February 27, 2010 @ 10:46 pm

Full and Fulfilled

On hot summer days in Country Club Estates, as a child, I along with Ashlee, Lesley and Melinda, would yearn to hear ringing, the ringing bells that first would sound before shortly seeing a truck. This was no ordinary truck. It was the Ice Cream Truck, and as a youngster, it was what we on Culpepper Drive considered to be the Mecca. As the three of us ran to the window, Lesley not far behind, I quickly scanned the side of the door for new products. Then as I handed the man my crisp dollar bill and received my go-to treat, the incomparable red, white and blue Firecracker, I wished for no more in life.
I thought about that today as I was preparing food for Meals on Wheels in Albuquerque. I know that my story was maybe light, a bit funny, and please don’t confuse my silly introduction as to my not recognizing the seriousness of what this great organization provides. It’s just that I know the people who receive the food I prepared today, must be able to relate to the feelings I had as that young child, just on a totally different level. For me it was fun, something exciting on an otherwise uneventful day. For them it’s survival, it’s security, it’s the realization that people care.
After walking in and being greeted by Nick, one of the nicest guys you’d ever hope to meet, I grabbed an apron and a hairnet (which I must say is a great look for me), and I listened carefully to the instructions I was given. I was quite nervous at first as I thought I’d be making casseroles or dealing with the meats, which let’s be honest, is not my forte. I was relieved however to find that I would be mixing the ingredients for Mustard Potato Salad, and then I would separate the homemade salad into individual containers for delivery. I’d also be divvying up the banana pudding, though I wouldn’t be responsible for making it, whhew!).
As my partner in crime, Allen, grabbed the mixing shovel (I’m pretty sure they call it a spoon but it was almost the size of me, so I’m not so sure that’s a spoon), we were on our way to Iron Chef quality potato salad. As I placed scoops of our masterpiece in to-go containers I listened to the chatter around me. You see not only was I volunteering, but many others were as well. These volunteers, special need young people, were teaching me. They were teaching me how to mix correctly, where to find my spatulas, and just how important it was to get all of the pudding from the very bottom of the can. I was so happy to have the company, and even more happy to listen to their words of advice.
I loved what I did today. While I truly began this journey rather selfishly, hoping to find my “purpose” in life, I’ve hoped to help others along the way, and maybe even inspire one or two to volunteer as well. This is something anyone can do. It’s not physically demanding (with the exception of those super sized can openers), the times are flexible, and you meet people, extraordinary people who help, really help, all day, every day. I also love the whole idea surrounding this organization. All sorts of people will receive the meals we prepared today, but a large portion of them are elderly. There are no words that explain the impact older people have had on my life. From one grandmother who inspired this journey to the other one who makes me laugh every time we talk, and to their husbands who in every way possible made my life easier, what good in my character simply stems in large part, from them. My grandparents have all been independent people, something I’ve always admired. As we grow older however, that independence isn’t always an attribute. Too often we’re asked to depend on people we wouldn’t have otherwise, and this can be one of the most difficult parts of old age. In knowing that you’ll never be without a warm dinner, Meals on Wheels allows these people to age gracefully, with confidence and dignity. The food is necessary. The feelings, an unbelievable perk.
Today I made salad, a simple salad, nothing special. What’s done with that salad however, is something incredibly large. It allows people to continue being who they are, in a home they can call their own…one less worry in a sometimes complicated world. It’s amazing how significant something so simple can become once you see it from a different perspective. I’m finding we should all take the time to look.
Just as I began this entry, I’m sure I’ll think of my experience in New Mexico every time I make potato salad for our Fourth of July celebrations. I’ll remember the people I met, the gallons of ingredients I used, and those who received the dish. I’ll enjoy my company, the holiday programs and I’ll wonder if they enjoyed their meal. Regardless, I’ll know they would have been happy in their familiar home, greeted by someone with a warm smile, a gentle touch, and a wholesome meal, and I’ll feel good, for them, and for me.

