With Thanksgiving upon us in the states, what is your recollection of the nicest, most unselfish thing that a person has done for you? And what thing have you done for another person in need that you are most proud of?
I'm thinking myself here.....hmmmmmm.
One thing I think of is my (almost 70 yr old aunt) helping me weed vinyl for a barage of banners for my cousin's business (her son) a few years back. She absolutely refused to take a dime for her efforts...did it out of love she said.
On the other coin, my wife and I enjoyed delivering Thanksgiving day groceries to the poor for a couple years...
...man you just don't know how lucky you have it until you've been eye to eye with the truly poor person's way of life.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
When we had just gotten off the train in a strange town in Germany, we were trying to figure out how to get a bus to an army base there to visit cousins stationed there. We had a strange language to deal with beside the fact that NONE of the maps made any sense either. We didn't know where we were going and couldn't talk to anyone to ask directions. A little man came up and put out his hand to see the name of the street I had writen on the paper I had. He got us to the right bus just as it took off. He walked over to a taxi and I pointed to my wallet and shook my head "no" because we didn't have enough money for a taxi. He insisted we get in, got in the front seat and rode with us to our destination. When we got out and tried to pay, he shook his head "no". The taxi driver translated and said, "he said no, he would pay, you do for someone else someday." I have never forgotten that man!! I DO try to do acts like that every so often. We were having supper one night on our way home in a restaurant that was also the bus stop. A snow storm was really brewing. All the motels in the area were full and we noticed a guy on the pay phone trying frantically to find a place to stay. After a quick discussion Bill went over and invited him to stay at our house. He was really surprised! We had a great visitthat night and we got a nice note from him AND his parents when he got home. Hopefully, he will "do for someone else someday".
[ November 24, 2003, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
I have to thank my friend JAY ALLEN for hooking me up w. a client who has become (truely) my "bread and butter" source of income. I can't thank the wonderful Mr. Jay enough!! He really is a prince among men!
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
I'm not into Thankgiving, but when my wife left, I was devestated, my parents insisted that they take me in, rent free, even built me a house on thier property, and helped me get on my feet, I'll always be gratefull. The thing I am most proud of is taking in my father-in-law, and helping him, as he passed away. It was probably the hardest 2 weeks of my life, but I am so glad I did it.
Rick
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Hi Todd. Here are a few in my life that come to mind: I was 8.75 months pregnant with my second child. My husband had taken our only car to work, and his dad had promised to take me to the doctor for my check-up. It was December, and we got a nasty spurt of freezing rain. My father-in-law backed out. I called my dad crying. He drove 60 miles in an ice storm to take me 20 miles to the doctor. I felt luck such a blubber-bag, but he was glad to do this for me. Every Christmas my very quiet brother David, who I rarely see because he works out of state, stops up at my house. Without saying a word, he hands me an envelope and quickly leaves. He knows I am hurtin' for certain at that time of year. The envelope contains enough funds to buy Christmas dinner and presents for 3 kids. I am not the only person for whom he does this. When my sign kits were stolen last year, all my brushes & various things were replaced a little bit at a time by kind Letterheads. At the Mars meet, the man who owns the Foodland kept the fridge in the panel jam area stocked with pop and water and refused payment. The former Mayor of Mars went out on her own and bought fans and goodies for the painters. I am a very lucky person. In return, I try to be good to others but listing what I do would take the fun out of it. Love- JILL
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
This makes me think of one of my favorite movies "Pay it Forward" If you haven't seen this one, I highly reccommend it along with a box of tissues. Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Awesome stories! If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend the movie (now on video/dvd) "Pay it Forward". Fits right in with these posts.
Oops, Kelly - ya beat me to it. Great movie!!! and you're right about the tissues.
While I'm at it...Jill....what heartwarming stories...dang, people can be so good.
[ November 24, 2003, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: Todd Gill ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
That's spooky - check out the timing on the last couple of posts. Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
Thak you for asking ,,
This year we are sponsoring 15 Complete Thanksgiving baskets to 15 worthy families. These are complete Thanksgiving dinners including a cooking pan, turkey, trimmings, rolls, cranberry sauce, gravey, stuffing and everything else for a nice dinner.
