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Hi you all,

The question of should I ask this question here has been on my mind for two to three days now. And the more I read the posts the more I find myself pondering this question.

Dose this poster contribute to society, outside of this forum?

I have made the statement in some of my posts that there is a place where I spend some time at two to three days each week. I doubt I will ever provide you with more information than this due to my personal security. Other than to say it is a place I go to where I can give something back to society, for free.

I am wondering if there are any more like me here?

Hi Darlene,

At the moment, I have my hands full as my parents' caretaker including most general maintenance around the house. However, that is easing up a bit and I'm hoping I can start working at least part time fairly soon. At that time I might consider doing some volenteer work at the local hospital. Given what I've done in terms of nursing care here, there isn't much they could throw at me that I haven't already seen.

Hi Darlene,

For many years now I devote time each week to help the Salvos in their shop, it entails sorting through all the donated goods and clothing.

I now live in a small community and although I haven't practised my profession of chiropratory for a few years in a clinical environment, I offer a free service to the locals, from home, for those who need urgent attention, as it's not always possible to get quick and effective treatment in the city. Giving, returns to me something far more special than I ever received in the way of monetry payment for my services.

Mixing these two with working in the TG community fulfills my life. My mother always said when she was alive, 'We come into the world with nothing and we leave it with nothing, but it's what we do in between which determines our true value as a person." She educated us at an early age that no matter how bad we think things are for ourselves, there is always someone far worse off who need a helping hand. She always gave more of her time to others than she devoted to herself, she said she derived great pleasure from doing for others and I how she felt.

Kind Regards.

Sally.

actually I'm a far more vocal advocate for the disabled, the sexually abused, and children in need of special education and so on . . .

I would like to help, but I have too many of my own issues and problems to sort out first which I am currently working my way through. I cant wait till I'm totally relaxed in this world!

Sophie xx

Hi all,

I give rides to elderly people to church regularly - does that count?

I also repair and maintain computers for our church and for a few other people who can't afford brand new equipment/software or pay a commercial repairman.

I think every effort helps.

Jadeanne

Hi ladies

Church is where it's at for me - we *need* to help each other as fellow human beings - building bridges to link the CD/TG community is becoming more and more important each day that passes - the ladies at my church have accepted me as a friend and in some cases, almost like one of there family - especially the more senior gals who have no reason to feel threatened

I also found most men in the church (small, community in a big city) to accept me at their monthly men's breakfast get-together.

Love / Marda

Darlene wrote:Hi you all,

[Whether I should] ask this question here has been on my mind for two to three days now. And the more I read the posts the more I find myself pondering this question. Does this poster contribute to society, outside of this forum?

      In some respects, this is an awkward question, since persons who contribute often do so in a low-key way, not seeking public recognition. However, I support the United Negro College Fund, the universities that have given me opportunities I could never have had without them, and the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that fights for the rights of discriminated-against groups (lesbians, gays, crossdressers, and others). I also have worked with Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for families who could not otherwise afford them. I have been very blessed in my own life, but I feel guilty that so many other wonderful human beings have been left out in the cold.

These quotes from mlk's posts ...
--------------------

"sometimes I help a local garden-club. The ladies are elderly and wear straw hats---the colors of all the flowers make me feel like I'm spending the afternoon inside a Monet painting."

--------------------

""As we water our garden we can feel these three ideas at once:
"birth, life,and death."
when we trim for bouquets:

"death of a stranger, death of a friend death of ourselves."

over weeks and months: "I can imagine my grandparents as children. I can imagine myself as a brand new baby, and I can imagine what the flowers will look like here next summer."

-----they really are lovely ladies to spend time with
--------------------------mlk""

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today's Sunday -

For the first time in months (?) I noticed the beautiful orange tiger lilies and the pink, white and mauve petunias smiling and waving at me from the gardens along the path leading to the sanctuary.

it was so stimulating, yet comforting, to sit with my "girlfriends" over coffee and cake in the church basement to celebrate the baptism of a very shy and sweet 10 year old girl

my heart drifted to mlk's post about being in a Monet painting
and suddenly my kaleidoscope wheel turned -

I was standing beside Julia, 18 years with golden blonde hair - wearing her favourite red knitted longsleeve pullover - as I reached to put a single red rose in her hands

I couldn't then, as I can't now, find a way to get the words past my throat

and I can't quite get my eyes to cry, yet I can't stop them from wanting to

there we were; quietly; just the two of us; at the front of the chapel

Alone before God

400 people had filed past whispering their fare-thee-wells to Julia

tending the children; a heart attack while she laughed

my first youth funeral

I know you're there Julia

I know your sweetheart LOVED YOU DEARLY

I could feel it in the dampness his tears left on the stem of that LONELY RED ROSE.

I'll see you in Monet's garden Julia
xxxooo

Love / Marda

Hi Darlene,

I think to decide if I am going to help someone based on their gender status or acceptance level, is precisely what I am fighting against.

In my teenage years I donated my time at a Salvation Army daycare center. Just helping to care for the children. It was only about 15 hours a week, but it was very fulfilling.

As an adult I have coached little league football. Again a chance to help mold the children who will run this place after I am gone. When I played little league football as a kid, I worked hard, I came to every practice, but I never got to play because I was just not very good because I was too afraid. As a coach I taught the kids that we are only as strong as we decide to be, if we uplift our weakest link, that is how we are our best. We considered it a good game if everyone had a great time. We tried to win, but it was not the goal. The goal was always the same, to have fun. For everyone, not just a few gifted athletes. I know that children I came in contact with will aways remember me, just as I remember my little league coach. It will just be for a different reason.

I have taught all my kids that they are gifted, and have an obligation to give back to society that has allowed us to live such a priviledged life. Perhaps not by American or the other wealthy countries around the world standards, but certainly by world standards as a whole. My oldest son, 17 years old, for his senior project is organizing a huge benifit with local bands playing, and all the proceeds going to local charities. My 12 year old son, for the Board of Excellence, will donate his time to elementary schools during his break from school. My oldest daughter now 21 tutored in high school when she did not have classes.

I have taught my children it does not matter who a person is, or how they got to be that way, when we help people, it must be unconditional.

I hope that was not to long and drawn out.

Love always,
Elizabeth