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“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
– Roger Miller
Perhaps it’s just me, but I can remember a time when folks appeared to have more empathy and compassion. The ideas of giving and kindness sometimes seem to have been dimmed by what I call “me first” syndrome.
An animal sanctuary that I frequently visited and donated to closed. After the owner fell ill and eventually passed, volunteers had worked feverishly to maintain the farm, but they lacked adequate funding and the doors eventually closed. Folks had become disinterested in the farm’s mission of rescuing animals and contributions had fallen dramatically.
I had the pleasure of meeting the founder of this wonderful place by happenstance. The year was 2015 and we were preparing for our return to Maine. It was June and the beautiful doe that came to visit twice a day stopped by one evening with her baby in tow. The next morning, she was lying by the road and it was apparent that she had been fatally injured.
We were devastated, but realized that we had to look for her fawn. A long, tedious search through the woods ended without results. Shortly after returning to the cottage, I looked out of my kitchen window to see two ears popping up from my cucumber patch!
I called every facility I could think of to rescue that baby. A woman finally called back and told me she would be there within the hour. Kelly was a registered nurse, and we had worked in the same hospital. After 35-plus years in the emergency room, she had left to start an animal sanctuary. She picked up that baby fawn with great care and took her to her new home.
When we visited “Angel” the following week, Kelly’s farm was filled with orphaned baby animals. There were baby racoons, skunks, opossums and porcupines, along with a bear cub. When we got to the fawns, there were about 30 in a large area complete with baby bottles of formula lined up on the fence so they could nurse. By October, many of these animals were weaned and ready to be released back to the wild.
We were amazed at the level of love and kindness these animals received. There will always be a spot in my heart for the love Kelly provided to animals in need. Her legacy will live on through the creatures she cared for.
When I think of that level of compassion, I am reminded of the volunteers who give their time and effort to others here in Harpswell. I feel fortunate to live in this wonderful community and to be part of Harpswell Aging at Home.
One volunteer who comes to mind is Gayle Hays. She retired from a career in nursing after many years at Mid Coast Hospital. Since then, she has become a dedicated volunteer, tirelessly giving her time to various organizations. You may have even received your COVID-19 or flu shot from her! In 2016, Gayle volunteered for Harpswell Aging at Home, and in 2018, she became the chair of its Health and Wellness Committee.
When I think of Gayle and the many hats she wears, I am reminded of an old saying: “They may not remember your name, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
Gayle grew up on a farm in Maine. Her mother and grandmother lived through the Depression and made recipes with whatever was available to them at the time. This chocolate cake was her mom’s favorite.
I made this cake and topped it with cream cheese frosting, then served it with vanilla ice cream for company. It was very well received. Enjoy!
Chocolate cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sour milk (add one tablespoon of vinegar to milk and let sit for 10 minutes.)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan and set aside.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, then set aside.
Beat the shortening for about a minute, then add the sugar. Beat until combined, about 2 minutes.
Alternate adding the flour mixture, sour milk and boiling water. Add the vanilla.
Pour batter in the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
When cool, ice with buttercream, chocolate or peanut butter frosting.
