Ode to Volunteers

Here at Linwood House we have a group of amazing volunteers. We would like to thank and honor all the generous people who donate their time, energy and gifts to making the life of Linwood House possible.

Just recently we had our first Journey of 2012. Once again the call went out to our list of volunteers, most of who live on the Sunshine Coast and as usual we had a huge response. Volunteers dropped off baking; homemade buns, squares and brownies.  They came and baked, cooked and served meals, worked the grueling clean up shifts, made beds and did laundry.

Two of our guests, our friends who have come to know and honor Grandma remarked at how they missed her in the kitchen dolling out advice about food and life. Though there was some sadness, they also expressed their joy in seeing the many volunteers in the kitchen filling in the gap.

One of our guests, a first timer to Linwood House and the Journey, talked about how the food tasted like love was one of the ingredients in every meal she ate. Our volunteers are such a special group of women. Grandma would be so proud of them. They have followed in her footsteps putting love into all their edible creations; love so deep and tangible that it could be seen in the beautiful presentation, felt by their presence and even tasted in the food they made.

We are so grateful for our wonderful volunteers and honor them for their dedication and caring hearts.

 

ODE TO VOLUNTEERS                           

Volunteers are a special breed
They come whenever we have a need

They work and sweat, laugh and cry
There is nothing that they will not try

Some have recently learned to bake
The very moist and delicious pear cake

Others have mastered the delicate art
Of baking cheese scones with love from the heart

Beds are stripped, beds are re-dressed
Laundry magically reappears folded and pressed

Floors are swept, silver cleaned and buffed
Guests graciously served until they are stuffed

Pillows fluffed, plumped and invitingly positioned
To help make the Journey an easy transition

Dusting, cleaning and decorating
A beautiful house they are all creating

Musicians with their melodious gift
Gives our hearts and spirits a joyful lift

Artists come, inspire and donate
A generous portion of their take

A vacant field down the road is a welcome donation
So that event parking does not bring us a violation

I think that it is abundantly clear
The incredible value of a Linwood volunteer

They arrive as strangers with an empathetic heart
Join our community of which they are an integral part

We are thankful for our many friends
Our love and gratitude for them never ends

 

Beverley Hull