Famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, "I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

Actually a fan of Wilder, this rings particularly true for Angela Neill of the Wheel community who is simply thankful to have recovered from COVID-19 last fall. While that recovery was slow, Angela explains she and husband, Donald, who also had the coronavirus, worked really hard at getting back on their feet by Christmas.

Feeling blessed to have done that, she put on her traveling shoes recently to deliver some rich and filling potato soup to others suffering with the virus. As for going miles out of her way to deliver nourishment, she says it just seemed like the Christian thing to do.

One recipient, now also COVID-19 recovered, shares, "It means the world to me that in the middle of all the isolation, someone was willing to remember that receiving a meal is for the soul as well as the body."

Angela says her soup deliveries were just her way of paying it forward, because her family was so greatly blessed in 2020 and heading into 2021. Still, helping others seems to just come natural for this Unionville native, who loves to collect recipes.

When sitting down to have a bowl of soup at her home, one will discover in conversation the number of friendships she's developed. Angela's been known to help people struggling with various needs in the workplace and seniors needing a ride or just an encouraging word.

These days of course encouraging words go a long way. Angela shares with others that COVID will leave you lethargic, with no taste for your food, and sometimes in pain.

"People need to be careful and wear their masks."

Angela says she prayed for a swift recovery from COVID-19, particularly because her family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild in February. She highly anticipates in the future setting a small bowl of potato soup at her dining room table for her little granddaughter.

The Neill's Bedford County home of over 20 years, fashioned with 'welcome' decor, features a large fireplace, a front porch swing and even a rambunctious cat. Lined neatly in a row by the back door are the couple's favorite shoes used in their garden and others that are handy for their casual walks in the country.

Angela admits the kitchen will likely always be one of her favorite home spaces. Those who've been on the receiving end of her meals, which many times includes a pretty tasty pasta salad, are no doubt thankful for her skills and generosity.

"I do love to cook," Angela says, serving a slice of homemade lemon pound cake. "I hope what I do brings some joy, comfort, to others during these times."