507A by David Boldrick, M&O Volunteer
For those that may not be aware of this significant ministry, Saint Michael is an active partner in the Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery program here in Dallas which is operated by VNA, the Visiting Nurses Association. I’d like to share a bit about MOW, and what it can do for those in need—but also what it can do for you.
I have been active in MOW for some time now, and my normal delivery route, 507A, is located around Fair Park. My typical route includes driving to a pickup site—sometimes in a field—checking the phone app, answering a few questions like, “are you sick?” or, “have you traveled to exotic locations lately?” Once this is completed I can begin gathering up food.
The nicest lady, “Ms. E”, I call her, checks you in, and then the food fun begins: Open the coolers and load up ... Remember, Hot and Cold go in different bags. I have my delivery style, but I enjoy the other delivery people with their own style of packing for the trip. Some in the little blue bags, some in their own cooler, while some just toss it all in the back of the SUV! But we must be sure to count because sometimes you get less or more than you need.
Then it’s off on the big adventure—the delivery app includes the detailed map information. This is an interesting part. The map in the app sometimes has no rhyme or reason for its navigation points. It will always get you there... but sometimes circuitously.
Once you have determined to whom and where you are delivering, on to the fun part! Each MOW route is replete with every type of personality that you may have encountered in your life. My first stop is Mr. G., who is always there... and never cracks a smile, even to my best morning jokes. The next few ladies are nice, but very... very slow to the door. We chat for a bit, talking about their plants, the day, their grandkids, and simply laugh about life as we pass the time. Sometimes I think this fellowship means as much as the food.
Señora and Señor V always meet me at the door with me talking in my broken, poor Spanish—which they never question—they just seem to laugh a lot. Hmm. Anyway, I always leave their hacienda feeling great. While I can’t go in to all the details, every one of my 15 stops is an exciting and different adventure that impacts my life, and I believe theirs too.
Mine is a solo route, and all in all, it only takes an hour or so. My last drop, Ms. N. frequently gets the “not delivered” or “extra meal” in her drop. She is a fun friend with which to finish my route.
When done, the app gives you a big THANK YOU! This benevolent ministry opportunity lets you check a lot of the good boxes in life: Christian giving, helping those in need, and personal growth. You cannot help but come away from this hour feeling good! And I just realized I am almost to 1000 meals delivered!
I challenge you to come and join me— you won’t regret it!
God bless, David Boldrick.
**This article was written by David Boldrick and was featured in the 2022 Summer Archangel.
Other Articles In This Issue...
Stillness, Silence and Solitude by the Rev. Mary Lessmann
We are people who live very busy lives. And while we might sigh heavily as we tell people how busy we are, we often wear our busyness like a badge of honor. We determine how well we’re ‘doing’ life by the fullness of our calendar; by the number of experiences we’ve lined up; by the number of nights we’re not home without plans. And the world around us seems determined to affirm that value system. We are regularly reminded of the need to check in with others on social media, of the new hobbies and skills we should be developing, of baseline acquisitions necessary for a happier life.
Who We Are Becoming by the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
This past year has been a pleasure and privilege as we look back. Now, it’s time we pivot forward as we become the church we are called to be in the future. Our journey forward will take courage, conviction, and commitment, but we have everything we need. We know that Jesus is with us, giving us strength for all that we hope to do and who we hope to become. Together, we can move confidently into a future that is bright and hopeful, and as we do, spread the Good News to all we meet.
