I've been helping churches, schools and other non-profits raise money by selling candy and cookies since 1982. It hasn't been a great money-maker for me. In fact, over the years, I have accumulated a lot of debt, but it's given me a richly, satisfying life serving others. It's never been a job to me. It's been too much fun, too fulfilling to call it work. It has always felt more like a calling or a mission.
After I got sick, I kept selling candy. My doc wanted me to quit work, but the bills kept coming and I needed to pay my financial obligations. It was good for me to get out of the house and be with people. I have always been active. Quiting the candy business and staying at home would have been very difficult for me.
Unknowingly, Martin Rodriguez of Von Steuben High School became a personal angel to me. When my sales started to significantly decline, he started ordering candy from me. Then, he got others at the school to order candy from me as well. He even helped me get the candy into school when I was too weak to carry the boxes. Then, he sensed - without me saying a word - that I was having financial difficulties. He consulted with Amy Wozniak and the two initiated a fund raiser for me.
Last Tuesday, M Rod and Miss Woz and seven high school students presented Debbie and me with a check for $1,000.00. It was the fund raising efforts of at least 22 girls who call themselves the "Wicked Web Women." I was astonished at the size of the check, their willingness to sacrifice their precious time to participate in this fund raiser and their generosity to a total stranger. As soon as the girls walked through the door, we felt their sweet spirits, the warmth of their personalities, their love and acceptance. At first, I thought how thrilled their parents must be with the beauty of their hearts and the loving kindness in their souls. Then, I thought how God must be smiling down upon them. They are the examples of the Good that we so desperately need in this world. When they serve others so selflessly, they are truly serving God. When I think of these girls, I can't help but think of that song from Alabama: "Angels among Us."
See pics of the girls in my photo album entitled "Angels Among Us."
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