Twenty years ago I lost my son.
My friends decided that I needed to get out at least once a week and so we started going for coffee. Those friends helped me get through that terrible first year and still continue to help me.
We decided that we would try and help people when we could. So, we take a collection each week and then decide what to do with it. We have paid for breakfasts, helped an elderly man fill his oil tank, bought Christmas gifts for needy families , helped fire victims, and sometimes just sent flowers to someone who was feeling blue.
We usually do this in a way that no one knows and that makes it even better.
We also have a yearly tea at my house the first Saturday in December to start the Christmas season. We have been Secret Santa to three people and each year we try and do something special for someone.
I am thankful for my friends and we just want to pay it forward.
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- Posted by gmatorie
- Dec 24, 2012
- Comments (27)
Readers Comments
princessliz wrote: Turned your loss into something positive. So VERY kind of you to bring smiles everywhere, all year round. Imagine sipping coffee with friends and coming up with ways to help others enjoy life. Wow! that must be fun! :)
Bluxess wrote: The loss of a loved one can change lives for good, you are a living example ... Had been there at some point, I aspire to get better by the day and I now know, I can ... I am so glad you are blessed with friends who helped you ... Please share your kindness adventures with us ... Simply inspiring ...
toriejeanne wrote: From this coffee group I have just started a group called Butterfly Moms- this is a group for women that have suffered the loss of a child. We met for the first time last month and had 14 women. We will meet monthly at my church and share our experiences in the hope that we can help. I would not have had the strength to start this had it not been for my faith, family and friends. I am truly blessed
cabbage wrote: That is so beautiful....I am so glad for you.
annjav wrote: You and your kind friends have really turned yourselves into a force for good all year long. Thanks for sharing this great idea. Any group of friends could do the same thing and be an anonymous "kindness gang."
AURELIA wrote: Such a nice thing to do in honor of your loving son. You all are making a special difference...and to keep the tradition going for 20 years is amazing and inspiring! How Lovely. :0) Aurelia
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: How wonderful that you have taken a tough loss and made a positive thing out of it! :)
irishmitzy wrote: Beautiful! Giving to others has always guaranteed me a momentary reprieve from my pain. What a beautiful practice of self care.
zmansmom16 wrote: That is an amazing way to help others, and i'll bet it also helps you heal in the long run.
Tasneem wrote: You are really lucky to have such wonderful friends! No doubt this world is full of helpful people who know the art of minimizing the miseries of other people. You are also a remarkable person. I wish i can also be like you! I will certainly try.
