Andrea Spillars
Like many other families, this time of year we set out to watch all our favorite holiday movies, with the added benefit of more downtime to expand our repertoire. First on the list was a colorized version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For several years I had resisted the colorized version and actively, perhaps even adamantly, argued the merits of only watching the black-and-white classic. To my surprise, the characters seemed entirely different, enlivened by their rosy cheeks and bright eyes. I begrudgingly admitted defeat and agreed to shorten my “classic-version-only lecture for next year.
This extraordinary year has brought many new versions of our favorite traditions. As a newly minted CASA volunteer, however, the greatest change has been my perspective. Although I imagined advocating for children in need would be meaningful and rewarding, I did not foresee the profoundly positive impact it would have on my life. Advocacy is not foreign to me, it has been my vocation for many years. And, as a mother and grandmother, I’m comfortable serving as someone’s fan club.
Yet, being a CASA volunteer awakens a completely different set of emotional and intellectual muscles. It involves sitting and talking with a child who is struggling to understand a life-changing situation that has no clear timeline. It involves comforting them about events that seem foreign and unknowable. It also requires ensuring the child’s voice is included in the adult’s conversation about their future. Ultimately, it requires supporting a family as they try to put the pieces of their life together.
Everyone struggles, but it isn’t often you have the opportunity to be part of the team helping people get a second chance. So, this year I am particularly grateful for my new role as a CASA volunteer. And, for those who work every day to help families in crisis, I have no doubt a bell is ringing for you.
