WENDY BENTON KNAUPP

MAY DAY AWARD

FOR FORGOTTEN KINDNESS

2019

SHIRLEY CULP

Dear Shirley

It's been so many years you may not remember me, but you had a profound influence on my life.

It was October 1984 when my precious Heather had her horrible accident. You were one of the amazing women who came week after week to be present with Heather in the hospital for eleven months! Your incredible gift allowed me to spend time caring for my elderly parents and my nursing baby.

I knew you a little from La Leche League. Perhaps you were moved by the thought of another mother having to be separated from her baby by such a tragedy. You lived out the love we all shared from La Leche League and from our mothering experiences.

Heather is still living at home with us. She never made the miraculous improvements we all wished for her. We have personal care workers that come in to help us everyday. I know that sounds sad, but our Heather is a bright and inspiring person. She is almost always cheerful and has a wonderful sense of humor. She not long ago told us she was the luckiest person in the world to have such amazing parents! What a gift she is.

Your kindness all though years ago has been shining on our family ever since. You not only helped us through our time of greatest trial, you and the others changed our attitudes about the world at large and helped to forge ahead with hope, faith and love.

In memory of your kindness, which we will NEVER forget,  I want to award you the 2019 Wendy Benton May Day Award for Forgotten Kindness. You embody the spirit of her love that saved me once before in my life.

It is my hope that, if there is someone whose kindness has meant a great deal in your life, that you will pass this award on to them next May Day (or sometime. Instructions included! :-) .

Bless you dear Shirley.

Love,

Dianne