One of those moments that stick’s with you happened to me when I was in High School. It was my first year in a large High School with kids bused in from many communities, lots of familiar faces and lots of new faces. For all of us in Grade 10 it was a big change to move into the Big school in town. Sometime in the first week a girl I didn’t recognize walked up to me. She said “I know you”. I looked and wondered who she was and she didn’t seem at all surprised that I didn’t recognize her. In fact she seemed totally prepared for that.
After a moments pause she reached into her pocket and handed me a wallet sized copy of my Grade one school picture. As I looked at the picture and at her I still didn’t know who she was. She explained, “I came to your school for just a short time when I was in grade one, you were so kind to me and made me feel so welcome that I have never forgotten. When I saw you here I remembered and brought the picture so you would know how much it meant to me that you gave it to me and made me feel welcome in a strange new place. Thank you”.
I do not recall anymore of that conversation. I just know that it has reminded me over and over again throughout my life in many different circumstances that even though you may never know it the kindness you have shown another today really does matter.
Name Withheld
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Legacy
On the day of my Father’s funeral I met his legacy. I woke to the noise of an unfamiliar voice. Waking in the mornings had been a foggy experience after my arrival. I would wake with a feeling of confusion, wondering where I am, why I am here…and then the stark empty feeling as I realized my Dad was gone. I had been sleeping in my Mother’s house for a couple of days and this was the day of the funeral. I was drawn by the voice in the kitchen.
A stout, disheveled, dark haired man I did not recognize sat with my Mom & my Sister, as I observed his sunken shoulders & the tears in his eyes I spontaneously said, “You need a hug” and embraced him. I silently wondered “who is this man I am consoling on the day of my fathers funeral”.
I sat with him and after a brief introduction learned about this “stranger” in my kitchen. He had arrived in our community with nothing, his family in tow looking for a fresh start. Actually, he explained it was their vehicle breaking down that made them stop in this town. Shortly afterwards they met my family. My Dad had many fresh starts in his life, a Veteran of WWII, a survivor of polio, a father of 5, a husband of 58 years. He knew that they needed a chance and he took this man under his wing, a beautiful place to find yourself I must add.
Over a period of time he was offered odd jobs around the property & house & he and his family became welcome guest in our family home. Obviously that little bit of kindness had a very large impact. As his eyes welled up and overflowed with tears I heard how my father made the world a better place and how much that meant to this sweet man and his family.
On the day of my father’s funeral there were many kind words, hugs and tributes. To me none spoke as clearly as the legacy I hugged in the kitchen that morning. Through kindness we truly are blessed.
Name Withheld
A stout, disheveled, dark haired man I did not recognize sat with my Mom & my Sister, as I observed his sunken shoulders & the tears in his eyes I spontaneously said, “You need a hug” and embraced him. I silently wondered “who is this man I am consoling on the day of my fathers funeral”.
I sat with him and after a brief introduction learned about this “stranger” in my kitchen. He had arrived in our community with nothing, his family in tow looking for a fresh start. Actually, he explained it was their vehicle breaking down that made them stop in this town. Shortly afterwards they met my family. My Dad had many fresh starts in his life, a Veteran of WWII, a survivor of polio, a father of 5, a husband of 58 years. He knew that they needed a chance and he took this man under his wing, a beautiful place to find yourself I must add.
Over a period of time he was offered odd jobs around the property & house & he and his family became welcome guest in our family home. Obviously that little bit of kindness had a very large impact. As his eyes welled up and overflowed with tears I heard how my father made the world a better place and how much that meant to this sweet man and his family.
On the day of my father’s funeral there were many kind words, hugs and tributes. To me none spoke as clearly as the legacy I hugged in the kitchen that morning. Through kindness we truly are blessed.
Name Withheld
Monday, January 14, 2008
"A Simple Call"
One day, I got a call from my uncle. He asked to speak with my father but he wasn’t home. I’ve only met him a couple times in my life. Usually, we may have a casual conversation like, "hi, how are you…" but this time was different.
We chatted for so long! It was nice to actually get to know my uncle. He asked all about my future plans and gave me insight on my heritage. It was along the lines of, "don’t let your life fly ahead of you; you have to think of your future and make something of yourself."
By the end, it felt like he was giving me fatherly advice… It meant a lot to me and inspires me to believe that I can do anything. I hope to prove to him and the rest of my family that I can be all that I can be.
