Art has been enjoying his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels for the past several months and has gotten to enjoy the people he brings meals to. His duty is not just to bring the hot meals to people who are unable to prepare meals themselves, but to check on them to make sure they are doing well.
He's found that many of his "clients" are happy to see him and love to talk to him. He came home the other day with gifts that one woman insisted on giving him.
They were a jar of pickled green mangoes and a papaya from the tree in her backyard that she happily showed him.
At first he said she should give them to one of her friends or relatives, but she insisted he accept them.
She'd given him a papaya before and couldn't wait to hear if he'd enjoyed it.
Art has learned that many of these lovely people don't want to just accept his volunteer services without some acknowledgement of their appreciation.
He finds pleasure in doing what he can to help and in accepting these little tokens, he allows them to feel that pleasure of giving too.
It's really a win-win, loving situation.
He's found that many of his "clients" are happy to see him and love to talk to him. He came home the other day with gifts that one woman insisted on giving him.
At first he said she should give them to one of her friends or relatives, but she insisted he accept them.
She'd given him a papaya before and couldn't wait to hear if he'd enjoyed it.
Art has learned that many of these lovely people don't want to just accept his volunteer services without some acknowledgement of their appreciation.
He finds pleasure in doing what he can to help and in accepting these little tokens, he allows them to feel that pleasure of giving too.
It's really a win-win, loving situation.
What a lovely exchange from grateful folks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could introduce your papaya tree to their papaya tree, to help it bear fruit strong enough to fight the birds?
Nice work, Mr. Art.
DrumMajor
Lucky are the people on Art's route.
ReplyDeleteRon could not give enough stuff away to his caregivers. It made him feel wonderful when they would take the trinkets. He gave one fellow some very valuable fishing lures.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet. I understand why they appreciate Art. I do, too, and I've never even met him! :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for Art, he is a real role model!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to remember that they do not want to be takers but exchangers as we all want to be. Art does this because he feels he is making an important contribution and those people he meets want to feel the same way, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteWhen my uncle retired he went right back at it, driving a local area bus to transport seniors to doctors and appointments. He filled that in with meals on wheels. The need is great.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful service Art is doing, both in bringing meals and visiting and in letting them show their appreciation to him in ways they can.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, we're not supposed to accept gifts, but really, it means something to the clients to do so! It is difficult for some to accept help and support. Good for your hubby!
ReplyDeletedidn't know they made pickled mangoes
ReplyDeletea great use of retirement time-helping others!
ReplyDeleteMeals-on-Wheels is such a great good for so many who would not eat without it. Good for Art taking on this task. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI think that's great -- a great use of retirement time, indeed!! And what a great feeling for the people getting food and getting to know Art and a beautiful experience for Art as well! Both of you are such wonderful, caring people!!! Hope you have a lovely week, Kay!!
ReplyDeleteArt sounds like an awesome soul...someone we could all take a lesson from.
ReplyDeleteI have said it before but I will repeat--Art is a real keeper. What a bright spot he must be in so many lives. Kudos Art.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, wonderful Art.
ReplyDeleteAloha
Yes, what a lovely thing giving and getting are.
ReplyDeletePlease ask Art to double check that the food recipient can actually open the packages. Our friend Duck got Meals on Wheels,but he couldn't open the hot meal, couldn't figure it out or didn't have the strength. He just threw them away. All he got to eat each day was the cold sandwich and fruit.
These meals are pretty easy to open. It's just shrink wrapped with frozen dinner type plastic. They can peel it off or poke a hole in it with a fork. They're quite tasty too.
DeleteWhat a wonderful exchange of brotherly love and kindness between Art and his clients.
ReplyDeleteMy parents had Meals on Wheels delivered to them for a while, but they were only opening one and sharing it, then putting the other in the freezer, where it remained, forgotten.
I love the idea of Art delivering Meals on Wheels. Perhaps this is something Dick might consider doing when his refereeing days are over. I want him to stop refereeing football right away, perhaps just doing basketball, but he says the high schools have trouble getting football referees. I'm sure I understand why. Football players are so likely to knock referees over. Meals on Wheels clients very seldom knock down their caregivers.
K
Art is doing a wonderful thing and it is so true that those who receive also feel the need to give.
ReplyDeleteMeals on Wheels is really important work. I know one person who receives the surface who has lost his vision but is otherwise apparently healthy. I am beginning to question whether I eat right. Hunger does not seem to drive me until 4:00 in the afternoon. Never turn down a gift. Demur but accept.
ReplyDeleteAi yi yi! SERVICE not surface. And I was the spelling bee pride of Miss Stannard in Fifth Grade!?
DeleteA lot of times the computer "self corrects" words without me noticing. I have no doubts whatsoever of your spelling expertise, Champ.
DeleteWell, some of the nicest people in the world live in the Islands, like Art and the people he helps look after.
ReplyDeleteWay-To-Go-Art, what an inspiring thing you are doing! My hat's off to you not only for the great job you are doing by volunteering but, also for helping to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Keep up the good work, Art!
ReplyDeleteKay, you must be soooo proud! Enjoy yourselves, you two.
Art is performing a valuable service, not just in delivering the meals, but in being a caring friend to lonely people.
ReplyDeleteGratitude for goodness. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteHi Kay, We certainly appreciated the delivery of meals to our parents here on Kaua'i. The fact that Art is a volunteer is inspiring. So many positive facets to this hubby of yours. Holly
ReplyDeleteHello cuz! Yes, there's a lot of positive at Art's core. He was definitely my keeper.
DeleteI'm sure Art is a blessing to those he visits. Those who have little still want to give and feel worthwhile when they can. My mom delivered meals on wheels until she was 83,and it gave her many stories to tell!
ReplyDeleteHow very sweet, a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThis warmed my heart.. Thank you Art...
ReplyDelete