Day in the Life

'Tis the Season for Giving

We had a death in the family. There was to be an estate sale and I was given the task of cleaning out the closets at the property. My daughter Elizabeth, who was 10 at the time, and I loaded up the car with bags and bags of warm clothes, socks, blankets and most importantly, a dozen assorted winter coats. Our destination - The Preble Street Resource Center. It was an uncharacteristically warm day in February with temps hitting the 50’s, so warm that I had taken off my jacket as we continued with the day’s errands. But cold temps were coming. The weather forecasted an arctic blast heading our way. I felt the urgency of this delivery of  “warmth” to those that so desperately needed it. 

We arrived at Preble Street and found parking to be at a premium. After several drive-bys, we finally pulled into a space that really wasn’t a parking space but would have to do. I ran into the center and explained that I had a full car load of donations, was illegally parked and needed help to unload.  A staff member directed 3 men to assist and quickly the car was emptied and we were on our way. Before we took off, each of the 3 men, with hair disheveled and sorely in need of shaves and showers, took a moment to genuinely thank us for the donations, one even shaking our hands, both my daughter's and mine. We were touched by their simple gratitude. We were happy to know that at least 12 folks would be a little warmer that night, with their new coats. 

The sun was beginning to set and the darkness brought a cold chill. I gave a quick shudder and then reached around my car seat to get my coat but couldn’t feel it. I had placed it on the back of my seat and it must have dropped to the floor.  I turned to my daughter and asked her to retrieve my jacket. She leaned over, took a quick look and returned back to her position in the front seat.  She is smiling. I ask again, a bit impatiently, could she please grab my coat and hand it to me?  Her smile is now a full face grin. AND THEN IT HITS ME.  My coat, my L.L. Bean coat …. Is gone. Apparently, it too got donated to the Preble Street Resource Center.

Now, totally laughing, my daughter looks at me and says “Mom, you have always taught me to be willing to give the shirt off my back to someone in need …. I guess that goes for coats too.”

This has been a stressful year for all, made even more dire during the holiday season. Please remember those less fortunate that need our help. Be willing to reach out and share your resources, yes, even an L.L. Bean coat.