A Child's Advocate: August 2012

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Profile of a Volunteer

I wanted to shine some light on a wonderful lady I know. I'd rather leave her anonymous because the work she performs is in anonymity through several organizations. She is someone I met long ago through mutual work. At that time I had no idea she was involved in so many endeavors to help others. When I realized her passions and how busy her schedule was I could not believe that aside from her full time position (of already helping others) she was dashing to and from meetings with other organizations and volunteering whenever she received the chance to.

Her volunteer efforts were many, but I can tell you that she fought fearlessly for those who could fight for themselves, especially children and the elderly. I remember her lunch breaks would be spent working on grants and researching factual information for speeches. She was able to excuse herself early and come in late to her full time position due to her wonderful advocacy work. This was helpful in her ventures to advocate, which she often reminded me of.

I have read the letters and seen her image in the paper in regards to a couple of advocacy works she has done. However, she always has wanted to remain in the backdrop. She would tell me that an advocate never makes themselves more noticeable than the people they are advocating for. It really hits home now and it really makes sense. I would ask her when she would be done and retire. She would answer back, when children can go to bed at night without being scared and when our elderly can feel like they did back in the 50’s (referring to leaving doors unlocked and feeling safe). Sadly, this may never be a truth but we can continue to help just that one more child out there to feel safe and to make it a better tomorrow.

I took away from this brave, strong, faithful woman, that fighting for someone else makes changes that can continue to ripple. I took away that my presence on this Earth was not merely to be, but to be here in the now and reach out to someone. I saw her toil and I felt her anger when things were not up to par in her book. She did not just sit there and be angry; instead she decided to take those extra steps to make a better and brighter day for children, their families, and the elderly. She is someone I can think about and look up to. She is an advocate.

Personal Childhood Web

Terry- A neighbour of mine when I was a teenager. She was like a big sister in a way and treated me like my age instead of like a small child. I could confide in her and she helped me through a sticky situation when I was in high school. She taught me that although things seemed bad at the time and like there was no possible way out, that all things end eventually. That thought has helped me through some tough times in my life.
Chris- My brother. Chris joined the service when I was young, but when I'd visit him he never ceased to congratulate a grade or a new step in my life. He is someone who gives appreciation and shows admiration to everyone. He is intense to learn more about you and to help you feel better about yourself along the way. He carries my favorite trait which is sometimes hard to find- common sense. I hope I have gathered at least a handful of his knowledge and kindness along the way. His open heart and courage to do good is a constant reminder to me that there is more to people than meets the eye.
Kathy- A friend of my mother's, she was and still is someone who tells it like it is. She would never hide anything about the truth to me and she was comical in telling it. If I had a question, Kathy had a straightforward answer. Still to this day Kathy will not hesitate to give meaningful opinions and life lessons to me. I don't call her enough, but I do think of her constantly especially when life throws me a curve ball and I make some kind of joke out of it!
Louise- A friend of my mother's, she was someone I could tell things to that I was afraid to tell my mom. She would comfort me and let me know I was normal and tried to figure out ways to help me in any situation. She stayed calm and optimistic and I always admired those traits about her that I wish I could have found at home. Louise has definitely taught me to stay true to myself and not try to change to meet another's needs. She's also taught me positivity lasts longer and doesn't create as many wrinkles.
Melanie- She was a childhood friend who had a stable family life and was very intelligent. She helped me study and she helped me see past what other's thought to find out what I thought. Melanie is someone who I assume went on to become some kind of life changing scientist. She showed me dedication, and for a young child to see a peer unafraid of committment to something left a lasting impression.