It is hard to believe I will be turning 49 next year. For the first time in my life, I am starting to feel that I am getting “older” and that I am in mid-life. My skin and body are changing, flecks of grays are coming in, I don’t like to rush, I am in bed by 10pm 95% of the time and I crave contemplative “down” time. These all feel like benchmarks of mid-life.
As I reflect on my life, I feel my twenties were filled with adventure, risk taking, personal development, socializing and spending money. I was deeply goal-driven and focused on financial success. As I moved into my thirties, my focus shifted to building a family, financial stability and fun. My forties have been defined by focusing on saving, security, spending time with family and friends, contemplative time and giving back.
The past 3 years have been HARD. I know they have been hard for everyone in some shape or manner. For me, the pandemic coupled with this life stage has ignited a deep desire to “give” back and serve.
Last year with the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, I was inspired and called to action. My friend, Meredith, was creating a sponsor circle which would raise money and support a Afghan family re-settling in Colorado. I volunteered to be a member of this HIAS sponsor circle through a local synagogue, Rodef-Shalom. I had no idea that in a short amount of time, I would move from being a volunteer for one Afghan family to pulling together and leading 2 additional sponsor circles. From February-September of this year, a group of 20 plus volunteers and I successfully settled 2 families (a family of 7 and a family of 4). We essentially functioned as a “mini” resettlement agency.
Recently, I met two single Hazara women who arrived in Colorado last month. The Hazaras are a population who have been targeted by the Taliban. Just a month ago, there was a bombing at a school targeting Hazara girls. Aziza and Amena both legally journeyed to the US alone with no friends or family. While we can’t control what happens around the world, I see an opportunity to support these two young women as they build a new life here in America as millions of immigrants have done throughout our history. If you would like to learn more about Aziza and possibly donate to her gofundme campaign, click here.
In looking for ways to give back on a local level, my husband, Ross, and I became certified foster parents in January. We have provided respite care (hosting foster children in our home for a specific amount of time) throughout the year while being open to providing a foster child with a more permanent home. Last week, this very situation presented itself to us as a 3 year old came to stay with us for an indefinite amount of time. Opening up our home has forced us to change our routine and make adjustments to our life and lifestyle. Initially, I felt completely out of sorts, figuring out how to adjust to life with a toddler again but each day has gotten a little bit easier as we all get to know each other. She is a sweetheart and despite the upheaval in our home, I empathize with this child knowing this is a scary time for her as she doesn’t understand why she is not with her parents. I know we can be a stable, safe place for her while things out of her control transpire.
While the past year has been intense, it has also been heart-warming and personally rewarding. I am truly filled with gratitude and love. While things have been challenging, I am reminded that humans are resilient and can overcome insurmountable adversity. I see it in the refugee families we have been assisting and in the foster children we welcome into our home. While giving back takes intentional effort and work, in the end, it is inspiring to see that we can all come out stronger, more compassionate and humble through helping others.
In gratitude,
