That’s when Dot entered our lives.
In her mid-90s, Dot still played the piano,
loved her scotch, and introduced herself as “Dot P., O.B.” When people would
engage her about being a doctor, she would correct them and tell them that O.B.
stood for Old Bag. She was self-assured and had a great sense of humor, and my
family had a great time getting to know her over the next couple of years that
we gave her rides. Sometimes, when we took Dot back to her nursing home, we
would stay and join her for lunch or see her to her room.
Even though she didn't
have children of her own, Dot took a liking to me as I did her. For her
birthday, I brought her a stuffed animal, which didn't fit with her décor or
demeanor, but which she ended up cherishing and putting on her bed each day.
One day, when we dropped her off, she gave me a little cushioned box that was
hers. A couple of years later, after we had moved to Illinois, she died; I
found that little blue box and held onto it as I cried.
Though it was only a small portion of my week, rides with
Dot formed a lasting memory for me. It’s amazing to think that this
relationship started with a simple, “Hey, do you need a ride?” When I asked
Dave why he reached out to Dot, he said that in a church community, we’re all
there to help one another worship God more fully. Giving Dot rides was a
wonderful and rewarding opportunity for him to connect with another member of
the church and get to know someone better, while helping a fellow parishioner.
Dave had so much fun doing it that – once we moved to a new community – he found
another spunky parishioner in her 90s to drive to church.
He says it’s a simple
plan: Be alert to the needs of the people in your church, and when you see
them, respond. I am grateful for his ministry because it was a great example
for me as a child and allowed me to form a bond with someone I may have never
met otherwise.
At St.
Martin’s, we have opportunities for you to connect with others. One of these
ways is through signing up on our Transportation Ministry page as someone who
would be willing to provide rides to church to someone in your geographical
area. Needs vary and commitments are flexible; if you are willing to
open your car and your heart to a neighbor, take the first step of signing up.
Like my family, you may get to know someone whom you remember for many years
after the rides have ended.
- The Rev. Callie Swanlund
