juxtaposition

Last night I attended the Harvest Ball, a fundraiser for Local Matters here in Columbus, Oh. Local matters has been teaching Columbus children how to love the earth and be healthy through growing and preparing healthy food. The parents are benefitting also, with the many food education programs that have been sparked. Literally, a vast network of programs have enhanced the health of our community, and so many have benefitted. I feel fortunate to have extra money to donate to this worthy cause. I shared in the celebration, eating and drinking local, gourmet food and local wines, dancing and being a part of it all. I contributed by buying a ticket, and toasting all the hard work the staff and founders have done.

Today, I volunteered to give massages to the homeless at the community picnic at Wolfe Park just west of the Franklin Park Conservatory. I felt moved by the individuals who came to receive touch, release the tension of living on the street or in a shelter. Serious injuries that have very little change of healing even in the young bodies I had the fortune to put my hands on. Injuries that had been caused by shooting or street violence. Bony bodies that cannot keep fat on because they have to keep moving from one place to another. My hands will not forget this, my heart is full, I hope I helped.

I live in both of these worlds. In 24 hours, the whole spectrum from homelessness to affluence was revealed. I wonder how my good fortune has held up. I am left in a space of gratitude and wonder. I trust my talent was useful today, and I can keep giving.