The Chore program identifies homeowners who are elderly or living with a disability and unable to carry out house chores and outdoor upkeep, and pairs them with volunteers who perform these necessary tasks, allowing those in need to remain in their houses and keep their independence. It is a great program that brings communities together, relying on the kindness of neighbors to keep those that are struggling in their homes.
There is no better way to know community than by serving it!
And so the Spotted Owls drove east around Lake Whatcom, discussing the concept of safety nets as we made our way to Gerald's home in Sudden Valley. We talked about what safety nets are, and brainstormed on why/when one would especially need support. Then we considered who makes up our personal safety nets (family, friends, neighbors, school, Explorers Club), and our community ones (the Food Bank, Lighthouse Mission, Humane Society, Search and Rescue, the Chore Program).
Arriving at Gerald's house, we heard from the Chore program coordinator what Gerald needed from us: window washing, stair scrubbing, and lots of leaf raking. Meeting Gerald, we learned that he has mobility challenges, and that he spent his career teaching art (he explained that the bust in the garden - which we assumed was of a famous person - was of him, done by a former student).
As we set to work, we ooo-ed and ahh-ed over Gerald's ceramic pieces, hiding under bushes and atop stones, pieces he'd relegated to the garden as castoffs, but which we regarded as treasures! Some girls carefully scrubbed each found piece - others scrubbed stairs, washed windows, and the rest worked enthusiastically to rake every last leaf on lawn (with predominantly maple trees overhead, there were a lot!).
After a few hours of nonstop effort, Gerald came back out on his porch to survey our work, and teared up as he gave thanks. We in turn shared our gratitude to him, and admiration for his art. Gerald than offered a piece of pottery to each one of us, one-of-a-kind creations to take home and treasure. Safety nets are reciprocal - they satisfy both the server and the served!
We ended our day with lunch and conversation alongside Lake Louise, and shared our own circle of thanks for the day and its measures of magic and meaning.
Words of the Day? "Doing Our Part, From the Heart, Receiving Art... from Gerald"
Mottos in Use Today: Attitude of gratitude, Our Cups Overflow, Safety First, Many Hands Make Light Work, Walk Your Talk, You See It You Own It, Grasp the Nettle.
