Choosing The Right Path

Next week I have to speak to a group of Juniors and Seniors who are involved in a Community Service Class. A few different organizations will be making presentations and after that they will decide which charities to work with. I heard the class is mostly made up of young men, so I am trying to think of what to open with that will keep their attention and peek their interest. Perhaps they will be impressed with the fact that although we are a young charity we have been able to help 33 communities. They may like that funds raised in their town stay in their town, no salaries come from these collections and what we collect, either food or funds, will make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.

It is at this same school over 36 years ago on their track that I watched a boy I liked throw shot put and discus at a meet. After the meet he and I spoke briefly. I had embarrassed him with my applause from the stands. It seems clapping is not proper etiquitte at such events. All these years later we are still together. Oh, yes, we are older, but I still look at him as my boyfriend, best friend, confidant, and the love of my life. I still see the smile that stole my heart and his sense of humor and intelligence along with our wanting the same things out of life. We both wanted to be parents, we both wanted to give back, we both wanted the other to be happy, we both supported the other when things got rough and we both will continue to be there for one another as we grow older.

So when I look out at the students I will be thinking of the years that have passed, the world that is open to each of them, the path I chose to take and the person I chose to take it with. Just as GCI began with a few friends who chose to walk this path we me, I hope they choose to join us!

Dorothy Goodwin