For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out what the qualifications were for being an angel, as I never met one, and most of my friends and I made too many mistakes along the way to be remotely considered for “angelhood.” However, things changed the first time I heard my mother refer to someone as an angel. Imagine the look on my face when I saw my first one in real life, and no wings! Guess like Jesus, who wasn’t recognized as anything special by those in his hometown, there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special about the lady my mother was referring to. It was then that I started to understand what it meant to be an angel.

Given what makes someone an angel in the eyes of others, I think the first one I met was my mom. She was kind, patient, encouraging, and saw the best in others. I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. While you may know others who embody the same qualities, it was her act of honesty that left an indelible impression on me. Years ago, when I was in my pre-teen years, our church was having a raffle, and the grand prize was a new Volvo automobile. A very prestigious prize back then. A dear friend of my mother’s had left to visit family in California and couldn’t purchase a ticket before she left. She asked if my mother would purchase one for her, along with one my mother purchased for herself. As luck would have it, one of the two tickets my mother purchased was the winning ticket, and when everyone congratulated my mother, she replied, “That was the ticket I bought for Dorothy.” As you can imagine, those who approached my mother said, “Dorothy would never know,” but my mom replied, “I would.” There would be many other examples I learned from her over the years, but her act of kindness and honesty was a hallmark moment for me, not to mention a tremendous life lesson.

Recently, our church here in Punta Gorda lost its Pastor who passed away in his sleep. His name was Father Jerome Kaywell, or Father Jerry as he was known to us. A Grammy Award recipient, composer, songwriter, and cancer survivor, who was one of the kindest souls you could meet. I had an opportunity years ago to interview Father Jerry for one of our monthly newsletters and felt the presence of someone uniquely special. He often used the term “mysticism” as part of his spiritual belief, which transcended the personality traits we have grown accustomed. He thought on a higher level. He wanted the church to think and embrace a higher level of thinking and understanding, where we would be more accepting of others, particularly those who didn’t necessarily share our core values. At 72 years of age, he was taken too early from us, but he impacted so many lives. He often confided in close associates his desire to be acknowledged as a Saint, which to me takes Angelhood to a whole new level. I don’t think you can find anyone who doesn’t feel they are a better person for knowing Father Jerry, and I count myself as one.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that those we consider “angels” don’t fit a physical mold. Many times, it’s not their spoken word, but a certain presence that inspires us to be better. It can be through the gifts they share or just an act of kindness that gives us a paradigm shift in how we view the world, fostering a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Recently, I attended an awards ceremony hosted by some of the area’s Rotary Clubs held at the Charlotte County Events Center. Several hundred people were in attendance to acknowledge the acts of heroism, service, and support our firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and unique individuals provide to our community on a continuous basis. While each story was touching, with many risking their lives to save others, it was the look of gratitude on the faces of the lives they touched that you sensed would go on to perform the same acts for generations to come.

Of those who were recognized on that special evening, former educator, school community liaison, friend to many, and founder of the rock-and-soul band called the Boogiemen was Mike Riley. In his various capacities over the years, he has touched the lives of scores of people. His band was one of the most sought-after bands in all of southwest Florida, performing at over 180 charitable events over the decades. Riley, as he is known to his friends, has had a passion for the area’s children, encouraging them to pursue the goals and dreams they embody. Always self-deprecating, Riley has always celebrated the gifts and successes of others, and in his acceptance speech for the Charlie Shue Award, he encouraged those in attendance to make our community a better place for the children and to lead by example. It wasn’t the award he received, but an opportunity he would have, while battling a debilitating health issue, to inspire us all.

This award ceremony would leave us one last defining moment, when recipients of the Punta Gorda Police Department’s program, “Do the Right Thing,” were acknowledged. While we think of those unique individuals who impart years of wisdom from lives well lived, it was a young elementary school girl, whose intervention in saving the life of a fellow classmate contemplating suicide by jumping down a stairwell, made all of us realize angels are all around us. With poise and understanding, she coaxed her classmate to safety, with maturity and composure that far exceeded her years.

These are just some of the angels who walk among us each day. Their words may be simple. Their acts of encouragement, when needed most. Other times, it may be a warm embrace or a listening ear. But they all seem to have the same effect in leaving you with a better version of yourself and a desire to touch the lives of others.

This Easter season is a reminder for many of the life one person gave for so many others. It is with that same service to others that will inspire us all to make this world a better place for generations to come.

-Gary Cardillo

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Typically this time of year we not only focus on the year to year sales comparisons, but the year to date recap as well, however, adding in the variable of multiple hurricanes are skewing the numbers resulting in fewer showings, inventory that was damaged or lost this year versus last, and listing prices decreasing. While we would typically see more inventory coming on the market this time of year in anticipation for the upcoming season and the arrival of our winter visitors, we are also seeing a significant number of inquiries by investors looking for opportunistic buys. Unlike Hurricane Charley where Money and Forbes magazines had just voted our area as one of the best places to retire that created an unique competition between investors and buyers vying for limited inventory, there is plenty of inventory for buyers and investors of all types. The silver lining for some is if their homes have not been impacted by the recent storms, those homes will be viewed more favorably and the potential is for shorter times on the market if priced competitively. For others who did not fare as well, keep in mind there is a 50/50 rule that will impact your recovery plans. When in doubt call a reputable contractor to give you an estimate, and who can also determine if any of your damage was wind related or just caused by rising water. Before making any decisions check with your accountant and financial advisor as they will help you decide if rebuilding is a viable option or selling the property “AS IS” is your wisest financial choice.

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A few short weeks later, we go from ghosts and goblins to pilgrims and turkeys. We welcome the season of Thanksgiving and seem to rekindle a stronger compassion for others. It is a time of year when our greatest joy comes from giving more than receiving. We seem to find inner peace in decorating our homes and listening to the music of the season, taking pause to cherish each moment.

 While I’ve always wanted to savor each holiday to its fullest, like many, I am ready to usher in the holidays earlier this year so we could inject a little joy into our lives after the devastating effects of Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton. While some of us experienced less impact from this storm than we did from Hurricane Charley 20 years ago, others weren’t so fortunate. Through it all, it makes you stop and take stock of what is really important in life.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been part of a special team of volunteers assembled by Punta Gorda Police Officer Joe Angelini that hosted 51 foster families and 144 foster children to a holiday luncheon. This touching holiday event Joe started 9 years ago, a year after he became a resource officer at Sally Jones Elementary School. Always having had a special place in his heart for children, Joe recounts how the school principal asked him if he would take a little first-grade boy named Lucas under his wing. Joe agreed, if the department would put him back patrolling the streets the following year, which was part of his service to the community he enjoyed. Little did Joe know the impact this child would have on him.

At the principal’s request, she asked if Joe would make time to have lunch with this young boy in order to build a bond and see if he could find out the cause of Lucas’ unacceptable behavior. Joe said at first, he was puzzled why a child this age would exhibit such an incidence of this kind of behavior, but as Lucas opened up to Joe, he shared how he had bounced back and forth between 10 foster homes in Lee and Charlotte Counties in one year. Then, Joe realized this boy needed more stability and a bit of a father figure and confidant. Joe started to take Lucas off campus to places like McDonald’s, where he could experience some of the pleasures children in a more normalized home setting enjoyed. Through their time together, Joe gained an intimate insight into how children in Lucas’ situation were starving for a permanent place they could call home.

While we reminisced about what it was like growing up and coming down Christmas morning to see the brightly colored presents Santa had brought us the night before, Joe felt an emotional tug at his heart. He saw how the holidays often accentuated the transient hand these children were dealt. Despite the best efforts these foster families were trying to provide the love and stability the children lacked, Joe felt these families and children needed more than a holiday lunch; they needed something where memories were made.

He met with Pastor Tim Buck of First Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, now New Life Church, along with various community leaders and restauranteurs, and the groundwork was established. Hearing what Joe was planning, an elderly lady in the community anonymously provided presents for each one of the children. Joe confided, “She provided and the Christmas Elves wrapped.” Joe’s love for these children caught the attention of the Children’s Network of Florida, which reached out to Joe with children and families in desperate need of holiday cheer that would carry them throughout the New Year. Joe told them, “If you know of a child in need, share that with us, and we’ll make sure their Christmas is a bit more special.”

Over these 9 years, this 16-year Veteran of the Punta Gorda Police force has created an event to remember. The buffet-style luncheon is more like a feast with fresh roasted turkey and enough side dishes and desserts to feed an army. Any additional food left over is carefully wrapped and delivered to the homeless shelter. After lunch, the children are treated to take part in a photo booth, a cookie decorating station, and a place where they can create their own ice cream sundaes. Of course, what holiday event would be complete without a personal visit and picture with Santa? Throughout the event, local musicians play holiday music in the background, along with festive decorations and lighted Christmas trees. It is a beautiful setting to behold. However, the best is yet to come.Upon leaving, each child receives 3-4 personal gifts to take home, and the foster parents receive a festive holiday bag with all the side dish staples and a gift certificate to Publix for a turkey that will feed up to a family of twelve for a wonderful Christmas dinner.

I’ve often wondered what gives us the most satisfaction in life and as I’ve grown older it isn’t the presents I’ve received, it is the joy of giving, and the look of surprise on someone’s face that gives me the most pleasure. Walking around the sea of tables, clearing them these past couple of years so the church could set up for their service the following morning, a couple of the children asked if they could clear the tables with me. To see these little ones, who weren’t more than 10 years of age, wearing adult disposable gloves and clearing the tables with me spoke volumes about how grateful they were. They had no idea how much they touched my heart.

As Joe and I sat together a year ago recapping the day’s events, he said, “Gary, I think about this event every day of the year and how we can make it better and touch the lives of more families and children.” In my recent conversation, Joe said, “This year, we are anticipating 150 children, including those that are now coming from Lee County.” I thought, “You didn’t just make their lives better; you made mine better, too.” I was afforded an opportunity to give, and to me, that was priceless.

As the holidays quickly approach, we want to send our best wishes to you and your family for all the happiness this season brings, and that not only will you be blessed in the New Year, but so will the lives of others whose lives you touch.

-Gary Cardillo

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