"Magic by Real People" by TKD

Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) surveys Meals on Wheels recipients regularly to help improve home-delivered and congregate meals, and to gain insight and feedback from meal recipients. Below is a story by a home-delivered meal recipient in Montpelier, through the Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC) FEAST program. T.K.D. wishes to show his immense gratitute for the generous volunteers who deliver meals. Read T.K.D.'s story below and click here to learning more about volunteering.

“Magic by Real People” by T.K.D. 

Three plus years ago we got a disease that crippled countries. That virus was COVID. It not only crippled countries, it crippled every human in some way. I know not yours; you know not mine; it does not matter we will bind. 

A family of eight, who are very good people, but COVID took its toll. Back then you were quarantined for 14 days. In those 14 days cooped up together, they started to argue and say mean things to each other, I would say it was verbal abuse. They were not civil to each other, almost to the point of cruelty. 

The night their quarantine time was over, they gathered in the kitchen to eat. One spoke up and said an apology for the way they had acted. Everyone else said things differently but meant the same. 

The next morning, they were in their kitchen looking for some breakfast. They didn’t have much. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door. When they opened it there were two people who were volunteers from a group. I know not who. But they had brought disinfectants, food, and other things. They were both cheery and happy, it was no act, and it was heartfelt by the family of eight.  

The head of the household asked them why they were and seemed so happy and cheery with all the sickness in the world. One of the volunteers said, giving of yourself is a wonderful feeling, and helping someone in need is a wonderful deed. “I don’t get paid in money. I get paid by giving joy and a degree of comfort to my neighbor. It’s just a wonderful feeling. Well, we got to go, other people need help also.” 

The family was very somber when they left. They all sat very quietly, back dealing with their own thoughts. Then one of them said, “Well we’re not quarantined anymore but we’re still in the same boat.” Another family member stood up and said, “Yes we’re in the same boat, but we are not alone anymore!”. 

Two months later the family was very active in their community. They met others in the same boat. But they were helping each other. Friendships developed, some for a lifetime. But more importantly, they found that giving was a wonderful feeling of fulfillment in their lives. It also made them feel good and worthwhile. Giving is a wonderful thing, because of all the goodness it will and does bring. 

God bless all the volunteers who have helped more than they know through the years. God bless you all. You should be very proud of who you are. A Godsend to my family. Thank you very much, for so much. 

- T.K.D.