Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it: Hebrews 13:2
The stories of hardship and struggles are often heard every day the HELP facility is open. It is often followed by sincere appreciation
and love for having such a wonderful resource that helped them get through such a difficult time. Volunteers start the “Ripple Effect of Love” by listening with empathy, going the extra mile to find just the right item, offering to pray or add them to a prayer list, staying past open hours or meeting someone during off hours who need something…the list is long of the many ways a small act of kindness and hospitality expands outward. Here are a few recent stories with ripple effects.
A woman coming from Bridgewater got behind a tractor and was running about 5 minutes later than closing time to make a return. When she arrived, she was so happy someone stayed because she had her 17-year-old daughter in the car who wanted to say “Thank you”. She had torn a ligament in her hip during school athletics and required a hip replacement. The mother said we were a “financial life saver” to them. There were so many unexpected medical expenses and the savings from not having to buy or rent the bed and many pieces of equipment that helped in her recovery was incredible. They plan to spread the word because it was an amazing resource for them.
A lady who was returning a piece of equipment brought her sister with her. The sister was very thin and a bit disheveled. She explained she didn’t have much, but wondered if she could have some disposables and a nebulizer to help with her breathing issues. The volunteer allowed her go pick from 3 options and she chose the smallest one as her “space was limited”. She spotted a wig over with the mastectomy supplies and explained her hair was so matted that she couldn’t comb it out anymore. Her eyes lit up with joy and tears when the volunteer offered the wig to her and made her feel welcome instead of judged. She could have been that angel the verse above
talks about.
A young man and his parents were bringing back several items they had loaned. He had acquired Guillain-Barre’ syndrome after having the flu and lost all function of his muscles. It required such a long hospitalization and recovery that he lost his job and had to move back in with his parents. He had to relearn to walk and had not regained all of his cognitive function yet. They told us what a blessing they found in being able to loan the needed equipment at each stage of progress though his ongoing recovery as this has been a life changing experience for all of them. Sometimes “the ripple” starts when clients are in the facility. A client came in for a sit-to-stand for her husband: a double amputee with prosthetic legs. She noted how helpful it would be since she had developed a hernia near her colostomy trying to lift and assist him getting up. When she learned we also have colostomy supplies, tears welled up in her eyes and she gave the volunteer a big hug. As it turned out, she had developed a reaction to the adhesive on the supplies she normally used and her Dr. switched to another brand. Insurance claims were not yet processed and she was down to her last colostomy bag which she had been forced to use for several weeks. Needless to say, she was very relieved and happy to go home with both the
sit-to-stand and the colostomy supplies. We heard from the gentleman in North Carolina who used the facility while visiting and wanted to start something similar in his area. He has found a supporting church and some volunteers and is working to start an equipment drive. We are continuing to share information and guidance to lighten the load and help when we can. Look how far that ripple reached out!
These are just a few of the many, many, stories we hear from those who use the facility. We thank you for your support and prayers that “start the ripple” which grows and expands in many loving ways.
Regina & Stefanie