When he passed away last November, needless to say, it was a shock to our whole community. One of our dear friends, who is a fellow Rotarian, stepped up to take over the Rotary service. (Thanks, Rich! Xoxo!) That left The 5th Sunday service. Even though I was reeling from his death, I took the lead for the 5th Sunday meal. It wound up being one of the best and most healing things I could have done.

A Corporation for National & Community Service report states that “research indicates volunteering provides individual health benefits in addition to social benefits… those who volunteer have lower mortality rates… lower rates of depression…” nationalservice.gov

I can attest to this fact. Volunteering at the soup kitchen, serving the hungry and making sure they have food in their bellies has made me feel useful and connected. It gives me an opportunity to be creative and bring family and friends together in a common purpose. Plus it makes me feel, in a way, that we are keeping my husband alive, at least in memory. He feels close when we are cooking and serving meals to the needy in the community.

2016 will mark a new phase in this mission- I will be taking the lead in the Rotary service, and hope to continue to expand my feeling of accomplishment, connectedness, and creativity. I would never have wanted to gain this experience without Larry standing next to me, guiding and encouraging me. It would have been so much better to do it with him there. But I actually feel he has my back from heaven and smiles down, sending his blessing on every plate of food we serve.

I miss you so much, sweetheart- I hope I am doing you proud!