This Is For All The Lonely People

“Loneliness, and the feeling of being unwanted, is the most terrible poverty.” – Mother Teresa

Single senior people can be some of the loneliest people in our society. They are often forgotten and neglected. Add financial poverty to the mix and that person becomes rather immobile to seek out the company of others.  

We have a couple dozen single, senior women living at a facility at Hope Gardens. They rarely get out as the large majority have little resources and no vehicle. They rarely have visitors. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a family member stop by to visit with one of them.

That’s why we planned a McBingo Craft event on Valentine’s Day for the ladies. To borrow the opening line from an old “America” song… “This was for all the lonely people thinking that life has passed them by.” 

Four friends, from four different churches, that belong to the same bible study group, drove all the way from South Orange County to Sylmar to befriend the ladies and make them feel valuable and loved. We can say we love people and that’s a good idea. However, driving 160 miles through Los Angeles, on a weekday, says it much LOUDER!

What was wonderful time the ladies had just being served a McDonald’s lunch, enjoying homemade cupcakes and cookies, making a Valentine’s Day craft, playing Bingo together, and just having friendly conversations.  

After the volunteer team left to get on the road, the senior ladies didn’t even want to leave the room. They were telling Betty and I what a powerful experience it was for them.  They had so much fun they just didn’t want to go back to their rooms. They were so appreciative. They thanked us over and over again for organizing the day.

Thanks to all of you who help us at Deed and Truth, through your financial gifts and volunteer hours, to love people who feel unloved. And a HUGE SHOUT-OUT to the four ladies who went the extra mile, actually 160 of them, to display the love of Jesus.