jobs. She’s 22 but looks 16. The girls seem to gravitate towards her because she has such a bubbly personality, is 1000% genuine and just has a way with people. She makes them feel at ease and you can tell she got her mommas love of service.

The girls love Suzette and her sassiness! She gets right in there and gets them talking. Being an avid hugger, she doles them out every single time. There a some that are a bit prickly but she is wearing them down! She wants them to know love and that they are safe with her.

Anna always brings the fun when she comes and always has food! She made cards right alongside the girls. We can depend on Anna for awesome ideas on workshops and snacks. We missed both her and Holly last month during our workshop.

Holly, our fearless leader, helps keep us all in line and stays up to date on what’s going on at the house. She’s our main line to the volunteer coordinator that helps us keep our workshops on the calendar.

We have a terrific group of volunteers!

I read some of the notes in the cards and oh my heart these girls are so sweet. One young woman even mentioned to give her card to the one that’s hurting the most. She looked me dead in the eye and said with such conviction and seriousness that she wants them to know that someone loves them. I wondered later what trauma and horrors her heart has known. Did someone love her like that? And it broke me to pieces.

I know the residents will adore these as much as I do. We plan to drop them off this week to one of the local homes. They will feel a little bit of love from an unexpected place and sometimes that’s the best kind.