At this time, more than any other, we need hope… for numerous reasons. Speaking of hope, one of the greatest joys of retirement has been to serve as a mentor with Kids Hope USA through the church. As a mentor, I’ve had the joy of spending one day a week during the school year with a precious girl we will call “S” for three years. “S” is a bundle of energy, always smiling and ready for a hug. Unfortunately, this year came to a close way too early.
It was difficult missing our weekly get-togethers, and I was unable to connect with “S” by phone. With that brought frustration and sadness, until Mary Wilson, LCPC’s Kids Hope director, sent each Kids Hope child a goodie bag filled with, of course, goodies that every child would want, including a note from his or her mentor. The bags were mailed out on a Monday. The next afternoon there was a knock on the door. It was FedEx delivering a large blue envelope. It wasn’t our regular FedEx guy, and the envelope had no FedEx markings, only my name and address handwritten on it. Very interesting!
I must have looked puzzled, because he immediately said, “I was flagged down by a young girl during deliveries today, and she asked me to bring this envelope to you. It appeared to be important to her. Since I knew the area, I decided to deliver it. Her name was ’S.’ Do you know her?” I laughed and replied, “Oh, yes I do!” I thanked him repeatedly, and we were both filled with joy.
Kids like “S,” FedEx guys that go out of the way to deliver an envelope without payment, and the joy of mentoring in Kids Hope brings me hope. Please pray that this program will continue for years to come.
Written by: Janie Roach, Kids Hope Mentor
