A couple of nights ago I went and spoke/sang at the volunteer appreciation night for Epilepsy of York Region. Having my office next door to them for about a year gave me a first hand look at the wonderful work that they do. So when my phone rang and the invitation came, I jumped on it right away.
The gig came at the end of a crazy day for me (see previous post “Today”). After I arrived I had to go out to find a quiet spot to warm up my voice and gather my thoughts. I was dead tired after a long day and I thought I’d simply perform my 40 minute set and go home.
The audience was kind and gracious and received my performance warmly. Afterwards I found myself wanting to stay and hear their stories: folks who faithfully volunteered for well over a decade; a young mother who got her 3 young children to volunteer with her to teach them the value of contributing to the community; folks who live with epilepsy who refused to allow the disease to take away their dignity but instead gave themselves to help others with the same condition. I was brought to tears when a young woman with a slight speech impediment from epilepsy read a moving poem for the audience. I am so humbled and honored for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people since I came into the field of social services.
As they thanked me for performing and speaking at their event, I came away feeling grateful for the reminder that life is not about how much you have, but what you do with what you have.
Next Friday I will be performing with a couple of good friends at the official opening of my agency’s new youth wing. It’ll be the first time some of my co-workers hear me sing and play…should be fun!!
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Hi Alfred,
I really enjoyed listening to you at the Epilepsy York Region AGM and Volunteer Appreciation evening last week. I met you once when you came into the office looking for Paul. David told me a little bit about you and your web site a while later. I have been to your web site a few times and enjoy your photography writing, messages and spirituality. Your choice of music and stories of giving and helping others were perfect for the evening last week. My children, Chelsea who is 28, and Mike who is 24, also thought you were fantastic. I’m glad they were able to be there and experience your performance and be in a culture of “giving without expectation” and transform their compassion into action. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to talk to you. I will get to another of your events this summer, I’m sure.
Thank you for being at the EYR evening; I’m glad that you enjoyed it too.