The route that ends at someone’s front door
A meal delivery route is measured in miles, stops and minutes. To the person waiting at the end of it, the real measure may be whether somebody remembered them.
Your newspaper recently reported that Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels routes in Hinsdale and Keene. The request reminds us that a program’s value depends on people willing to carry out dependable, ordinary work.
After a stroke in March 1992 left my left side paralyzed, I learned how a simple daily task can become difficult. I also learned that receiving help should never mean surrendering dignity. A good volunteer listens, respects privacy and treats the person at the door as a neighbor rather than an assignment.
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan makes compassion practical. The Samaritan saw a person in need, stopped and arranged continuing care. His kindness did not end with sympathy.
I live in Colorado, not Hinsdale or Keene, though my wife is from your area. I cannot speak for local recipients or volunteers. But I hope readers able to serve will consider the importance of a regular commitment. Those who cannot drive might help another way through an appropriate local organization.
A meal nourishes a person for a day. The knowledge that someone will reliably return can nourish hope as well.