We are packing them tonight and maybe later will post a pic of the volunteers and the baskets.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Way to go Curtis Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
this is a tough one....where do i start? the people in my life who have saved me.....the 5th grade boy who saw me at school with all the black & blue marks on me(abusive parents)and asked his mother if i could come and live with them, which i did on and off from 5th grade till i graduated. he and his family to this day are my real family. the man and his wife, bill and nancy who had started a rehab place and took me in in 1975 after 2 bad relationships & i was headed for a long stretch in prison for my violent outbursts. they turned my my life from doing time....to going to PENN STATE as an assistant to an internationally known art professor...when he wasnt able to make classes i taught. the woman i live with....for the last 21 years and allows me to be who iam. for all these things i am grateful and do try to give back to anyone what i have been given. i do things like one day i was in a grocery store(winn dixie)a young guy and 3 kids was in front of me, he was buying a gal of milk and was short the total..the manager comes over and just told him to leave the milk since he couldnt pay for it....i paid for the milk...and run it out to the car.....i also will stop on the road for people broke down......give my last $5 to someone who is hungry,(not booze) and i dont expect anything back. iam grateful for this board and all the good people ive met and have formed great friendships with. ive said this before anyone coming this way my house is open to you......i love the movie pay it forward.....if everybody would do this....WOW!!!!
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Way to go Ol Paint....I give ya a lot of ribbing, but you know (I hope) it's mostly for sport.
Sounds like you've overcome a lot in life...and you should be proud.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
It was the last week of Nov. 1966, in full uniform and on a flight from San Francisco to Phoenix. Having all ready been spit on and verbally taunted at San Fran, I was in no mood for anymore. On the plane, a well-dressed gentleman and his son, came to my seating area and asked to speak to me. It was an invitation to sit at their table on Thanksgiving and partake of their hospitality, his words have never left my head since. He stated that they had lost their son in-country and would I consider this, as they WANTED a serviceman in uniform at their dinner table every year of this war. I was their first, it seems, they had witnessed attacks upon me at SFC. We are still close today. Since, I've not been able to totally pay back that act of kindness, though I try on a daily basis.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
You know, wouldn't it be nice if prime time news spent more time showcasing the GOOD things people do for each other rather than dwell on all the bad stuff?
Great story Frank. Posted by Tony Potter (Member # 1199) on :
I am having a hard time coming up with when someone that has recently helped me out in a 'self-less' fashion... but then I am not an easy one to help. I am one of the type that will go out of my way a 100 miles than to put someone out for a little thing. I think this is not that good a trait in myself. It keeps others at a distance. My dad helps me any chance he gets, so I guess he would be who I think of first.
On the other hand, I am the type that 'sees' others, what they are doing, what they might need and help out where ever I can without them asking. I do it so much, that my soon-to-be 4 year old girl does the same now. If she sees a kid that needs a hand or one that looks lost or in trouble, she comes straight to me to come help. I am glad she is getting to learn that from me. I have gone through a LOT to be in her life. It makes it all worth it when I see her do something that I know was because I was in her life.... things that she would not have learned from her mom.
Nice post.
Posted by Arklie Hooten (Member # 1520) on :
1- Pray for Me 2-Pray for them.
John 13:34-35
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
Hmmmmmmm, The most unselfish thing anyone ever did for me, I guess it would have to be Jesus giving his life on the cross!
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Cody's birthmom Wendy, for giving us the most incredible gift in the world! I don't know much that would top that.
Nice thing I did... hmmm, perhaps the time some relatives were hurting for money due to being out of work, and we bought them some surprise groceries and literally filled their front entrance. Another time, same circumstances to other relatives and even though we draw names for Christmas, everyone got together and loaded them with groceries.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
GREAT TOPIC!!!
First a comment to frank on his post...
quote: Since, I've not been able to totally pay back that act of kindness, though I try on a daily basis.
not to discourage you from continuing to try to extend your own kindness each day... but as for "repaying" I honestly think you accepting the offer from that family gave them as much as they gave you. & I do think that is a great story.
One of the selfless gifts I recall being given was when I took myself on what I've often called my divorce honeymoon back in 1982. I went to Peru for a month & stopped in Jamaica on the way for the World Music Festival. I flew in to Florida (Miami, I think) & ended up crashing somewhere in Coconut grove for the night. I was walking down the street with a huge backpack with all my stuff for a month of adventure & some guy was on a ladder hanging, (or fixing, or painting) a sign. (I never thought anything of signs at that time in my life, & only remembered that he was working on a sign a year or 2 ago when this memory surfaced)
anyway, this guy saw me taking in the town on a leisurely stroll, with 50 pounds on my back & got down off the ladder to tell me I could leave my pack on his porch across the street if I would like. Of course I did, & later when I went to retrieve it, I was invited to stay for dinner. I felt very much at home & had a great time visiting with these people. I was invited to stop in when I returned from Peru, which I did bringing some souvineers for them. I have many memories like this from various adventures in my life... but ever since I remembered that this guy had been a sign artist, I always wondered if he was still aroung, & if anyone here knew him. Unfortunatly I don't recall his name.
Like someone else mentioned, spelling out my selfless good deeds seems to make them less selfless. But one reply in that regard is to mention the sacrifices I have made for my daughter. Of course that is what we are supposed to do, but some of us had to fight just for the priviledge of doing this.
I have an ex-wife that would have probably rather had me dissappear, or just send money, instead of wanting to have joint custody, & having had to fight in court to win the opportunity to help mold my daughters character has always been an acomplishment that I pat myself on the back for. I honestly think that as much as I gained from that course of action... my daughter is also better off, more balanced, & secure in herself as a result.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
In 1992, I was living up in San Francisco and driving a 1972 VW bug that was on its last days. My roommate at the time (still my best friend) told his mother (who lived in NJ and I had never met) about what was going on. She was about to buy a new car for herself and was going to trade in her car. Instead she GAVE it to me. It was only 5 years old, only had 34K miles on it was in perfect shape and she just gave it to me. Wouldn't take a dime for it. It was the holiday season and my step-father paid someone to drive to from NJ to SF for me as my Xmas present.
I will never get over her generosity. It was 9 years before I had the chance to meet her and give her the biggest hug that she's probably ever gotten.
No matter what I do for others, it will be hard to match that one.
When I was back in NJ cleaning out my father's house, my neighbor and friend out here, called me the night before I was returning to CA and asked me what I needed in the fridge when I returned. I had been in NJ for two weeks and it was going to be very late at night when I returned. She filled up my fridge with milk, juice, lunch meats, etc. Everything I needed so I wouldn't have to get up in the morning and go to the store.
It may sound like a little thing but I still think about that to this day. It was so incredibly kind.
Nicest thing I've ever done? A friend of mine was on bedrest during her second pregnancy and she was getting very, very upset that her house wasn't clean. Her husband was trying but they had another toddler and between working fulltime and cooking, etc, the house was looking a bit scrappy. One day when she had a doctors appointment, I had her husband let me into the house and I cleaned the daylights out of it. Mopped floors, scrubbed the bathrooms, vacuummed and left her a fridge full of food that I cooked for them. She came home and hugged me and cried.
I try and cook meals for friends of ours if someone is sick or having a bad time. At work, our co-worker's wife fell and broke her hip. He can't cook to save his life so I cooked a bunch of stuff and we dropped it off. People are always so startled when you do something nice.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Goodness abounds in so many ways...I am heartened at the stories recounted here.
For sure Roy!
Doug - great story and I applaud you for remaining a driving force in your daughter's life. So many in your circumstance would have succumbed in defeat. Good for you.
Kimberly - You sound like the perfect neighbor...(and a great cook/chef too?)
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
My BEST FRIEND Cheryl sent me a candy bar, so I sent her 10,000 fonts! lol
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Thanks Todd! That makes me feel good.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
To my parents for literally working themselves to the bone to give us the love we didn't deserve, to show me that the love was instilled in them through our Dear Lord....
for all of the past and present generations of soldier(ettes!)nurses, and fellow citizens who risked/and inconvenienced their lives and families to give us freedom and protection plus maintain that which our forefathers stood for, (and we barely realize that we have)
...my kids who wind up hugging me when they're either bugging me or not bugging me,! (and I love to be bugged!), and last but not least, by any means, everyone of you that give AND KEEP ON GIVING, to share your personal experiences that are private or personal, when you hardly have the time to get rest or a vacation, but, instead come on here and check on everyone to see what's new or needed...
... and , for all the kind people that cross my path, being decent, maybe not being thanked for the kind word or gesture that helped me through a tough day or time... ... for all of you, and you know why.. it is because you take the time out of your busy lives to join us here and bail us out of something we need to be bailed out of, or just to send some cheer or make us laugh our pants off... it's all here, what a great time in my life to reflect and unite.. ... to my family who loves me conditionally... and the folks that I help along the way; the smiles and hugs I get from them when giving some food or clothing or a shoulder, well, that is the light of my life,, the ultimate! \ I guess one of the things I did for someone else was helping a woman that needed to go to the hospital and bringing her there, she was scared, and from another country.. I took her there and gave her my beautiful nightgown and robe that my mother gave me for a new mother gift and I barely wore..it was very, very special to me.. and I knew that my Mother would do the same for someone else, as she always gave herself to others, being a nurse. I think I helped this sweet woman from India to feel good and help her to get the medical attention she needed with a lot of love right from the heart.
[ November 24, 2003, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by Ed Williams (Member # 846) on :
hmmmmmmmm. interesting
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
OP- I know the feeling of black and blue. I tell people that my mother's favorits colors were black and blue and I wore them often.
Tony - Sounds like you are on the right track. I see Christens struggle all the time with letting others do good deeds to them and I tell them that they are robbing the others of a blessing if they don't let someone help them.
For the first time last year, our church opened its doors to the homeless from Christmas to the end of New Years. People in the congregation signed up to fill time slots so the there was always someone with them around the clock. Mostly families as a unit. Anyone else that wanted could come in and play cards with them, eat with them, etc. I had wanted to go last year but couldn't get my daughter or husband to go with me when we weren't busy. This year I am going to volunteer to give free haircuts to anyone that needs it. I've never done anything like this but except for the Grace of God, there goes I.
[ November 24, 2003, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
About six years ago, I fell and broke my back hanging a sign. I was impressed and overwealmed by my friends who gave in ways that truly show the giving Christian spirit. I never missed a mortgage payment even though I was flat on my back for six solid months.
My congregation as well as others in surrounding areas really reached out to help me. Truly, these people have love among themselves. It brings emotion even to this day
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
Nicest thing anybody has ever done for me? Man, there's a huge tie for first, but one that comes right to mind. Lotta people who have met me think, that boy had to have played basketball! Well, almost not. I was about the most uncoordinated kid that ever walked the school halls..tho the tallest, always the last to be picked. Skinny as a rail and couldn't walk without trippin over myself.
First day of my Soph year of HS, the ass't basketball coach noticed me in the hallway. I'd grown 3 inches over the summer...now 155 lbs and 6'5". He demanded that I tried out for the BB team. You woulda had to have seen me play back then to know just how silly that idea was. Of course, I made the team. That coach put me on the starting five and I played every single game until I fouled out, which was every single game. LOL Even with all that playing time, and me half a foot taller than most everybody I played against, I scored a grand total of 8 points that season. The coach had sacraficed every game to give me a chance to learn. We lost every game, as I recall.
Well, (I know this story's gettin long, so scroll down to the next post if ya wanna ...LOL), the coach worked with me every day of the summer break. Running 1/4 miles against a stopwatch, lifing weights with me, and shooting, shooting, shooting. The coach didn't get a penny for all the hours he spent with me. I was his experiment! hahaha
Next year, I led the team and the area high schools in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots My senior year was even better. And I was able to get a full sports scholarship at a good University.
That man very literally changed my life...and what he taught me still effects me to this day. He taught a kid that had never accomplished anything how to work for a goal and to never give up.
We still keep in contact. Funny thing is I learned many years later that he and the head coach had a bet....the head coach bet him there was no way on God's green earth that boy would ever be an athlete. Don't know if he ever paid up.
Nicest thing I've done for somebody else? None of yer business, but it was pretty damn nice!
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Man, I can literally feel the groundswell of power here...and it's all about love and compassion...in various forms.
We all can recount with great emotion what someone has done to touch our lives...and we have witnessed the joy in others when we have reached out and helped them in their time of need.
What do ya say we all make a concerted effort this Thanksgiving week, to reach out to someone known or unknown and do a good deed...and experience again what we're all feeling right now...the delight and spark of passion we can create in someone else's life by showing we care?
I'm going to go for it...there is someone that feels unwanted, is hurting, needs clothed, is unable, is overworked, or just needs a friend that I'm going to affect this week.
Wouldn't it be great to check back next week and tell our stories?
(To start, I am going to make a concerted effort to be more positive and a little less caustic in this place....)
