Paul is one of the neighbors I have come to know over the years. When he is able, Paul volunteers at the food bank. He is a Viet Nam War vet and one of the sweetest and kindest men I have ever known. But life has been a been a hard struggle. Illness has kept him from holding down a full time job. I had not seen Paul for nearly a year when he and his wife stopped by the food bank a couple of days before Christmas.
Paul has always been cheerful and fun to talk with. He always promises to return to volunteer when he can. Sometimes he comes back, sometimes he doesn't.
But this time when I saw Paul, the sparkle had gone out of his eyes. He has been losing weight. His clothes now hang on him. He didn't want to talk about himself though. He wanted to know about my family and how things were going around the food bank.
As we loaded up a food box for Paul and his wife, he looked at me and told me to tell everybody thank you. "You know David, we couldn't make it without this food. You know what I mean?" I know exactly what he means. Life can be brutal for people who are hungry and hurting. Sometimes the best we can do is to be a neighbor to our neighbors in need... to feed them, to love them, to hold out hope for a better year to come.
Thinking about my friend Paul, I am so grateful for neighbors who care. I am passing on Paul's message.
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| Thank you to all our volunteers who took time to help! |
