Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Nature's Beautiful Church


--by BlissfulLotusFlo, posted Sep 26, 2011

 

I love hiking and being outdoors. I loved it even more when I found I could use my passion to help others.
 
Some of the other moms I meet on the school run are either single parents or have a child with special needs. So, I offered to take their child or children (usually boys around my son's age) on hikes with my son and I. This allows the mother to have some respite care and for herself without having the costs associated with hiring a sitter.
 
Today I offered my friend  that opportunity and took her son with us on a hike to Paradise Falls. 
 
The weather was perfect, just enough sun but still cool and breezy. During part of our trek we were gently misted with sprinklings of rain that refreshed us and kept us cool as we made it to our final destination - a stunning forty-foot waterfall that cascaded into a shimering pool of water!
 
Everyone enjoyed it and my friend was delighted when I sent some pictures of her son climbing and splashing in the shallow pools of water. She thanked me for taking him and for the time it allowed her to dedicate to her special-needs son.
 
I figured that everyone wins this way. As hikers we communed with nature and my friend got the time she needed. 
 
I am very blessed to be able to share my passion for nature while also helping other mothers. It's so good for everyone's soul. It's my nature church, so to speak. 
 
MY advice is get outside! Go for a hike and help someone out by providing child care for anyone who needs some personal time for themselves. It's a gift that is truly priceless and so easy to give.

 

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Readers Comments

Bluxess wrote: What a fabulous idea ... If this becomes a movement, we will soon have kids having a new hobby, making new friends and as you rightly said, the much-needed respite ... for the mothers ... Love this post ! Have a blessed week ahead, Bluxess.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: How wonderful that you do that for them! Anytime you can include others like you did that is a wonderful thing!
wooka85257 wrote: As a caregiver to my mother, i can truly appreciate the time away that your offer would give a busy mom. Bless you for your wonderful idea, and for taking your kidlets outside (so few of them get to participate in a nature stroll these days).
cabbage wrote: That is wonderful--and i am so glad you do this! I love taking kids out for hikes too
And it's great that you can give moms a break :-)
Thank you!
Joy wrote: What a beautiful gift you are giving to those families. Nature and nurture. Who could ask for more. Blessings to you.
treeflowerpuzzle wrote: Wow-you are truly a great person. My boys are both special needs and i wish there was more people like you. What you do is quite rare and i speak from experience.
RAMESH wrote: Nice!
David wrote: What a wonderful example of selflessness, you a true example to us all.
ronald wrote:

Its the godly way of showing selflessness.

God bless all who read and share the story.
moral12 wrote: Fantastic idea for all involved! This is a win-win-win situation. Thanks for sharing your great idea! (can i borrow someone's kid? ) ;)

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