The service was tailor made for my friend.
Two of her favorite singers performed two of her favorite songs. To say the singing was angelic is not testament to the fact I was in a place of worship. This gal's voice soared and would give Celine Dion a run for her money. Okay, Celine isn't really a good example, but you get my point.
The pastor quoted scripture directly from my friends personal bible. Passages that she herself had underlined and dated, frozen in that specific moment in time. I found it lovely how she had just as many sticky notes, notes in the margins and pieces of paper jammed between the pages of her bible. You can take the educator out of the classroom but you can't take the educator out of the educator.
Afterward as we made our way home and the sun was shining through the clouds drying the tears that had somehow leaked during the service, I found myself thinking of all of the good works she had been know to do and the turn out of people she had at her visitation and funeral service. I'd seen fewer people at rock concerts.
Well, it made me question why I had stopped my service of volunteerism. When I was in the Navy I had been very involved with the Red Cross chapters at the bases where I was stationed. I was certified to teach CPR and conducted this class once a month.
I also volunteered for a navy program called Saturday Scholars. We went to the schools on base and worked with kids who were having difficulty in subjects as tutors. It was a fun and rewarding experience. Working in conjunction with the teachers to get these students excited about school.
I think I want to get back to that. Find something I can be passionate about now and dedicate some time to it. I have been revisiting going back to the Red Cross and even volunteering as a Guardian At Lit. I am doing some research right now to see what would be the best fit for me and my time. I don't have a lot of it, but I would like to make the most of what I do have.
Any suggestions?
I was a Guardian volunteer many years ago. Its a wonderful program and these children really need an advocate. It can be very time consuming depending on the child you are assigned. I stopped because of my job at RMG. You need to be at their court appearances and all of these happen during the day, so if its hard to get away during business hours take that into consideration. If you have the flexibility go for it. Just an FYI. Another great organization would be Favor House. Working with women who are trying to get out of violent home situations.
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