What happened???

Back in the day, when someone passed away, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. went out of their ways to make sure that the bereaved family knew that they were being thought of.

For instance, when Daddy became unbelievably ill with cancer, his family and friends brought over food, etc. The people at the grade school who worked with Mama signed up on a list to bring over meals for the last month or so of his life. Their generosity astonished Mama, Lori's family, Lona Sue's family and my family. Then Daddy passed away. More food was brought in to our family day after day. I remember that other people chose to bring over such things as paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware, toilet paper, kleenexes...and the list went on and on...

Later in April, May and June of 2002, I became extremely ill with heart problems that required open heart surgery in May. I couldn't believe how many people delivered meals, plants, flowers, etc to our house.

When Lori became so very ill, family and friends also brought over food, etc.

In each one of these instances, my family and I were soooooo very appreciative of each and every person who remembered us in our times of need! But, then, lately, I have received distressing news from people scattered throughout the United States. It seems that many people who are going through grieving processes are no longer being remembered by anyone in these ways. Though they are going through extremely rough spots in their roads, they are still having to cook their meals. Some of those people are so sickened by their loss, that they choose not to cook anything. Therefore they do not eat anything.

I remember that a man passed away in Wichita County a few years ago. Approximately 20 or 30 sons, daughters, grandchildren, etc came to his home to congregate and support one another. I was dumbfounded when I learned that NOT ONE single person brought anything to his family! He was a good man and came from a good respected family in the community. So why did no one want to help his family out in their distress??? I remember that several years ago, we lost a much-loved dog. Even then when no actual people had passed on, we received meals from a couple of sets of friends.

When I was growing up, if Mama or Daddy knew of people going through this kind of life-changing ordeal, we made trips to the grocery store and purchased items so that Mama could prepare a casserole or two that we promptly delivered to the family. All was appreciated by the recipients.

But, now, I am being told that many families feel as if no one cares about them in their times of extreme need.

I would like to challenge each and every one of you to help me become more involved in providing food and supplies to the people of our communities who need to know that we care.

I would REALLY like to hear what you think about this topic of conversation.

Sincerely,

VLE-B