Cosmic Gardener – Cultivating a Life

When my friend Pam turned 70 a couple of years ago she decided to throw herself a big party at the pool where for years she has done aqua aerobics. It is one of her favorite things to do and she invited all her women friends from the myriad communities she populates. Only women. While not everyone that was invited joined in the water fun, such were the chocolate goodies offered that even the water and/or swim suit-averse joined the celebration.

In her own inimitable way Pam made the party bigger than (her) life. She asked everyone to bring food donations for the local Food Bank, toys for Toys N Joy Makers or a check made out to either. And even though men were not included in the event itself she invited the ones she knew to chip in. As testimony to her big heart the event raised more than $700 and filled a couple of barrels with new toys and canned goods.

At this year’s annual 70th birthday bash the tally was
• Four hundred (400 !) pounds of food donations
• $2,300 cash donations, and
• “lots” of toys for kids

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead