Sharing – Donna Holt
Dear my beloved family and friends,
I wanted to take some time to share with you the things that have been most important to me in my life.
One of my fondest memories is being adopted by Alfred Holt, whom I remember with deep love and gratitude. I grew up with cerebral palsy, which shaped many of my experiences but never defined my spirit. This taught me that despite the challenges that life may throw at you, it’s important to take control of your own life and do what makes you happy. I hope you can carry that lesson with you and always remember that life’s most meaningful moments often come with some type of obstacle. A vivid memory I have in my childhood includes sitting on beer crates at my biological family’s bar to pose for a photograph, supported by a member’s hand to keep me steady. What a splendid time it was!
I spent most of my life in Baltimore, living in several neighborhoods for about 40 years. I attended many schools and cherished my social role in them. I recall participating in the school play, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” making great friends along the way and helping others feel seen. That leads to my next point. A central theme in my life is helping others. I’ve been compassionate all my life and continue to, even here at Keswick. From offering water to fellow residents to keeping a caring eye on those who can’t advocate for themselves, I am not an ordinary resident. I’m a faithful resident, constantly embodying my belief in service, empathy, and Christian values.
Through all the loss that I’ve witnessed in my lifetime from my father to many friends, I want to take this time to share some wisdom. As I look back on my life, I’m most proud of the ways I’ve always tried to help others. Even when I was told it wasn’t my “job,” kindness has always been my mission. It’s important to me that you know how much patience and faith have carried me through my life, and how deeply I believe that we are here to help one another out.
Lastly, I want you to know that I love you deeply. And I hope that the love and lessons I’ve shared will live on through you.
With all my love,
Donna Holt