Meals on Wheels, Albuquerque, NM (11)

On hot summer days in Country Club Estates, as a child, I along with Ashlee, Lesley and Melinda, would yearn to hear ringing, the ringing bells that first would sound before shortly seeing a truck. This was no ordinary truck. It was the Ice Cream Truck, and as a youngster, it was what we on Culpepper Drive considered to be the Mecca. As the three of us ran to the window, Lesley not far behind, I quickly scanned the side of the door for new products. Then as I handed the man my crisp dollar bill and received my go-to treat, the incomparable red, white and blue Firecracker, I wished for no more in life.

I thought about that today as I was preparing food for Meals on Wheels in Albuquerque. I know that my story was maybe light, a bit funny, and please don’t confuse my silly introduction as to my not recognizing the seriousness of what this great organization provides. It’s just that I know the people who receive the food I prepared today, must be able to relate to the feelings I had as that young child, just on a totally different level. For me it was fun, something exciting on an otherwise uneventful day. For them it’s survival, it’s security, it’s the realization that people care.

After walking in and being greeted by Nick, one of the nicest guys you’d ever hope to meet, I grabbed an apron and a hairnet (which I must say is a great look for me), and I listened carefully to the instructions I was given. I was quite nervous at first as I thought I’d be making casseroles or dealing with the meats, which let’s be honest, is not my forte. I was relieved however to find that I would be mixing the ingredients for Mustard Potato Salad, and then I would separate the homemade salad into individual containers for delivery. I’d also be divvying up the banana pudding, though I wouldn’t be responsible for making it, whhew!).

As my partner in crime, Allen, grabbed the mixing shovel (I’m pretty sure they call it a spoon but it was almost the size of me, so I’m not so sure that’s a spoon), we were on our way to Iron Chef quality potato salad. As I placed scoops of our masterpiece in to-go containers I listened to the chatter around me. You see not only was I volunteering, but many others were as well. These volunteers, special need young people, were teaching me. They were teaching me how to mix correctly, where to find my spatulas, and just how important it was to get all of the pudding from the very bottom of the can. I was so happy to have the company, and even more happy to listen to their words of advice.

I loved what I did today. While I truly began this journey rather selfishly, hoping to find my “purpose” in life, I’ve hoped to help others along the way, and maybe even inspire one or two to volunteer as well. This is something anyone can do. It’s not physically demanding (with the exception of those super sized can openers), the times are flexible, and you meet people, extraordinary people who help, really help, all day, every day. I also love the whole idea surrounding this organization. All sorts of people will receive the meals we prepared today, but a large portion of them are elderly.

There are no words that explain the impact older people have had on my life. From one grandmother who inspired this journey to the other one who makes me laugh every time we talk, and to their husbands who in every way possible made my life easier, what good in my character simply stems in large part, from them. My grandparents have all been independent people, something I’ve so admired. As we grow older however, that independence isn’t always an attribute. Too often we’re asked to depend on people we wouldn’t have otherwise, and this can be one of the most difficult parts of old age. In knowing that you’ll never be without a warm dinner, Meals on Wheels allows these people to age gracefully, with confidence and dignity. The food is necessary. The feelings, an unbelievable perk.

Today I made salad, a simple salad, nothing special. What’s done with that salad however, is something incredibly large. It allows people to continue being who they are, in a home they can call their own…one less worry in a sometimes complicated world. It’s amazing how significant something so simple can become once you see it from a different perspective. I’m finding we should all take the time to look.

Just as I began this entry, I’m sure I’ll think of my experience in New Mexico every time I make potato salad for our Fourth of July celebrations. I’ll remember the people I met, the gallons of ingredients I used, and those who received the dish. I’ll enjoy my company, the holiday programs and I’ll wonder if they enjoyed their meal. Regardless, I’ll know they would have been happy in their familiar home, greeted by someone with a warm smile, a gentle touch, and a wholesome meal, and I’ll feel good, for them, and for me.

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Category: New Mexico
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