Shelia Cardamone accepted OSLC’s nomination for Micah Award and shared these words with those of use who could attend the celebration October 27th.
Thank you for this award. I feel both honored and humbled.
When I was told that I would need to say a few words I became introspective and reflective and came up with 3 points I wanted to share with all of you.
Firstly, I must say it is very nice to be able to hear what your children think of you before you’re on your death bed. That is a blessing and I thank you for that.
Secondly, and more seriously, this award is embarrassing.
To be perfectly honest, I am not always filled with love when I am doing some of my volunteer work. There are times when I have signed up to do something outside and it turns very cold, and I’m freezing and I would rather be at home in a warm house than collecting money in the Church parking lot for a cause. Or when my fingers are sticking together at a habitat worksite because of wall board mud and there is no hot running water to clean them off.
But there is another reason that this award is embarrassing. I learned a long time ago that when I am feeling sad, down or lonely, the best thing I could do to make myself feel better was to do something for someone else. It is embarrassing to accept an award for doing things that make me feel better.
Thirdly, As a parent I was always concerned with my children’s peer group. I wanted them to have good influences around them. What I have realized as an adult is that your peer group is just as important. My faith community at Our Savior Lutheran Church provides guidance and support for me. I am so lucky to have a wonderful group of people to help calibrate my moral compass and it is for that reason that I share this award with them.
Thank you again.
Our Savior Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry 