It’s that time of year again when the cold days of winter have transformed into a beautiful spring. The trees are full again and the sun is warm and shining brightly and Mother’s Day is upon us. Spring can be a lovely encouragement of new beginnings, hope, and life. Spring can be a reminder of all we are grateful for.
As I think of the past year, I am reminded to be grateful. Today I am thankful for the helpers, the people that go above and beyond to give their time to making the community around them a better place. There are many helpers who work in the CAF community and today I would like to highlight one in particular.
Meet Alyssa Truong; she is a CAF spouse here and an impactful helper within the CFB Borden community. Over the last several years she given her time to neighbours, spouses and newcomers through a variety of creative ways. Some of these include meal swaps, cookie exchange, or just being a friendly face on move-in day to help new families feel welcome.
When I asked Alyssa about what inspired her to be such a big help to her community, she recalled being a new spouse and having another woman to show her family the same kindness that she now offers to others. As we chatted about being a community helper, Alyssa noted that even just holding the door for someone can be meaningful. “Minimal acts of kindness can really impact someone’s life.”
As I thought about Alyssa and other helpers like her I was reminded that impactful things don’t have to be grand, and that they are often unseen; but their impact is huge. I hope in this season of renewal we are all inspired by Alyssa’s story and the story of others to go out in our communities and try to make a difference.
There’s an old African proverb that says, “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.”
By: Chaplain Lt(N) Colleen Raja
