Pen Pals Jaxen Flatt with Gene Flaten

By: Mary Alessio and Gene Flaten

I have always been humbled by two groups of people—“donors” and “volunteers.”

What motivates people to place others feelings and welfare above their own? What inspires someone to selflessly and freely contribute their dollars, time, effort, and talents expecting nothing in return?

If compassion is “serving with passion”…I believe donors and volunteers are synonymous with the definition of compassion.

I was both privileged and honored to serve as a guest speaker at a recent event for our RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). As our RSVP Coordinator-Sue Degallier was attending another event I tried to fill her shoes for the afternoon. I was blessed to be the proverbial “fly on the wall” watching a group of dedicated volunteers interact with young children from Elton Hills Elementary enrolled in the Reasons to Write Pen Pal Project. The children and volunteers built relationships through the power of the pen. It was a Christmas treat to watch our volunteers meet with their pen pals as they exchanged their last letters. They embraced the promise of making memories in the future through the gift of words.

One on One with Avery Weidner and Nira Flaten.

I was especially touched when one of the volunteers gifted me with a book on the power of letter writing and a poem he had written. As I sat with a cup of hot cocoa that evening and read his gift of words I was again humbled by those who give so selflessly and live so compassionately.

I would like to share the following poem by one of our priceless volunteers. He has kindly given me permission to share his words. His words speak of the virtues of all those who give from the heart.

My wife and I have enjoyed the Pen Pal program for several years and plan to continue. With regards to the book on hand-written letters, it serves as model of the “one-to-oneism” which, I am convinced, must withstand the barrage of electronic communication so rampant these days. My poetry, being a “cousin” to the letter may assist a bit in that challenge. Perhaps I can leave a trail of output indicating I left the world a bit better than it was when I arrived. Love and Respect. ~Gene Flaten

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Building a House of Self

 By: Gene Flaten
First you need to find your “land”
And survey through that space.
Then draw the plan by your own land
And set construction pace.
 
Materials can all be found
Along your true self trail
You’ll need to look and search around
For those which will not fail.
 
A house needs walls to accommodate
The person living there
Plus a roof protecting all
His hopes and dreams and care.
                             
The first wall stands for HONESTY
Without which plans are fraught.
Be true to self and others
Lest your soul be chiefly bought.
 
RESPONSIBILITY goes up next,
A second sturdy wall,
It matches well with HONESTY
And therefore cannot fail.
 
The third wall features LOVE indeed
And stands so tall and strong
That nothing in this vagrant world
Can cease its vibrant song.
      
The fourth wall lends HUMILITY
And matches up so well
The four walls form a strong defense
Should any force befell.
 
Now the four walls need a roof
And heaven draws the nod.
We’re covered with the comfort
Of our strident FAITH in God.
 
And so, the house if finished—
It serves the self so well
That fate has not diminished
The ring of Heavens’ bell!