A quick trip to the grocery store to pick up a few ingredients for dinner presented an opportunity for a gift for Day 16: the gift of Helping Hands.
I was walking back to my car with my goods in tow, when I saw her. Her white, curly hair atop her tiny frame, back hunched over, suggesting a weariness in her bones after years of hard work. She was struggling to corral the heavy shopping cart that undoubtedly matched her weight, while opening the passenger door to her car. She moved slowly and with great effort, and this sight alone made me sad.
I imagined my grandmother doing the same. I imagined my own Momma, years from now, doing this exact same thing and my heart lurched. I hurriedly raced over to her - albeit with caution so as not to scare her - and said: "Can I help you with that?" Startled, she looked up at me over glasses that sat low on her nose; her face softened. She had a look of both relief and defeat in her eyes, and I was overcome with the urge to just hug her. "I can't move like I used to," she said, backing up only enough to suggest that she welcomed my help.
With one hand, I held on to her cart and the handles of my own canvas bag, and with the other, I loaded up the two bags of groceries into the passenger seat of her car. She thanked me multiple times, her gratitude laced with sweet remarks that only a grandmother would make: "Oh my, be careful, dear." I didn't hug her - although I wish I did (she was so cute I couldn't stand it) - but she sent me on my way with a final bid of thanks and a smile that I won't soon forget.
My gift was neither monetary nor grand in nature, but it was something extended in kindness and love. And it filled me with happiness and peace, because I am hoping with every fiber of my being, that if my own Momma finds herself in this position years from now and I am not there to help her personally, someone will be kind to her.
* * *
Today's Gratitude List:
1) Youth and mobility. We take this for granted, but it is a blessing. And I am grateful.2) My friends, Rachel and Noa, who continue to reach out to me in their texts, just letting me know that I am thought of.
3) Hugs from my husband. They are all-encompassing, big, bear-hugs, that smoosh me close enough to him that I can feel his heart beat and breathe in his love.
I think this is my favorite of your gift posts, Angie. . .
ReplyDeleteGiving the gift of yourself to a stranger. . .very cool and so awesome that you were aware of what was going on.
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ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Emma Michaels
http://EmmaMichaels.Blogspot.com
this is so sweet! i found myself in many parking lots feeling the same and offering my help to whomever needs! it's just in our nature! xoxo~
ReplyDeleteit makes my heart hurt when I think of little old ladies trying to do such basic tasks. So happy you were near by to lend a hand.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was the sweetest thing! What fun to give of yourself, even if it is just in the small things, I'm sure that woman will remember that for awhile! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this series Angie, it's really inspiring! Xo
ReplyDeleteI am teary-eyed right now, Angie. Ever since I was younger I have had instilled in me a deep love for elderly people. My grandma used to take me on visits with her to visit some of the people in the nursing home that didn't have families and those are some of my fondest memories. My great uncle is in the hospital right now and his wife of 60+years is waiting to decide whether or not to keep him on the respirator. I think about what would happen if she were left alone and had to care for herself and I pray that she will have people like you around her to do the little things that she struggles with. You are such an angel. You don't think something like this is a big deal but to that lady you probably made her day.
ReplyDeleteDoing the smallest things for people often have the biggest impact. I love this 29 gifts series!
ReplyDeleteAngie, I just love you! I honestly do :) I wish we lived closer because I feel like we would have such a great friendship and make such a difference together. The choices you make are the same I would. This is so beautiful to hear. The fact that you thought of your grandma and your own mom, that's putting your life in their shoes. I love that :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Katie