Article Appeared in Redstone Review

Jean Welch had a goal of living 30,000 days. On December 9th, 2014 she accomplished that goal and decided that she wanted to pay it forward.  When the incredibly hearty 82-year old resident of Big Elk Meadows realized that it was also “Colorado Gives” day, she seized the opportunity to share her good fortune.  Ms. Welch decided that she would donate to the Lyons Community Foundation $1 for every 1,000 days that she’d been on the planet.  While she claims her $30 contribution “isn’t much”, her sentiment and generous spirit represent an immeasurable gift.  When the flood hit Big Elk in 2013 she had the same resilient, giving attitude.  “We all lived through such a horrible experience, but everyone stepped forward and helped each other.  We need to keep that spirit going and stay committed to helping our neighbors.  People get comfortable and are afraid of stepping out of the box”.  As an adult, Ms. Welch had previously lived in a flood-prone area of Texas and was no stranger to flooding.  As she describes, “you just have to deal with it, rebuild and move on.  We can’t forget the lessons that we have learned about helping others in need”.  If an 82 year old can manage to return to her home in the mountains, reach out to other neighbors, donate on-line and share her sentiments on Facebook, others should be so inspired.

By Kristen Bruckner