Our latest round of Meals on Wheels (MOW) deliveries inspired so much enthusiasm that Little Miss Three was absolutely worn out by the end. She fell asleep on the car ride home, and who could blame her, after all of those smiles and all of those happily delivered desserts.

Last time, I reported back about frazzled nerves, soaring heat, and a rather complicated route. Today, thanks to a little experience, a helpful kid, and a perfect fall day, the whole route went smoothly. Plus, I learned not to underestimate my youngest child.

After three rounds of deliveries, I no longer worry about forgetting a milk or confusing the special dietary requirements. I’m accustomed to the detailed instructions and step-by-step driving directions. Today’s route even covered a couple of houses I visited last time.

Better yet, I had only one child along. Miss Just-Turned-Three really shined today. Before we left, we practiced on our own front door. I very carefully reminded her that people are depending on us for their lunch, so even if we are a little tired or would rather go to the nearby park we have to finish our route.

I was half convinced that, with her big sister off at kindergarten, my little one would be completely uninterested.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. One of the first stops was a private home, so I offered to let her stay in the car. She protested loudly. She marched up the front walk so seriously, hollering at the front door, “Meals on Wheews, we have your wunch.”

One of our ladies had a cold. When her coughing stopped, Miss Three told her, “You are woosing yew words. I woosed mine wast time too.”  After I translated the whole “loosing your word” speech, the two of them exchanged happy smiles.

After we dropped off our MOW gear at the main office, Miss Three looked a little forlorn. “No more dewieries?”  When I reminded her that we would be back, she cheered like a sports fan.

During past visits, I think I have overlooked this little sister. I’ve watched big Miss Kindergarten for her reactions, asked her the thought provoking questions. Miss K is so enthusiastic, so outspoken, that she overshadowed her little sister.

Now that Miss Three and I have our MOW route to ourselves, it has become an entirely new type of family volunteering. It is helping me see a new side of my little girl, while meeting and helping out members of our community.

Tags: Improving Lives, Meals on Wheels

About Sarah

Sarah Aadland is striving to make family volunteering a meaningful habit for her family of five. Join the conversation as she ponders what they may (or may not have) learned and looks for helpful information about raising compassionate kids.Though she plans to one day put her Masters in Public Policy back to work for social justice, she sees family volunteering as a way to build a stronger community, a better world, and a more connected family. In addition to her children, Sarah tends a large garden, a small flock of chickens, and a habit of mindfulness amid the necessary rituals of parenting.

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