Carol Spaeth-Bauer | In the Meantime
Generosity provides a ray of sunshine
The sun shines brightest after a storm, or so it seems. Maybe it's because any hint of light after the clouded darkness surrounding a storm is a stark contrast and relief to the front just passed through. Nowhere is that more evident than during the storms we weather in the trials of our lives.
A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the theft of some personal belongings, most specifically my Nikon camera, flash and a video camera. In the days following the printing of that column, many people extended sympathy over the loss. Each mention gave credence to the good of communities trying to support their own in any way possible.
Last Friday evening, the Mukwonago B.E.A.R.s Robotics Team 930 and their families gathered for an end-of-the-season banquet. Like any such banquet, it was filled with awards and memories from the season, one of which unexpectedly focused on the items lifted from an Atlanta hotel room. As one of the engineers from the team stood at the podium, he talked about that ill-fated night and the team pulling together to help replace some of what was stolen from the room. He then handed me and the other mentor who had been in the same room with me each a thick envelope filled with cash.
While I choked back emotion at the time, the immensity of the moment hit me when I got home and counted the cash. The team's unbridled generosity provided enough funds to replace the camera, lens and flash and then some.
After accepting the envelope at the banquet, I stood and looked at the group in front of me, this new family I have become part of who would do anything to help another member in need. Few words can express the gratitude felt from such acts. Moments like this illustrate the hope we hold in humanity shining against the darkness occasionally cast by society.
This is an extraordinary group of individuals with enormous hearts and generous hands who exemplify the sun breaking through after a tumultuous storm. "Thank you" barely touches the depth of emotion resulting from their extreme thoughtfulness and kindness.
The sun shines brightest after a storm, but in this case the sun exploded through the shroud surrounding that dark incident. Any storm is easier to weather when you witness the wide umbrella of support offered by such an exceptional group of people.
- For the love of reading
- Transforming education
- Looking at a new year
- Good things of all sizes
- A vibrant, healthy community
- Thank you
- Providing simple hope
- Simple Halloween fun
- Time heals all
- Highway sculpting
- Let there be peace on earth
- Hazy, lazy days of summer
- The cost of 'road closed ahead'
- Limiting vision, improving focus
- The fine art of merging
- A summer bucket list
- Driving lessons
- Graduating through life
- Regaining freedom
- Everyday heroes
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Posted Wednesday, Jan. 25 |
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Photo of the Week by Scott Ash: MANY HATS - Kathy LaShelle from the Town of Merton tries on a handmade hat from Jo's Feltz at the Delafield Winter Market on Sunday, Jan 15. The market is an indoor farmers market and craft fair located at the Delafield Fish Hatchery on the third Sunday of each month through April.
News or Feature Story of the Week by Joe Trovato: Area school districts jump into WEA lawsuit
Design Layout of the Week by Matt Colby: What a difference a day makes |
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Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Sussex-Menomonee Falls-Pewaukee Relay For Life Kickoff Event Sunday, February 19th 3:00 PM
- Summerstage "Break-A-Leg Gala"
- Pancakes at the House
- Christ the King To Host Chicago Gospel Choir Concert
- All God’s Children Preschool To Hold Family Open House to Preview 2012-13 School Year
- 3 & 4 Pre-K Open Enrollment at St. John's Mukwonago
- Winterfest Gallery
- Habitat for Humanity Welcome New Board Members
- J&J Construction Lake Country Receives Three Awards in Annual Remodeler Competition
- Hamilton Band Boosters hosts Italian dinner Feb. 15
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