CONNECTIONS IN OUR MIDST

A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON PEOPLE, PLACES AND PERSEVERANCE IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTY

WRITTEN BY: JACKIE SWIESZ

There is a certain serendipity when kindred souls connect, and such was the case with Kari and Jane. They met just shy of thirty years ago through a church program geared to provide home visits for the elderly. From the first time Kari and Jane met, the friendship was forged, not only with Kari but also with her whole family. Jane quickly became their “adopted Grandma” and many a Friday found them at Jane’s house for family night, gathering for fellowship and conversation, playing games, listening to the children sing songs, and reading scriptures together. Those monthly events even included Jane’s homemade pizza and spice cake, plus apple juice and M&M’s for the kids. From that, a holiday tradition sprang up, with Christmas carols sung by the kids and secret and special recipes shared. They became the family that Jane didn’t have. Treasured times were spent with Kari taking Jane Christmas shopping and mailing packages to distant relatives. During our conversation, Kari told me, “Jane was always so appreciative of anything I did for her – I have a stack of thank-you letters from her. She didn’t let a chance go by to express her gratitude!”

Kari added, “If we just open our eyes to those around us, we can see how even the smallest gesture of kindness can mean so much, especially through the eyes of a senior who otherwise would be isolated and alone.” The joy on Jane’s face is apparent when you see the photo of her on game night at her house, playing a round of 5 Crowns, a pumped-up version of Rummy.

One highlight of this mutually beneficial friendship was the fulfillment of one of Jane’s bucket list items (a cruise to Alaska) which Kari and her family joined in to celebrate Jane’s ninetieth birthday.

But the real gift in Jane’s eyes was “experiencing the big Pacific Ocean” together. The words in her thank-you letter to Kari ring true: “It was wonderful to spend a week with you & feel your tender & loving care of me.” For Kari, the real gift came straight from her heart, the gift of spending time with someone you care for deeply. This gift does not come with ribbons and tags or boxes and bags, but rather it comes with a joyous feeling that swells the heart and warms the spirit of both those who give and those who receive.

Meal Site Location! NEW

Billings Westend King of Glory Lutheran Church 4125 Grand Ave. NOW OPEN

Serving lunch on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12:00pm • • • • • • TO MAKE A RESERVATION • • • • • •

Call (406) 259-9666 by noon the day before $5.00 donation suggested

• • • • • • ACTIVITIES • • • • • • Provided by the Billings Senior Citizens, Inc. | Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00am For more information call Marilyn (406) 860-1261

1505 Ave D Billings 259-9666

935 Lake Elmo Dr Billings Heights 606-1170 allianceyc.org