When the terrible tragedy struck our country, I was so devastated. I wanted to help! I wanted to do something meaningful! I give blood all the time, so it was no real sacrifice to jump on the steps of the bloodmobile this time. I have all these nursing skills and thought about driving to New York but, sadly there were not many survivors. I felt lost and I felt useless.

A nursing friend called me and told me it was time to head off to the Senior Citizen's and cut their toenails. We started it when we worked at a Home Health Agency as a marketing tool. When the agency shut down I'd see these lively Seniors at Walmart or Kroger's and they would ask when we were coming back. Since I've NEVER learned how to say NO to anyone (let alone someone who needs me)... we started volunteering to go about every other month.

I wasn't looking forward to it. Some Seniors are very cranky! Most are loving and kind and so wise. (And they have a hard time bending over.) I walked in the door to the Center, that is located in the back of the little town's City Hall, and they all shouted, "There she is!" Wow... what a greeting! They all had their feet soaking in soapy water (at my insistence... 80 year old hard toenails can put your eyes out!) I got out my gloves and the antiseptic and some extra bottles of lotion I'd brought. I literally plopped on the floor in front of the first sweet little lady. They all apologize that we have to sit on the floor.(I think they're afraid they'll have to help us up!) I listened to stories about their children and grandchilden, spouses who have gone and friends that have left our world. I listen to them ooh and ahh when I give them the foot massage after the clipping and I try and make them laugh with stories about my teenager and my husband. They all have excellent advice and usually every single one will talk about how bad the world is getting.

This time was a little different. We lightly touched on the tragedy and they brought up Pearl Harbor and how they felt helpless and hurt and scared. I told them I hadn't found a flag yet to put up and how I felt helpless with these feelings of not being able to help. The first lady, whose toes I'd done, was now quilting with a few of the others. She said so sweetly, "Why honey.... you don't need to feel bad and you don't need a flag. You are here helping us and we all notice how you hang your heart so proudly. You come here and put up with us when you could be doing something for yourself. Don't sell yourself short. We love you."

This little lady took a hurt spirit and lifted it higher than I'd ever hoped for that day. I got tears in my eyes and went over and hugged her. We hugged each of them before we left and declined the pinto bean lunch they had cooking. Why do we think we have to do things only when bad things happen? Giving is still so much better than getting... any day, any week, any time.

The motto at our church is we help the hopeless, the hurting and the hungry. That's something we can all do. Pay a little more attention today at the people around you and see if you can help their needs. Hey, take a chance and hang your heart out there!

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