I wanted to tell him that he would make a great father – but I didn’t know if that would hurt him since he can’t have children…
We chatted for so long! It was nice to actually get to know my uncle. He asked all about my future plans and gave me insight on my heritage. It was along the lines of, "don’t let your life fly ahead of you; you have to think of your future and make something of yourself."
By the end, it felt like he was giving me fatherly advice… It meant a lot to me and inspires me to believe that I can do anything. I hope to prove to him and the rest of my family that I can be all that I can be.
I wanted to tell him that he would make a great father – but I didn’t know if that would hurt him since he can’t have children…
The Money Tree
Times were bleak!
How life had changed so drastically from six years ago. Same time of year and I was so excited that my husband and I would be traveling to Australia to spend Christmas. Little did I know that upon our return my world would unravel as I lost everything I knew and loved - my marriage, my home, my career, my community, my friends, my car and my cat and dog.
Being fairly resourceful and tenacious I survived the changes and new people and situations came into my life, but the struggle had gone on too long. I had been plummeted and bounced about every which way. I’d had to declare bankruptcy and things were getting extremely tough.
Days were getting darker and shorter. Winter was fast approaching. My 53rd birthday was coming up the end of November followed by Christmas which held no joy for me.
I was grateful that a couple of friends remembered my birthday and wanted to take me out for dinner. Food was pretty skimpy around my apartment. The plan was for me to meet them at their house. I walked up the stone steps and rang the bell. “Come in”, a voice yelled. “I’m in the kitchen”.
The house appeared rather dark, gloomy and strangely quiet as I sauntered towards the kitchen. Suddenly light flooded the room and people jumped up from everywhere shouting “Surprise” and “Happy Birthday”. This was my first surprise party ever. I was stunned.
As I recognized faces I was overcome by emotion. These were all the wonderful souls who had come into my life the last few years as I encountered new circumstances and experiences. They had brought the most wonderful and thoughtful gifts. I received packages and cans of food, shampoo, toothpaste, necessities that were getting harder and harder to come by. And luxury items to lift my spirits – beautiful soaps, bubble baths, wine, chocolate and books.
And if that wasn’t enough I was presented with a tree branch sitting upright in a vase and taped to each branch were five dollar bills, tens and even twenties. I couldn’t believe it. I could pay the rent now. A large hand made card accompanied the money tree. Everyone had written words and messages of inspiration, encouragement, love and hope.
I will never forget this evening and all of those present. I believe this occasion marked the turning point for me as expressed by one of the messages on the card.
“Happy Birthday Kiddo! It’s uphill from here; I have great faith in you and your commitment to your journey. Love W.”
How life had changed so drastically from six years ago. Same time of year and I was so excited that my husband and I would be traveling to Australia to spend Christmas. Little did I know that upon our return my world would unravel as I lost everything I knew and loved - my marriage, my home, my career, my community, my friends, my car and my cat and dog.
Being fairly resourceful and tenacious I survived the changes and new people and situations came into my life, but the struggle had gone on too long. I had been plummeted and bounced about every which way. I’d had to declare bankruptcy and things were getting extremely tough.
Days were getting darker and shorter. Winter was fast approaching. My 53rd birthday was coming up the end of November followed by Christmas which held no joy for me.
I was grateful that a couple of friends remembered my birthday and wanted to take me out for dinner. Food was pretty skimpy around my apartment. The plan was for me to meet them at their house. I walked up the stone steps and rang the bell. “Come in”, a voice yelled. “I’m in the kitchen”.
The house appeared rather dark, gloomy and strangely quiet as I sauntered towards the kitchen. Suddenly light flooded the room and people jumped up from everywhere shouting “Surprise” and “Happy Birthday”. This was my first surprise party ever. I was stunned.
As I recognized faces I was overcome by emotion. These were all the wonderful souls who had come into my life the last few years as I encountered new circumstances and experiences. They had brought the most wonderful and thoughtful gifts. I received packages and cans of food, shampoo, toothpaste, necessities that were getting harder and harder to come by. And luxury items to lift my spirits – beautiful soaps, bubble baths, wine, chocolate and books.
And if that wasn’t enough I was presented with a tree branch sitting upright in a vase and taped to each branch were five dollar bills, tens and even twenties. I couldn’t believe it. I could pay the rent now. A large hand made card accompanied the money tree. Everyone had written words and messages of inspiration, encouragement, love and hope.
I will never forget this evening and all of those present. I believe this occasion marked the turning point for me as expressed by one of the messages on the card.
“Happy Birthday Kiddo! It’s uphill from here; I have great faith in you and your commitment to your journey. Love W.”
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