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
Todd, thank you for starting a post that has a positive meaning and bears reading. With all the crap on this board of late, and all the pettiness and egos being bruised, your post shines a light.
Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
Wow - great post! Recently I made a banner for a couple who's son returned from Iraq & didn't charge them. Also my uncle was having trouble paying his taxes and I just finished a big truck job and signed the check over to him. 2 days later my dad calls me and says he found a truck for me (I've been looking for one) and that he bought it for me and is driving it up from FL!! I was elated - this will really help my business. I was warm and fuzzy just helping others but to be rewarded is an extra bonus.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Thanks John, I appreciate that (i'm tryin' )
Camille - that's cool, and also...what kind of truck did your dad present you with?
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
The nicest thing anybody ever did for me is my best friend getting drunk and ****ing off his girlfriend. She dumped him that night and I drove her home. She been the greatest blessing in my life since that night. Gonna propose in January.
I had a guy pick up me and my broken down car on the interstate at 2:00 am one night. Took me to his house, woke up his brother and got him to come down and the two of them replaced a fuel pump and a dry rotted fuel line. I told them that I was broke from being robbed in New Orleans (well, that was part of the rason) and asked if I could just write a post-dated check. They both laughed at me. I still remember them being in the best mood for two old guys working on a car at 2:00 in the morning. They refused to let me pay them so I thought I'd be sneaky and just leave the check on the seat of the brothers truck. When I got home and was unloading the car I found the check in my duffle bag. One of them had written "Pay the next person you see broken down on the road." on the check.
I caried that check in my wallet for 10 years or so until it had just gotten shredded into nothingness. I still stop everytime I can and have learned why they did it. The look of releif on somebody's face when you stop is a great thing to see. Folks feel abandoned when they are stuck like that. The look of shock when you don't let them pay for it and tell them why is terrific and I crave that warm fuzzy feeling I get inside when I leave. Yeah, I'm selfish, I demand payment in warm, fuzzy feelings...LOL.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
The greatest thing I've done for someone else.. hmm.. that's a tough one because I try to do a lot of little things for many people all year long but most recently the biggest thing that sticks out in my mind is a visit I made to my dad.
I made a surprise visit back to St Louis last May, I have a buddy that got married so I told my friends I was coming back but I kept dad in the dark about it. I hadn't seen him in probably a year up to that point.. and when I walked into the storefront he had his business set up in, he looked up at me and I swear it took like 30 seconds for it to register in his brain! "Surprise!" I said, he broke into tears, and never in my life have I ever seen that man cry. He closed up shop in the middle of his day and we took off and spent the rest of the day and evening together. I don't know that it's the greatest or most unselfish thing I've ever done but it meant the world to my dad. Even though we do talk a couple times every week on the phone, I think he's worried about us growing apart because that is what happened between him and his father over the last 17 years.
That might be the greatest thing that anyone has done for me too. Getting that kind of reaction from someone when you show up feels pretty nice and it means more coming from dad cause he's never been one to show emotion. Actually, I just saw my dad again at the end of October during my sister's wedding, and he said I looked like I had dropped another 30 pounds since May. That also means a lot, having weight struggles combined with the fact it's never been easy to squeeze compliments out of him... plus I hadn't even noticed my own weight loss. Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
My wife Violet gave me a daughter (Amelia) who -- now, at nearly 4 years of age -- has already taught me more of value than I think I can ever hope to teach her.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
The nicest thing....
My parents. They brought me into this world.
Me? I try to make them proud and never regret that they did.
Rapid
Posted by Bernice Tornquist (Member # 16) on :
Roy, I'm with you on that one.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
I have REALLY enjoyed reading this post! Good Job! Don't worry, post HAPPY! Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
Thanks Todd - I'm very excited - as soon as I figure out how to - I will put a picture of it up here - not sure what you call it - box van - like a tastykake truck.
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
1 someone giving thier life for my freedom 2 joining the Army during armed conflict for others freedom
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Mike, That's great. You reminded me of a time back in 1988, my mother and I were living out here in California and she hadn't seen her best friend in about 2 years. I think her friend was living in KY at the time...anyway, my mother's birthday was coming up so I called her friend and told her to make arrangements to fly out for a weekend and that I would pay for it.
