A Missing Picture is Worth
a Thousand Songs

You know that TV commercial for Meals on Wheels? The one with the graying Italian gentleman who delivers the meal to the delighted, quintessential grandma. He gets on his knees and sings her a song and she's all smiles. It is heart warming but does it seem realistic to you? Does it make you want to run out, learn how to sing, act jolly and find the perfect grandma to help?

I've delivered Meals on Wheels for years and I've never once sung to one of my people. Mostly because it might scare them. Whenever I can't get my kids to behave I start singing opera and it always gets them to straighten up. "Oh no, it's Opera Mom!" they scream as they run for protection.

My people aren't necessarily perfect grandmas; they don't always want company and usually aren't feeling up to singing. But they each need help. And I'm grateful to be able to give it, even though it doesn't seem like much considering the hardships some of them face and all the blessings I enjoy. I get a lot out of delivering but if I had thought that I needed to be charming like the guy in the commercial I may have never tried it.

I'm living proof you don't have to be charming or outgoing or a great entertainer to deliver for Meals on Wheels. You just have to show up. And no ones tries to get you to do more than that. It's not like the "Give a Pig a Pancake" story. The tale about giving what you can evolving into a black hole of endless needing and pleading for additional generosity; kinda like taking my kids to Toy Joy. MOW is a one hour a week commitment. I have basically the same route every week so I get to know the people I deliver to.

For some time now, I've been thinking about writing this story hoping that it might inspire a potential driver. I kept thinking that I needed to take pictures of my people so you could see how much they could use your help. These precious people that I visit every week. But each time I'd show up, I'd say hello and ask how they are and it kept feeling like the wrong time to ask to take their pictures. After months of delivering with my camera ever ready, I snapped to the fact that they don't want to have their pictures taken. They appreciate the help but aren't especially proud that they need it. This may seem obvious to you, but this realization of sensitivity to their feelings clued me into an appreciation for my own "voice" for giving. It may not be a song but it still sings. So pack an open heart, a warm smile and leave your camera at home. And know that we each have a valid, beautiful song to deliver.

Austin's Meals on Wheels and More
Phone: 512-476-6325
Address: 2222 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
For more information visit the Austin Meals on Wheels and More web site.