Small Wonders Visits Central Gardens

Starling Guinn has always been an active supporter of the Small Wonders program at the First Baptist Church.  Now a resident at Central Gardens Residential Care Facility in Dexter, Starling receives a treat from the young children of Small Wonders from time to time that brings incredible joy to his soul.  

Starling served in many capacities as a volunteer for the Small Wonders program.  For three years, he was a regular at the school three and four times per week.  His primary responsibility was to make certain that the facilities were kept Spic N' Span. 

Starling was self proclaimed as the "Sanitation Engineer" of the school.  But when Starling Guinn was on the job, anything and everything he could do to help the program was in his job description.

"I was easily attached to the kids at Small Wonders," commented Mr. Guinn.

Many time, Starling was the grandfather figure who comforted many kids during his three years of volunteering at Small Wonders.  Whenever a child was crying, or a child was sad, Starling would take them under his loving wing and comfort them.  It can’t be denied that most of those children will never forget Mr. Starling.

Now residing at Central Gardens, the roles have been reversed for Mr. Guinn.  The love and the comfort he used to give to the young kids is now passed out to Starling and the other residence at Central Gardens.  These young kids frequently stop to see him to put a smile on the faces of Mr. Guinn and his friends.  The teachers and kids see it as their way of returning the favor for all that Mr. Starling has done for them.

Yesterday, forty kids from Small Wonders made a stop in Central Gardens.  The visit was appreciated by all of the residents, including Starling Guinn.  The kids entertained their audience by singing a number of fall songs for the residents.  The kids also brought smiles to the faces of the residence as they passed out their artwork of colored pumpkins. It is not hard to keep a smile on your face in the presence of the children from Small Wonders.

Starling and his wife, Betty, passionately loved and supported the ministry and program of Small Wonders.  They believed in the availability of a quality childcare for these young kids and often purchased needed items for the Small Wonders operation.  Starling has a love for giving to others and all who have ever met him appreciate his passionate heart.

Starling has recently noted that he thinks Central Gardens is the next best place to home.  He continues to spread his joy among residence and staff members there.  You will often catch him stopping by the kitchen every morning to tell the workers how much he appreciates and loves them. 

It is hard to not be touched by the loving heart that lies inside the small framed body of Starling Guinn.  He is a man who has always cared more for the happiness of others more than he did his own.  Starling enjoys seeing others smile and often is the reason for the smiles that others wear on their faces. (whether he realizes it or not).

A person cannot be in the presence of Mr. Guinn without being effected in a positive way.  His commitment to his faith, enthusiasm for life and the ability to find happiness in all situations is infectious to other. 

You can always count on a smile and Starling asking you "how you are doing".  But his smile is always a little wider and brighter after the visit from the Small Wonders' kids.  He is truly a blessing to those around him!