Little (big) Gifts

My birthday was February 2nd. It was a Saturday, and I really didn’t expect many people from The Dale community to know or remember, considering that I didn’t shout it from the rooftops! However, to my surprise, I was greeted on the Monday after my birthday with three little gifts that filled my heart in a big way.

“Joe” came right up to me as I was making the coffee for drop-in and said “Happy Birthday, Darling!” in his booming voice, and handed me a mixture of things he found that he thought I would like. In the bag were mostly toiletries, and he said he hoped I could find some use in them! LOL I think that was part of his cheeky humour coming out.

“Sarah” gifted me a little surprise, gently wrapped in a sock. Upon unwrapping it, I discovered a beautiful porcelain turtle. She said she had found it on a shelf in her home and wanted to give it to me for my birthday because she knows how much I love turtles – oh, to be known so deeply that little details stick. I was really touched. Below is a photo of my new little turtle friend…

My turtle.

Finally, a crew of our steady volunteer kitchen ladies presented me with a sweet and encouraging card that they all signed with a little jar of homemade crab apple jelly. One of the ladies had picked the crab apples from down the road of where we hold drop-in and made them into jam. A labour of love and a gift from the heart.

I am truly loved and blessed by my friends. To remember the day I came to life and to present me with such thoughtful, beautiful gifts… these are the kind of gestures that make me feel warm and fuzzy when I think of community. Of course being in community has it’s ups and downs. But the “ups” are so, so beautiful and really make me feel grateful that God called me to do this work.

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It would mean so much to me if you were able to partner financially with The Dale to support my role within this ministry. There are a number of ways to do this, including CanadaHelps, PAR, or cheque. Please reach out to me if you would like more information on partnering with me in this way. Thanks for your support!