A couple of weeks ago, this couple came in to the library and they were in a bit of a panic. They were here from Texas. The husband was a Vietnam vet who was ill. I didn't get the specifics, but he was here to recieve treatment at the local VA hospital. His wife accompanied him and she needed a place to stay.

They didn't want a shelter, they were looking for an apartment, one that was used for emergency housing. I had to do a ton of research to find what they were looking for, and within their limited budget. They had already exhausted the available housing from the hospital and used the assistance of a local church, so they were on their own. With no idea where to turn (they'd never been to MN before), they stopped into my library and asked for help.

I managed to find them affordable housing near the VA hospital, that is used for situations like this, through a local social services organization. I got them directions and an appointment and sent them on their way.

Today, they stopped in to the library. They were looking for me specifically. They wanted to let me know that the housing I found them worked out perfectly. His treatments are going well and suddenly everthing is going well for them both. They are a very sweet couple who's names I didn't even know until today. When we spoke, they thanked me for my assistance and my kindness toward them and told me they would pray for me.

Then, they gave me a handwritten thank you card with their names on it, that said "Thank you for strengthening the (name) family.  We appreciate the love and support you gave us."

It was so utterly unexpected and sincere. I was really touched. I do what I do and often times I help people, but it is my job. Yet, it meant so much to these two, that they made a point of stopping back to let me know how I helped them. And brought me a card, which is becoming an increasingly rare thing to do.

It is nice to get that affirmation that what I do really does make a difference.