Helping Hands

I am blown away by the generosity and kindness of my community. 

I moved to Milton 5 years ago and have felt at home here since. I remember coming to opening day at the Farmers Market before deciding to move here and knowing instantly by the vibe that this was it.  I grew up in Elmira...a small country town and I loved that Milton felt like home. 

I’ve thrived in this community and have been actively donating and participating over the years.  

But now, I’m out of work. (Like so many of you!)

I’ve been a server for 20 years and starting in December, things have been shaky. The restaurant I was working for was charged with human trafficking among other things, and the roller coaster only started there.  The next restaurant I went to work at gave me crippling back pain with their cement floors. And I’m an active and healthy person!!  I finally went back to my familiar stomping ground, a restaurant chain that I had invested 12 years in already. I finally felt like I was putting the pieces of my life back together in a beautiful and harmonious way. 

And then, Covid-19. 

A crazy world phenomenon that none of us saw coming. 

And now most of you are aware of the roller coaster I’m speaking of. 

The uncertainty. The questions unanswered. 

We’ve all been impacted in some way. 

The financial burden is real. Emotions are high. Kids are home and now we’re faced with a new reality that we don’t fully understand. We’re balancing life in a way we’ve never done before.  It’s definitely a lot to handle! Not to mention the government website can’t handle all our inquires, so that’s crashing and challenging in itself. 

But when I stop to focus on all the good… I can see there’s so much good!! 

Like the teachers and administration staff from Tiger Jeet that I’ve created connections with. Many of them reached out to make sure me and my daughters are okay.  And they’ve been so helpful!

And the community resources that are available are abundant. 

I’ve had to put my pride aside in a big way. I went to my first food bank the other day. I was so beyond grateful for the fresh fruits and vegetables. There was so much! So much that I shared with my neighbours and made soup and roasted vegetables, to be sure I didn’t waste a thing. 

And now, thanks to the school, I’m signed up for a food program that will be delivering food to my front door.  With an understanding to wait a few minutes after the doorbell rings to bring it inside and a knowledge that my community is here to help me and my girls for as long as we need them. 

I also have the best friends. Friends that I’ve made at the park or through the kids school. Friends that leave goodies on my doorstep and friends that insist on giving because they believe in community too.

It’s been an example of love all around.

And it brings my heart peace. 

So even though we’re experiencing unchartered territory, I feel safe. And I feel loved.  And I feel like we’ll come out of this stronger. 

Because we’re truly better together. 

Please, if you need help, look into your community offerings. We are not alone. There are neighbours who care and want to help those of us being impacted. And if you too live in the Halton Region, I’d be happy to connect with you and share my resources.  Just send me an email and ask :)

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Wishing you more peace, balance, happiness, vibrant health and lasting love.

Sandy xo

"What we think, we become." -Buddha