Giving.

In some way we have all given our time for something where we were not paid or compensated in any way besides a “thank you” for helping out. Some people do it on a regular basis, some because it’s an obligation that comes with being part of an organization, team or some other group where your help is needed and/or expected.

I can say with all honesty, we are not big volunteers; it’s not as if we don’t want to help, we just for some reason are not asked on a regular basis to volunteer. Sure we help out in watching other people’s kids for play dates, or helping someone move something within their home, garden, or whatever---but as far as being in an organization where we are a permanent fixture, that’s not us.

But there are many who do give and they do it on a regular basis. My wife’s ex-husband Bill is disabled; he lives in a nursing home. There are a number of people from the church he attends that help him by bringing him to church, men’s club, or other events where his attendance is something they like and want him to be there. There is one guy, his name is Rob, who is probably the nicest person I have met from the group. Rob always has a smile on his face, is always there to help when he can, and never and I mean never forgets his “personal” obligation to helping Bill.

Rob is a really good guy.

This coming fall we will be photographing a number of football teams in the local area; whereas we are being compensated for our shooting, we have volunteers (Mom’s and Dad’s) who will be helping during the photo shoots happening on those hot August days. They don’t have to, they want to. This past weekend during the swim meet from hell, there were volunteers who worked for 8+ hours helping kids find where they were supposed to be before during and after the race. Compared to what we had to do as a volunteer parent---we put stickers on ribbons the kids won---we should be penalized for lack of effort or praised for getting the easiest job. 

Volunteering in some way always feels good; it might not at the time you are doing it, but when you are through and heading home to an air-conditioned or comfortable home, you can’t help but smile knowing you did something for the common good.

The photo above was taken last weekend during the fire that destroyed a garage to a neighbor’s home. What you would not know is we have an all-volunteer fire department where we live. Yes, they have state of the art equipment, and yes they are trained, but they are not compensated. They care about the community and they will drop everything and anything to help out---even risking their lives. For those men and women, in comparison with my helping to place stickers on winning ribbon, I have two words for you. “Thank you.”

Thanks for stopping by.