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October 16, 2013

Wednesday's Child - My Brother's Keeper


When I was a young girl, I used to think about what I wanted to do when I grew up. At first I wanted to be a teacher, and then as a child of the 1960s watching television, I discovered something called the Peace Corps.  I didn’t know it at the time, but it was an ambitious new social program started by the Kennedy administration.  I wanted to go places, see things and help people in far away lands who could not help themselves without me to teach them.  I knew right away joining that organization was exactly what I wanted to do.   

I excitedly ran to my mother and told her I wanted to join the Peace Corps!  She smiled and told me no.  The reality was I, a child, was too young.  I had to be grown and go to college before they would accept me.  I was disappointed, but not for long.  The ’60s moved right along into the 1970s and I moved too, forgetting all about my aspirations to join the Peace Corps.

It wasn’t until in the 1980s when I was grown, married, and already had three children that I realized I would liked to have been a missionary.  But, missionaries went over seas, didn’t they?  I couldn’t leave my family to help other families in need.  The reality was I had too many responsibilities; my children needed me more than the rest of the world did, so I put the thoughts of being a missionary out of my mind and went on with my life. 

By the 1990s my family was just about grown and I started searching my soul again.  Missionary work seemed to be out of the question so I looked in another direction.  By the turn of the 21st century things seemed to be changing. Hurricanes happened on the east coast and forest fires burned in the west. Natural disasters were happening all over the United States.  I always wanted to go to those places and volunteer any services I could, but my life in the midwest kept me tied here.  I worked in mental health services and with juvenile placement; my children graduated high schools and colleges.

I knew I was never going to exotic lands, not as a missionary; not even for a vacation.  I watched as friends and relatives went to all the faraway places I had always dreamed of while making do with the postcards and pictures they sent.  I also knew I would never be a missionary in the traditional sense because my calling is to teach and work with those around me.  The people I have worked with, been friends with and those I have counseled or in some way touched my life have made all of the difference.  I don’t know if I would have been truly rewarded had things been different.  It doesn’t really matter.  I just continue to do as I am called upon.

And now, one of those ways I can help is with the World Wide Web, and to ask you to click on the link and take a look. A designer of crochet patterns is donating all the proceeds from her very popular lovey blankie to help out a family in need. Please read their story and allow your heart to speak to you.

2 comments:

  1. Gosh Wendy you inspire me! As I too couldn't do these things either, I too am doing what I was called to do and help people in need. I am inspired to "pay it forward" When someone helps me, I help them, in turn I ask them to help someone else in need, be it great or small. Thank you so much for being your "brothers keeper" we need more of this in this world. I am blessed to have you as my friend! Gloria

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  2. i agree i pray that GOD gives all the blessings and courage to all the people that are caring for Rachel and that our government find a way to get her all the medical help that she needs without worrying on how to pay for it we find ways to help when disaster arises lets find a way to help rachel

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