Thursday, February 02, 2012

bowl someone over

My home phone rang last night.
It rarely rings.
It seems we all are connected via other devices these days.
An elderly neighbor down the street called.  We met last year while I was out walking our dog.
I could hear a sadness and a desire for company and I told her I would be right down just as soon as my husband was home from work to be with our daughter.
Literally, In ten minutes I walked down with a small plate of cookies and some fruit.

She told me she would be moving in a week, leaving her home where she had lived since 1960.
Her children worried about her being alone.
She shared stories of her family.
Surviving the concentration camp.
Losing her husband of 60 years of marriage.
Her arthritis and the pain.

I told her I loved her for sharing with me and for calling me.  Her eyes were bright and her spirit alive and full of grace and kindness.  While I was there her 92 year old sister called.  They speak everyday.

Today, I am sharing a sweet little "i love you" vessel from an etsy favorite. rou designs.
Spread the love and show you care for someone who might be in pain and in need of love.
It could be a visit, a call, a letter.
Bowl someone over with kindness.
Take the self-kindness challenge.
Do something nice for someone.

Thank-you so much for your kind comments yesterday.
I appreciate your visits, your e-mails and your support.

19 comments:

The enchanted home said...

This is such a wonderful post. Kudos to you for doing 'the right thing"...and no doubt you made her day much brighter. I think we all need to be vigilant about helping others, and people in need are all around us. I know who I am calling today! Thank you for inspiring me:)

Summer is a Verb said...

One should be so lucky to have you to call on...XXOO

onnery said...

I am so moved by your post. God love your neighbor for putting a positive spirit forward, and God bless you for your kindness! My own Mother lived with chronic pain and illness for twenty-five years and I now realize, as I myself with pain, that the love and support from family and friends, and having a faithful spirit , are what gives one a reason to live. Here's to you for your act of kindness!

Joanne Yordanou said...

A lovely entry! You brightened someone 's day. We can learn so much from our Seniors! We just need to take the time.

Joyce said...

A sweet post filled with love. You truly are a good example of "love thy neighbor"!! Yes, I hope we get together this year! xo

Purple Flowers said...

I believe you are truly this woman's Angel. When she called upon you...you answered with a sweet voice and a kind heart.

designchic said...

What a dear, dear neighbor you are, and a wonderful reminder to us all to help those in need. She certainly knew who to call...have a wonderful weekend!!

3 Peanuts said...

Patricia...you gave her such a gift by your visit and I am sure your heart was filled up by her too. I can tell by your post. This is a great post. Congrats on 5 years. This month marked 5 for me too.

Unknown said...

Patricia,
You are, without doubt, one of the most thoughtful people I know! I know that your act of kindness was so appreciated. What a compliment that she called YOU.

I somehow missed yesterday's post...5 years! What an accomplishment. And, I definitely think blog years are more like dog years. It's a different kind of time.

And, let me just encourage you to show and share your work at either the gift show or the stationery show, which is May. I'll help you. Let's talk! :)

xo Elizabeth

The 5 Bickies said...

This is such a sweet post. I'm so glad you got to visit with her before she moved.

I am going to deliver girl scout cookies gift bags with my daughter. We decided not to "sell" to our elderly neighbors but to "give" instead.

Have a great day!

S. Etole said...

I'm so glad to have found you here. I've looked before but somehow couldn't find the way.

mette said...

What a wonderful post. A good reminder for all of us, who are so " busy " with our work, own family.
A small gesture of kindness brings so much happiness, for the giver as well : )!

Jennifer C. Webb said...

what a gift...taking time to visit and what we can learn from our elders. Thank you for the reminder to be conscious of my neighbors

The Buzz Blog said...

I've been trying to catch up after five days at the show and so glad I popped over to read this lovely post. After commenting, I'll be picking up the phone and calling my younger sis - it's been too long. Thank you for the inspiration (and nudge!)
xxoo

Nancy Grayson said...

Such a wonderful, touching post. You are a true neighbor and friend...

Unknown said...

What can I say? : ))))
Love your kind and giving spirit!

xoxo

Denise said...

Such a great post! So true - you can add joy to someone's life with the smallest gesture. Thank you for the reminder!

Anonymous said...

That is so lovely and you touched her so much! Isn't it amazing how just listening can be what someone needs. You are a good soul, PVE!

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Patricia, I was just telling my sister about you and your work...while we were on the phone she went to your blog and read me this post...Such a beautiful story and a reminder that it's little things like this wonderful gesture that you made that is so important in life. You've inspired me...thank you.
xo
annie