Hello! I decided to post an email that I received from my sweet friend Michelle of Oregon. She has a friend named Theresa who did a wonderful thing. (posted below,,,please read!) It helped me remember my experience with “Miss Valorie”. There is a homeless friend on the corner by my house and her name is "Miss Valorie". Her front teeth are missing and she is such a friendly lady. She always has a big smile and a wave for everyone. For the past 4 years, I have seen Valerie on the corner and she has become my kid’s favorite. We always roll down our window and give her some groceries that we bought on our way home, or even a slice of Pizza from Little Cesears. One day we stopped traffic to give her a pop-tart cuz the light had turned green and we had to move. Last year "Miss Valorie" had earrings on and make-up with a fancy hat. Elizabeth got so excited pointing out her fanciness saying "Mom, maybe "Miss Valorie" has a boyfriend! " The next week we stopped and asked her if she has a boyfriend. She yells out "Heavens no! I just wanted to be fancy!" We all laughed. When I was pregnant with Ben...very big and pregnant, she spotted my belly as I was handing her a dollar and asked what was that? (pointing to my belly) I told her I am having another baby! She asked me if I know what causes pregnancy. I said, "no what?" She said, "lots of kissing". She laughed her toothless grin and told me to watch out with that. I laughed and told her I would be more careful.
I haven't seen "Miss Valorie" now for about 6 months. My kids miss her and every time we pass that corner one of my children will say out loud.."I wonder what happened to Miss Valorie.” I miss her too. I wish I had made more of an effort to find out her background and why she is where she is. I am thankful for the Spirit of Christ that inspires us to love everyone. I am thankful for the way "Miss Valorie" helped me and my children. I have prayed much for her too and I hope she is in a good place right now. So, this is a personal invite to say Hi to someone in need. I am sure today you will see a homeless person on a corner if you are out and about. Share a few words and you will see that they are struggling just like the rest of us. We are not so different, only that they might not have been trained and loved as much as you.
See I can be sober too…just not as fun. hah
I've wondered what happened to Miss Valorie too. My dad is one who will sit and get life histories on just about anyone, even not so approachable looking ones. ;) It always amazing to hear what people have been through and contemplate how different life can be based on circumstances. Albeit his friendliness did get us some very interesting help on the ranch on occasion . . .
ReplyDeleteShe was my favorite after Amos had passed on, about 2 years ago. We talked once about how she got to Tucson and she told me she followed her boyfriend but then he left her there. She was a sweet lady and I think she may have been put there for each of us to find humility, charity and the ability to care for others that are a little different than ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a story that reminds us to look for who needs our help this holiday season, instead of looking around the aisles to spoil our children with gifts.
ReplyDeleteMy children and I plan to be as involved and generous as we can at the Giving Turkey project. It has always been my favorite ward activity.