We decided to surprise my mother so her friend flew out and I remember driving over an hour in a torrential downpour to the airport to go pick her up. My mother was all upset and wanted to know where on earth I was planning on driving to in the dark in that storm.
I'll never forget her face when we walked in the door. She just hugged both of us for what seemed forever. Couldn't quite tell who was crying harder.
We had a true "girls" weekend, did all the touristy things in San Francisco and shopped and stayed up late every night talking.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
For me, 1. Marry me. ( & then put up with me!) 2. Have faith in me. 3. Be friends with us 4. A fellow- retired handyman -needed some work a good many years ago and approached me for a job. I needed a bit of cabinet making done for a job I was working on, so I took him on. It took him 100 hours. The sod we did it for never paid me,fully, and this fellow said NOT to pay him until I got paid first. He phoned up a few weeks later and said to me I had no debt with him, but would I do him a small favour & help somebody else out. He died of cancer three months later.
Me for others- I won't list them, and have forgotten most things- I don't keep score.
Good positive post, Todd!
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
We were going to visit our friends and family in Switzerland this summer. First time in ten years, and we missed the plane. No kidding. It was a special deal, we would have had to buy new tickets alltogether. For four people? We had already maxed out every credit card for the first set of tickets. When we let them know what was happening, our old friends all pitched in and surprised us with tickets. We got our vacation and a wonderful time with them. Unreal, but true.
Ok, the downside of it is that we will hear "hey, don't miss the plane" and similar remarks for the rest of our lifes, but that's a small price to pay, no? Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Todd,thanks for posting this topic. Roy & Bernice, I agree Christ giving his life for us is the most unselfish thing anyone ever did for all of us. In 1983 I fell off a hydraulic tailgate of a truck I was painting. I had a concusion,fractured my skull and lost hearing in one ear.I was laid up for 2 months. My girlfriend who had just started her own business,took care of my customers while I was out of work and then gave me 10% of the money she earned. The she hepled me on the first truck I lettered when I went back to work. Also during this time my husband slept on the floor next to my bed every night for 2 weeks. I was confined to bed rest until spinal fluid stopped draining down my throat. Also I thank God for stopping this drainage so that I didn't have to have major brian surgery. Judy
Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :
Hey Jill, didn't that nice preacher guy do something for you at the mars meet? LOL!
Nice, to me? well, my mom gave birth to me (I'm not sure if she's regretting it!) MY wife has given me her patience... & boy does she need it! Also, when I busted my ankle at my old job all the guys pitched in & gave me several hundred bucks for the couple weeks I was out. That was so cool. I didn't know what to say, especially since these guys are the "badass" type. Sure did surprise me.
That I've done...from the top of my head...I always try to rescue animals from us humans who mistreat them...
[ November 26, 2003, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Felix Marcano ]
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
This post has been a good thing for me...it's offered a small glimpse into the window of the good side of people I don't really know.
My first year at college, I used to hitch-hike home every weekend From Ferris State to the Lansing, MI area....(guess I was a little overwhelmed by the college experience having come from a small town) but I'd often get rides from traveling salesmen, commuters or the occassional bored trucker.
I really enjoyed talking to people I didn't know and hearing their life stories and getting to know them a little, even if for only till the next exit.
One Sunday night I was heading back to school and my car broke down about midway to Grand Rapids (different college). It was fairly late and I was in one of those "no-man" deserted areas.
Well, this car stopped and a guy got out to offer me assistance. He was with his entire family and was returning home from some late evening church event.
This was well before cell phones. He had me hop into the car with his family and I rode with him to his home, where he let off his family and then drove me to the nearest truck stop where I called my dad...
This guy sat with me in the truck stop...bought me coffee and waited with me until my dad arrived about an hour later. He wanted to make sure I was safe until family arrived. Then he shook my hand and left.
There's a lot of people you meet along the road of life...and even if you don't remember their names, it's enjoyable to have met them and reminisce over the fond circumstances that brought you together....even for just a small chance encounter.
Great stories everyone....and very timely for this upcoming holiday. Posted by Tasmus (Member # 445) on :
The greatest gift anyone has ever given me has to be God--now before ya chalk this up to one of the token "religious posts", just read on a little further.
My dad and I didn't see eye to eye a lot when I was a kid growing up. I was into art and comics and movies and special-effects, he was into guns and hunting and cars. Neither one of us wanted (or knew how) to reach out to the other. I got into SIGNS because it was the only way I could get his support with my art. He actually helped me make my first paying job at 16, done with STENCILS (groan).
