Stories by beckyjo (4 matches)

The Power of a Thank You Note

My mom, who will soon be 90, was recovering from surgery, but she had a rough time of it. Her primary nurse, Debbie, was so dear and kind and my mom wrote her a very heartfelt and grateful thank you note when she was finally able to go home again. A month or so later, my mom took cookies for the staff as another little thank you. Debbie was there and took my mom aside to tell her a story: Debbie was ordering at a fast food restaurant and had her purse on the floor beside her. When she reached down to pay for her meal, the purse was gone. Everything. Car keys, house keys, credit cards, phone – well, you know, everything. Debbie told my mom, but look, here it is! I found it on the doorstep with a note that said, “I couldn’t steal this purse from such a wonderful ... Read Full Story >>

The Ripple Effect -- Inward And Outward

I just got my credit card statement and it inspired me to share a small act of kindness I experienced recently. I flew home to tend to my elderly Mother following surgery, but am terrified of flying so I had taken some medicine to help me get through it. As I was half asleep, the high school boy sitting next to me ordered a breakfast sandwich, but when the flight attendant said, "It's credit card only," he replied, "Oh, okay, never mind." Man, I launched out of that half asleep and said "I've got it!" Although he protested, I assured him I had it covered. He said he was so hungry and so grateful. I was so grateful. I explained to him that there had been a time in my life that I didn't have a credit card and wasn't able to get a flight to my grandmother's memorial service so I was ... Read Full Story >>

Smile Card Stash

Day 1: As I was leaving my Day 1 "assignment" of giving a SMILE card and cupcakes to a grocery employee, I saw a homeless man pushing his shopping cart in the parking lot. I pulled over and parked and asked if he could use some help. He smiled and said he thought he was managing ok.

I asked him if he was homeless and he said that yes, he was. I said well, then I think you could use a little help and gave him a SMILE card and $20.

I keep several cards and bills in small envelopes so I can hand them out and it's a bit anonymous because they usually put the envelope in their pocket, only to discover the gift at another time. It always feels so good to give them away. I receive the money from unexpected sources (bonus at work, rebate from credit card points, refunds, etc) and turn them into SMILE card gifts.

Update

I would like to get to know my neighbors better and so I had an idea to organize a "Get Acquainted" Meet-and-Greet block party: I was able to pull it together and we had a great time!

I had name tags and a sign-in sheet with contact information. I was able to hire a wonderful "BBQ King" from church who cooked the best hamburgers and hot dogs ever. Everyone contributed by bringing delicious additions to the meal.  And what's even better, everyone wants to do it again next year. One lady even suggested we try to get together around the Holidays as well. Now I know 24 of my neighbors by name and it feels terrific!

My Late Husband's Gifts Are Regenerating Smiles All Over Town