Finding Fifty-Guest Blogger Michele Gole

For several months leading up to my 50th birthday, I adamantly declared that I would NOT have a party. I guess I was hoping that my fifth decade on the planet would just quietly and unobtrusively sneak in with minimal fanfare. Turning 50 did not seem like a reason to celebrate. Then I was introduced to Project Somos and all that changed.

For years I had been searching for the “right” charitable organization to work with in order to satisfy my need to volunteer and to serve others. My daughter, Alexandra, who had attended a presentation at Capilano University given by Heather and Greg, suggested that I look into Project Somos. A few days later, I called the number on the website and connected with Greg, one of the co-founders of the organization. On the day that I called they had just arrived in Calgary, where I reside, for their annual trip to Calgary. I met them for coffee and immediately knew that this was the right connection for me. I was so excited that I could barely figure out where to start.

All of a sudden, turning 50 seemed like a great way to celebrate and raise much needed funds for an organization that resonated with me in every way. The planning started and the invitations were sent out. I imagined a night filled with family and friends and was immediately grateful for the diversity of the communities that I have built, with my family and because of my family, over the years.

The day of the party began with my dear friend, Colleen, and her two daughters, Briana and Sarah, surprising me from Vancouver to attend the party. It was a remarkable testament to our friendship since they had to fly back to Vancouver the following morning to catch an 11 am flight to Paris!

The party was all that I had imagined and so much more. Everyone wanted to help and the most poignant contribution was made so carefully and deliberately, with so much love – my mom baked two beautiful cakes for me to share with my family and friends. My dad came for the week before the party and helped in the many ways that he is so capable of – building, cleaning, chopping, etc.! Without hesitation, my husband and children all rose to the occasion and helped in any and every way that they could.

My usual worry of how many would come was replaced by thoughts of how much of a difference could we make? In the end, I needn’t have worried about anything – we raised over $4,000, 104 adults and children came, the weather cooperated and much fun was had by all. Hands down, I had the most fun of everyone and found out that turning 50 was incredible. It felt more like “finding” 50 and it seemed as though I had been looking for a long time.

Now that the party is over, all I can think about is what can I do next to help support the Mamas and their children at Project Somos??

We have to share with our people. Suffering today is because people are hoarding, not giving, not sharing. ~Mother Teresa

-Michele Gole, Calgary