I could afford the donation.
More importantly, I could imagine exactly what Walter would have said.
If we’ve got enough, Jo, let’s help someone who doesn’t.
I asked Clare to explain how the money would be used.
She described winter meals, heating assistance, overdue rent, and emergency housing support.
Then I took out my checkbook.
I wrote:
Westdale Community Resource Center — $31,000.
In the memo line, I added:
For Walt.
Clare looked at the check for a long moment.
“Joanne, thank you.”
She asked whether the organization could publicly recognize the gift.
I agreed.
“And may we mention the amount?”
I hesitated.
I knew Renee followed Westdale’s Facebook page.
Part of me wondered how she’d react.
I won’t pretend I wasn’t hurt by her phone call.
But the donation was something I’d considered long before Christmas.
“Yes,” I finally answered. “You can include the amount.”
