If you can, do
Posted on December 10, 2019
I enjoy helping others and making people happy. In return it does so much for my spirit and brings me such joy to know I made a difference. When I can, I try give back to my family, friends and community.
Here are some examples of ways I try to make a difference.
Family
My mom will be 90 years old this March. I spend quality time with her every other weekend. Take her out to lunch and the Dollar Store (her favorite). I love sharing these precious moments with her.
I have two children that serve in US Air Force active duty, Special Tactics Division. When they are deployed I send care packages, enough to share with their team, and lots of prayers that they make it home safely.
My daughter had a new baby (Jack) and had to move all within the first two months of his young life. It is hard enough being a new mom for the first time, but to be in Florida with no family to help was a huge stress for my daughter. I knew I needed to help so I took a week vacation to help her. I cleaned, painted and did yard work to get her ready to get her house ready to sell. As luck would have it, the first day on the market, the first person that viewed her home, bought it! They are staying with me now through the holidays waiting for the closing on their new home in North Carolina.
My grandkids, I adore each and every one. I spend as much time as I can teach them to cook, help with school work, provide rides, clothes or whatever they may need. My husband and I are there for them and they know it. There’s nothing like a call or text from a grandchild asking if they can come over!
Friends
This past fall, friends of the family lost their home to a fire. They had to relocate to an apartment. I donated silverware, pots and pans, towels, blankets, furniture, food, anything that I could let go of to help them set up a temporary home. I also gave them money to help them get settled. They are working with their insurance company and hope to rebuild. The fire inspector determined it was an electrical fire – if a surge protector shuts off – go out and buy a new one!
Very sad news this past fall, a life-long friend of mine was diagnosed with ALS. I’ve been spending more time with her, coordinating meals and donations to help her family. A go-fund me page also was set up for her and I made a donation.
Community
This year, I participated in the United Way Day of Caring at Square One. A team of Health New England associates thoroughly cleaned the Square One facility on Main Street in Springfield. Great group of people who care about our community. We cleaned walls, carpets, toys, windows, we did it all. Square One appreciated all our hard work.
The military holds a dear place in my heart, having two children in the Air Force. So when I heard the story of Air Force Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff lost after parachute deployed, I made sure to make a donation to the Condiff’s go-fund me page. Thus far, $112,708 has been raised to help support the fallen soldier’s wife and two young children.
I also purchased a new car at Steve Lewis Subaru. Through my purchase I choose to donated $250 in my name to Cooley Dickinson Children’s Unit.
Wishing you all a happy holiday. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
-Judy C.
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