Today was the Best Day Ever at TLPTC! Super busy – I haven’t even counted how many shoppers we had today, but it was a lot. We also had a lot of new volunteers. A lot! It was awesome for us, but I was a little worried. It was crowded and loud and nutty and our place is ……… very real. It’s not like the DMV – people do not sit quietly staring at the floor, waiting for their turn. We sing happy birthday – we talk about who’s going into re-hab – we hug and dance and tell people we love them. Normal stuff for us, but to the outside world, I’m pretty sure there is nothing normal about our place.
Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Everytime I would check on a new volunteer, they had big smiles and they were taking it all in stride. Made me wonder why I had been worried in the first place. I think I’m a little protective of my shoppers – my Family. I hoot all the time for them not to be treated differently. I howl about how they are amazing and talented and beautiful people to know. So, why would I worry that these new volunteers would feel any different than I do?
It’s hard for me to express how much I appreciate when people come to TLP and really get it. Alan and his group – Mary and her group – Maureen – Eric – Greg – all people who gather coats and cans and give of their time. I have always felt like this little place is a gift that should be shared and today this gift was received with open hearts and open minds. It was a perfectly normal best day ever.