Jonathans Helpers feed keiki at a summer basketball tourney in Kealakehe.
KeOlaMagazine.com | November-December 2019
Volunteer Paulette Wilson of Hilo, who helped with Random Acts of Kindness, says, “People on the receiving end of these Acts were surprised and very, very thankful. What a beautiful feeling it is to see the reactions of appreciation, happiness, and gratefulness on their faces.” Bill Wilson of Hilo relays that his experience helping during last year’s holiday season “just touched my heart to be a part of something so special. The thank you, the hug, the smile of both parents and children will last a lifetime with me.” George adds that he’s learned how gratifying it is to help improve another’s quality of life. “It has allowed me to look at the world through a child’s eyes and not be cynical or jaded,” he says. “It’s also helped me realize there is such goodness in the world.”
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Keeping Jonathan’s Spirit Alive For Sharon, carrying out her late grandson’s wish is “effortless” and it keeps her connected to him. She likes to reflect on things Jonathan said after finding out his illness was terminal. They include: “No tears—you will never be able to miss me,” and “My spirit will burn like a bright light in your heart forever.” For Sharon, recalling her grandson’s sayings enables her “to feel him with me shoulder-to-shoulder, side-byside every step of the way.” Sharon finds doing Jonathan’s work healing, rewarding, and uplifting. She explains, “It has given me the opportunity to look into the eyes of many parents and children. What I see and experience is the incredible difference one unselfish boy’s wish has made on the lives of many…Jonathan said, ‘No matter what you have, or where you come from, we are the same, and should help each other.’” In its 20th year, the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation is teaching others to reach further than their own back yard. His wish continues to circle the entire island like a lei of love, sharing his story. ■ Photos courtesy of the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation For more information: jonathansfoundation.org facebook.com/Jonathans-Helpers Co-founder Sharon Handgis of Keauhou displays purchased bikes for keiki during the 2010 holidays.