Anyway it was after I had moved out and got on my own before we became close. We had a few good years there, but dad was never one to be very affectionate. He would reciprocate a hug or an "I Love you", but never initiate it. Well this year, I saw my dad and mom pull up in front of our storefront shop, and on a whim, I went out to meet him as he got out of the car.
When he saw me, he smiled and took my hand to shake it, then drew me to him in a bear hug. In my ear he said, "I just wanted to tell you, I love you son. Mom and I were talking on the way over, and i don't say that enough. I just want you to know that."
That was the last time I ever saw my dad. Three days later he died instantly in a terrible auto accident.
But that was the only time I can remember in my life, that he reached out to me. We had a wonderful visit that day, and it was beautiful. It was clearly the Lord's gift of "goodbye" for me with him, and it was and always will be precious. I can't tell you how much easier it has been with that, and how much peace it has given me. I only regret that he didn't live to see us in the new building, where he ironically had worked as a body man, and then later as a salesman for the Ford Dealer that used to be here. I think he would have loved what we have done with the place.
As for what I have done...not much really. We love to give at odd and anonymous moments....Also each year we take our children to the local nursing home to hand out treats and little gifts to the elderly there. You can't imagine the impact that my three sweet little boys have on those old folks as they walk in to those darkened rooms with a little gift and a fearless hug. It is a great lesson for the kids, and, I hope, a blessing for at least some of the people there.
Sorry to rave on,
[ November 26, 2003, 11:26 AM: Message edited by: Tasmus ]
Posted by Mark Perkins (Member # 296) on :
A few years ago while going through a wicked divorce the girl I was dating knew my ex wouldn't bring my son shopping to get me anything for x-mas....she managed to slip my son a card and a little gift for him to give me.....that really touched me...and made my sons day too
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Tasmus...truly a gift from above...and a fantastic story of love. I'm guessing you give your little tikes lots of bear hugs and words of affirmation. God bless ya this holiday. Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Tasmus,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. as I am in tears now..I have a friend I want to share this with, as he has a similar situation with his dad and just visited him as I have been urging him. He had a work assignment there 3 weeks after we spoke about it and did go to visit. I think this will be a great letter to share, as, my family went through that too. I can relate. Bless you for sharing, it's people like you that bring the highlight of life to others.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Ditto. Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Tasmus I also wanted to acknowledge your great story. Part of why it touched me was a similar experience I would like to relate.
My family was always very close & I never doubted the love that was there for me from my parents at all times. My wife is blessed with having both her children (previous marriage)live here on Maui. I have noticed for several years now how she says "I Love You" to them all the time when they leave, or at the end of a phone call. Linda noticed I didn't do that talking to my parents or my daughter. I don't doubt that it is felt & understood by all, but I began verbalizing this more as a result. Less then 2 years ago I spent thelast few days I would ever spend with my dad. I also knew it would be my last few days with him. He was very weak & didn't try to talk to much. In the conversations I had with him, he was alert enough & mentally capable of understanding me, but too weak to talk much. I told him how much I loved him several times. As I think I mentioned that was never common in our family, but on my last night which was the day after Christmas I sat with him for a long time. I put on a CD of "The messiah" which he had always enjoyed playing on the holidays. At one point I asked if he wanted it louder, or quieter, or changed to something else. He quietly asked me to turn it off, & when I did he used that silent moment he had aquired to tell me he loved me. Although I had never in my life doubted this, since I had taken on the habit of voicing my love for him into my communication style, I was very very appreciative of his adapting to that style also, in our last hours together.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
God bless ya Doug. Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
I like that: "Don't worry, post happy".....
I'm with you there Pat.
..and looking forward to seeing that new work truck Camille. Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
For me?? Lyn gave me Latigo and Pooh. Us for someone else? This year. Right now. Lyn and Rosemary are putting together a load of Christmas presents for a family with 6 kids, ages 4 to 17 who live just outside of Nashville. The father is a laid-up trucker with no insurance. The mother is trying to keep the mortgage and everything else paid. A number of us on a firearms board donated enough cash to keep the wolves from the door (barely) but the kids would have had a miserable Christmas if it weren't for my two girls. Lyn and Pooh would save the world, if they could.
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