It was an early hazy morning. The sun hadn't been up an hour and already by looking out the window, she could tell it was promising to be another hot, humid, and smoldering day in South Georgia where she lived. Testing her theory she went to the porch, opened the sliding glass door and the air was already warm and still.

Closing the door she made her way back to the computer. At least here she knew she would be cool, and she could get some work done. She had been gone several days, resting her swollen joints, only popping in daily to check email for that emergency help needed. Today she would surf around and meet some new friends. Help where she could, and guide some weary builders to the Community Center. She had her day planned, which brought to mind the question that was asked her the day before. Why did you volunteer to be a Community Leader, it takes so much time?

With her knees still sore and swollen she smiled. She knew at least online she would not be alone. And the pain could be forgotten for a while. The computer her husband bought her when she became ill had been a beacon of light in the dark days of depression when she was grieving the loss of her formal self. She had thrown herself into it, learning to create webpages, and found she had a passion for it. It filled a void. Life didn't look so lonely and empty anymore.

Of course in the beginning, just learning how to turn it on was a major task. Then when it came on she didn't know what to do with it. And she was sure she didn't have one of those browser things the sales girl had told her to use to surf the net. What was surfing the net anyway? Chuckling to herself she fondly remembered her fledgling days, and the wonderful gal Elaine who had helped her so much.

Hoping she would be able to help someone else who was lost, she sat down at the computer. Wondering if anyone was up yet in the Community Center where she volunteered. She pushed the power button, turned on the monitor and booted up her machine. While she waited she went back to the kitchen and made coffee. With a steaming cup and a smile she set out on her daily travels. Travels? Yes travels, for she wasn't alone anymore, she had friends all over the world she visited daily. And with a feeling of contentment and joy, another day began.

Today she would meet new people. Today she would form new friendships. Today she would answer notes left in the guestbook, and maybe bring a smile to someone else by answering their questions, comments, or emails. Even if it was just a hello and a thank you for visiting. She knows how much those little kindnesses mean. And she knows by doing so she will meet more friends. Today she will invest at least one positive thing into the life of another. Today she won't stop till she finds at least one person she can help. Today she will give someone else a feeling of accomplishment, by signing their guestbooks and telling them what a great job they are doing. For all these things were given to her, and because of it, even though physically her old life is gone, she has been given back life from the kindness of others.

She was once very active, she worked 10 hours a day at a career she loved. She was around people all day long. She was a "never let the grass grow under your feet" kinda gal. Always the first to volunteer in her church. She was the youth leader, she was in the choir. She took care of the Monthly Church Newsletter. At family gatherings she loved cooking a variety of dishes, and getting involved with the daily activities. She took pride in her home, and kept it in tip top shape. Then one day it all ended. She knows becoming a Community Leader was heaven sent. She knows too that there are others out there. Those who for some reason or other live their life online. And many waiting for someone else to reach out, be a friend, and help them. And maybe just maybe she can get some of them involved in helping others too. Guiding them to the CL application page. Knowing their lives will be enriched in the service of helping others.

Settling in her chair, pulling out the keyboard she starts that familiar tap tap tap on the keys that echo's through the room, that glowing orb in front of her that her cat has made his bed. Taking out her map she plans her route for the day, and with a click of the mouse she's off, And peace fills her soul.

Would you like to become a Community Leader?

Would you like to have the same warm feeling of helping others?

We would like to invite you to join HotSprings and become part of a warm and friendly group of people.

We hope you will Join Us