Licking Honey - Donna Lee Guest Post

When I arrived to Naples, 3 years back this April, I immediately searched for a place to help out.   Living in Israel for most of my life, it was very important to me to volunteer and give back to the community.   I am blessed with 3 beautiful children, a wonderful life and feel the need to share my good luck and energy with others who need some assistance or comfort. 

One afternoon volunteering for Naples Equestrian Challenge I  helped one mother getting her son out of the car seat and ready to mount Bailey, one of Riley's favorite horses.  And this is how I met Stacie, Riley and little Ronan, who, today, is now my biggest helper.

Below, Sunday April 17th Om and I visit Riley:

In Israel  I was fortunate to work at a very unique school for children with special needs. Its name

is Beit Izzy Shapiro and is in my hometown, Ra'anana.  This is where I studied and gained much 

knowledge and understanding about cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome etc. But most of all,

I witnessed how it affected the parent's lives.  We often had workshops, which included a parent describing what her/his life is like, what an average day consisted of.  One mother, who's adorable little boy, was in the classroom I worked in, spoke and brought tears to all our eyes.  A religious American woman, who had 5 children, including this beautiful curly blond, big blue-eyed boy, who was lacking not hours or days of sleep, but months, described her average day . This mothers talk had a HUGE impact on my life and awareness.

I never complained about my lack of sleep again, or daily challenges with my little ones. My life was a

breeze, " I was licking honey", as we say in my country. (This phrase is very complex, here is a Jewish tradition.)

So, getting back to my buddy Riley, the first time I saw Stacie, my heart went out to her.  I approached

her, offering my assistance .  Knowing how hard it is for parents to accept, lucky enough, Stacie was

tired enough to say YES!!!!.  For me, that is an honor, because any parent who feels safe enough to 

allow me to hold and handle her most precious cargo, I feel special.

More to come.............

B'ahava

Nameste, 

DONNA LEE