...and Learning From Them

Last week was crazy busy at work and at home.  I was feeling it intensely.  At work, we had school supplies, groceries and computer parts collecting or more accurately...piling up for upcoming projects. The office had become an obstacle course just getting from door to desk. At home, my two youngest were preparing to head back to college life and the house looked like a tornado had just hit. My family will tell you that this is the perfect storm to stress me way over the top. I do not handle chaos and disorder well.( Better than I used to, but still not well.)

The work week began with a day working out of the office. Tonya and I held an open house for our wonderful, Campaign Coordinators. The event went well and proved very productive. We met some great new volunteers and were quite happy with the turn out. Then... it was Tuesday. DUN DUN DUN!!

Tuesday began in a rush with attempting to get all of Monday's office work done before noon. One of Monday's tasks is this newsletter. Rushing to get it out and not wanting to take Tonya away from her work to proof read for me, I spell checked and pushed send.

Big mistake!! 

For those of you who caught my huge spelling error and just went on reading for content, I thank you. For those of you who caught the error and sent a gentle message correcting me, I thank you. And if you sent me a not very kind message... I thank you too. Especially you.

I must admit, I didn't feel that way immediately, it took some time and a visit to the Minnesota Correctional Facility here in Red Wing to accept your criticism. I was there to meet with some volunteers who were going to spend the day stuffing envelopes for us.Upon my arrival I met the agent from the printer, delivering the 15,000 envelopes, letters and pledge forms to be put together. Several young men and Elise, the volunteer coordinator met us and helped to organize the materials for the day.

As we completed the set up, one of the young men approached me and quietly asked if he might keep a pledge form if there were any extra. He explained that he had read one and saw that we helped feed hungry children. He  went on to say that he and some of the other guys would like to contribute. I assured him he could have as many as he needed and he said "Thank you, but I'll only need one. I will make copies for the other guys so we don't waste yours".  Elise assured him that she would mail the donation so the guys wouldn't have to use their money on postage and he thanked her profusely.

I had a minute to chat with this young man as we waited for the elevator. His term was nearly up and he was leaving soon. He was excited that a piece of artwork that he had created while incarcerated was being sent to a gallery for possible reproduction. I wished him well and as I walked to my car I chastised myself for every judgement I have made of people.

We ALL make mistakes, every day. Some huge and harmful, others small and insignificant, but we all make them every day.  

So thanks for pointing out my mistakes in last week's newsletter. Without your reminders, I could have kept my nose in the air, pretending that I don't make mistakes.  I could have smugly judged this kind and generous young man for whatever mistakes he made that brought him to Red Wing. Instead, I thought about how much I enjoyed his company, was impressed by his generosity,  and had hope for his future. I also learned not to judge others.... AGAIN.

This week so far, is calmer with less chaos. The school supplies and groceries are gone, the computers continue to pile up, for that we are very thankful. Best of all, we have 15,000 stuffed envelopes to label and mail, completed all in one day by some wonderful, helpful, generous volunteers from the Correctional Facility.

Thanks guys for your work and  Tony, for your wonderful example of generosity of spirit.

Maureen Nelson