The last few days have been rough. In the midst of moving, I have had some of my most challenging days working in childcare. The adapting to management plus transitioning into a new site would be enough without parent confrontation, CPS calls, and surprisingly intense behavioral issues but here I am. Thankful for a mom who has worked in childcare for many years and can provide advice and perspective, friends who will listen to me ramble for hours, a dad and brother who can make me laugh at the absurdity of my stories, and a boyfriend who always has coffee and hugs ready.

None of this has exactly lent itself to getting to volunteer much and that’s been hitting hard as it’s clearer and clearer our yearlong journey is ending.

Today, being unable to participate in a Rotary Club volunteer event, on top of an additional unexpected two hours of driving for forgotten essentials, had my day off to a rough and,  honestly, moody start.

Despite this I was lucky enough to receive a crucial reminder today:

Sometimes service seems hard because you believe you have to be in the right place at the right time to help people. But sometimes, service is as simple as finding the ways to make where you are the right place to help.

This reminder came in three forms:

1. A letter from Susan

Susan Yarab is undoubtedly one of the most special and important people Evan and I had the honor of meeting this year. In my mind and heart forever, Susan will always exemplify and symbolize service above self. If you’ve been following our journey since the beginning, you know Susan as the generous Rotarian who welcomed us in to her home and club in Fort Myers, Florida despite the challenges she herself was facing post-hurricane. She made our work and opportunities down there possible in every sense.

Susan is someone Evan and I tell people about every chance we get, someone we adore seeing pop up in our comment sections occasionally, and someone we both look up to.

So today, on a challenging day, we received a perfectly timed note from her about a small contribution we were able to make to a cause near and dear to her heart. Knowing she took the time to think of us in the midst of the circumstances that led to our contribution was special in a way that’s hard to explain.

It reminded me that you never know what a little gesture will mean and that regardless of the circumstances in your own life, kindness put into the world will make an impact.

2. Lunch time

Fresh off of this sweet note, I was given another opportunity to be of service in my community. If the letter wasn’t already a perspective shift, my priorities and goals were redefined by a small interaction at lunch. I didn’t do enough meal prep this week so I was a rushing around when I went to grab my fast food meal. Right as I walked in the door, an opportunity to provide for someone having a much harder day than mine was presented. I won’t give too many details but the privilege to have ways and find ways to give is a blessing I’ll remember not to take for granted.

3. A meeting with the school liaison

Finally, right before work today, I had the opportunity to meet with the Family, Student, and Community Liaison. This was a reminder of exactly why I love my job and how important it really is. Beyond keeping kids entertained for a few hours after school, I got to learn about resources for food insecurity, tutoring, and even therapy and social emotional resources. The impact I get to have on youth and families is amazing and I’m so lucky to be where I am.
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To top off a tough morning that turned amazing, Evan and I went back to my parent’s house to pack and found out they’d surprised us with almost all of our shopping list for the new apartment.

Even though life isn’t what I expected right now, it really is beautiful.