[Fredslist] Giving

[Neil Hollander]

Donations do not have to include money or material things . Giving comes in many forms . Let me tell you about my epiphany . I’m retired. I fill my days trying to be a better person . I’m recovering from a stroke Three years ago that left me partially paralyzed. Part of my rehab is to swim laps at a nearby college . The water polo coach is an old friend who mentored all 3 of my boys who were lifeguards in Santa Cruz . I noticed that after I finished swimming each day there was a group just getting into the pool in the shallow end . I swam over to say hello . They were special needs and adaptive physical education students . They range  in age from 18 to 80. They are afflicted with everything from Down syndrome to autism to Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy and Veterans with TBI . I manage to spend 5 days a week with them in the pool after my swim . They have an enormous amount of love to share as do I . We have become friends . The reward for me is enormous . I watch their face light up when they see me . Hi Neil ! Hi Neil ! They wiggle like guppies to get to my side . We talk and swim and reach our individual goals together . We have pot luck lunches . It’s been great for me . And for them . The mantra holds true. It’s better to give than receive . ANY DAY ! Thanks Gotham !