When Ms. Q contacted our office for help, it was immediately apparent that her request would be about more than just a meal.

Now 89 years of age, Ms. Q will quickly tell you that she’s lived a long good life. Although he passed away just six months earlier, she still beamed about having married the love of her life… her husband of 65 years.

I patiently waited as she took a moment to cry. No words were spoken but the pain of her loss was conveyed. When she regained composer, we went on. She said, “I am just not able to drive”. Frail. Weak and unable to prepare her own food… and “besides”, she said, “I have to stand at the kitchen counter to eat, because I can’t use my walker and take my plate to the table at the same time”.

During my nearly hour-long conversation with Ms. Q, she repeatedly expressed her loneliness and how much she missed her husband who had always been there taking care of things, and most of all, taking care of her. There was no other family. No close friends or neighbors. I tried to comfort her as much as I could.

Ms. Q, and so many others like her in our community, really need more than a meal. She needed to regain a sense of family and I was very glad… and felt privileged, that our agency would be able to help in meeting that need.

Daily, we provide meals… to nutritionally at-risk seniors who are a lot like Ms. Q. It’s more than JUST a meal! Especially for those who are living in isolation… it’s not only about the food; it’s about the knock on the door that says, “someone knows I’m here, and someone cares”. It’s about the smiling face and warm greeting of the driver. It’s about the conversation that can be had… even if just for a few minutes.

One of my favorite quotes says, “The Love of Family, is Life’s Greatest Blessing”. Thanks to your support… not only are we able to be a blessing, but we also become like family to those we serve.