An uncommon spring rainstorm last May didn’t stop Victoria from coming to the foodbank for assistance. With her arms full of bags of groceries, she walked to the sidewalk to wait for her ride home.
After one hour, Victoria was still planted on the sidewalk with her groceries, in the rain. When a volunteer, Jessica, stepped outside to see if Victoria was okay, she expected her to be frustrated or discouraged. Instead, Victoria looked at Jessica with a chuckle and sassy smile then said, “I’m good!” as if standing in the rain with bags of groceries was simply another adventure.
This summer, it was the California sun beating down as she waited for the bus. Once again, we came out to see how she was holding up and Victoria responded with laughter, optimism and that unmistakable spark that emanates from her wherever she goes.
She doesn’t have a car, so getting groceries home isn’t always easy, and she never lets the inconvenience steal her joy. These days, Victoria has more resources and more support around her. We’ve had the privilege of watching her journey as she overcomes struggles with alcohol and now celebrates her recovery with us every time she walks through our doors. As she moves about the line and interacts with guests and volunteers, she shares how long she’s been sober and the positive transformation that has been happening in her life as a result. Her health is better, her relationships are stronger, and she is happier than she’s ever been.
Victoria’s actions demonstrate how joy is contagious and isn’t found in perfect circumstances. Joy is a choice that we make moment by moment. Every time Victoria visits the food bank, she leaves a little bit of that joy with us.
