Love. Such a simple four-letter word that is both a noun and a verb. Thinking about my 31 years of marriage, my husband should be anointed for sainthood. But then, I’ve been putting up with a 1970 broken down MGB in our garage for four years so maybe we are even!

I think about love a lot while working at Samaritas Senior Living Bloomfield Hills. The mission statement of Samaritas is “serving others as an expression of the love of Christ.” There are so many examples of love here at Samaritas, I’d like to share a few. As I’m writing this in mid-August, we are in the midst of our backpack collection. We were able to collect 30 backpacks for elementary  aged children that will be filled with school supplies. These backpacks will go to children served by Samaritas – whether they are in foster care, our family homeless shelter or afterschool program. What an act of love by our residents, staff and their families to help a child start the school year off right!

Another example of love was expressed when one of our residents who had been at rehab was warmly greeted by so many of her friends upon return. What a warm homecoming and a way to express love! Our staff worked very hard to give the gift of a great party for residents, family and friends on August 17. Everyone went above and beyond their jobs, how else to explain the voluntary insanity of preparing for a party of 300 except love. By the time this reaches you, the party will be a happy memory with many stories to laugh about.

Another act of love happened when one of our residents passed away and requested donations go to Samaritas. As one of Michigan’s largest non-profits, gifts go to our Good Samaritan Fund. Samaritas will celebrate its 83rd year of service in foster care, refugee services, persons with disabilities and senior care. Think of all of the lives Samaritas has been involved with over those years! However, love isn’t always easy. At times, love demands action and other times love demands patience. But, we are called to love one another as we have been loved and there is no greater gift than this simple four-letter word.