BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness

Subject: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:50 PM

For those who claim that Christians are only loving and peace-wishing at Christmas, I thought a thread praising all those who give generously of themselves throughout the year would be in order. Most do it very quietly with no desire to draw attention to themselves. But, I am not just talking about Christians. Generous-hearted people come in all flavors They aren't of any particular faith (or even have a faith) political affiliation or philosophy. Some are wealthy, and some are poor. Some are well-educated and some are not. The one quality they have is that they look beyond their own needs and see those of others.

As a song asks..

   "Have I given anything today?
    Have I helped a needy soul on my way?"

Just so we can avoid drawing attention to ourselves, I'd encourage people to talk about someone you know who is always reaching out to help others. There's no need to identify them by name. I think we could us a little life-affirming testimony in here to counterbalance all the sniping that takes place.

I'll start with a fellow Mudcatter. He is a member of the medical profession. Throughout the year, he provides services to those who could not afford to pay for them, at no charge. He doesn't seek attention for himself, but does it out of the kindness of his heart.

I know a young man who is turning 15 on Christmas Day. He comes from a family that is not well off, and lives in a rough section of town.
Throughout the year, he volunteers at a food kitchen and when he sees someone his age who could use tutoring in a subject he happens to be very good at, he is always there to help.

There are other Mudcatters on here who I know are very generous-hearted and give of themselves through the year by visiting nursing homes and health care centers, bringing music to the sick and elderly.
Their only pay is the satisfaction of lifting someone else's spirits.

I feel honored to know these people.

Care to add your own?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Rapparee
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 09:08 PM

There's a member of my staff, a janitor, who donates her vacation and other leave when someone else needs it. She will come in on her own time to insure that things are "right" for others. We've told her and told her that we can wash our own cups and coffee pots, but she still does it. She'll come in on Christmas to make sure that the outside bookdrop is emptied and the place hasn't been robbed. If a toilet is stopped up she'll come in the plunge it. And then, after work, she volunteers at the hospital AND at her church.

We've put her in for the city's "Employee of the Quarter." It's about all we can do, and it should be "Employee of the Century."

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: gnu
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 03:29 PM

Well, I don't mind tooting my own horn. A few hours ago I was driving my old 4X4 pickup down Main Street. The shops and sidewalks were crowded with shoppers spending spending spending. Stopping for pedestrians, I noticed a group of five or six skinheads panhandling for spare change. They were poorly dressed against the falling wet snow and looked like they had little to be thankful for in this season of joy and goodwill. Also, I noticed that nobody was giving them anything and some passersby wouldn't even make eye contact with them. Perhaps it's just because of the Christmas spirit but I don't know what came over me - I just had to do something for these poor, misguided youths. So, I decided not to run them over and went merrily on my way. Merry Ho Ho.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:30 PM

I give older people, people loaded down with parcels, etc. rides when the weather is bad.
I do most of my shopping at charity shops, and donate loads of stuff too.
At Chrismas time, I make (seems like hundreds) of cheeseballs for friends, doctors, etc.
I entertain for free at care homes, hospitals, schools, etc.
Can't think of any more right now.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Kim C
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:31 PM

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, who is a kick-ass professional plumber. He used to freelance but the company he works for now won't technically let him do any moonlighting. Anyhow, a friend of his, who has a teenager with cancer (and lots of medical bills) had a water heater go out on him. He called Gary up in tears, and Gary went in his own truck on his own time and fixed it for nothing. The guy wanted to pay him something, so he gave Gary a really nice leather belt. But Gary told him not to worry about the bill.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:38 PM

Six or seven years ago, I was invited to perform in the Big Muddy Folk Festival in Boonville, Missouri. My friends Dave Para and Cathy Barton run the festival, and I was looking forward to meeting Bob Dyer. I have a great love of Bob's music, and it was exciting to finally meet him and share a songwriting workshop together.

The first evening I was there, I went to dinner, not knowing anyone who was in the room at that time. That suited me fine, as I enjoy meeting new friends. I went over to a table where three or four other people were already eating and asked if I could join them. They welcomed me warmly and when we started talking folk music, I mentioned two of my favorites.. Lonnie Donnegan and the Phipps Family. One of the people sitting at the table said that he had some Phipps family records, and I was excited about it because none of their material was in print, and I had just one album by them. (The Phipps Family were contemporaries and acquaintances of the Carter Family with an almost identical style.)

When I got back to Connecticut, I received two boxes. One was filled with cassette copies of every Phipps album ever released. In the box were also several videos of gospel groups my new-found friend wanted to share with me. The second box was the complete Lonnie Donnegan Bear Family boxed set, copied on to cassettes. I was really overwhelmed with the generosity of these people. As I came to know them better, I found out that their generosity was an every-day thing with them.

Whenever I get an opportunity to send friends, and strangers, music that they would really enjoy receiving, I jump at the chance. I am so far behind on ever catching up with the generosity of others that it will take more than a lifetime to do it.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 04:55 PM

...this article here.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: GUEST,ranger1(can't get my password)
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:38 PM

My neighbor is the kindest, most generous, most sincere person I know. She came home from work early today in a nasty snowstorm to drive me to the vet to have my cat put to sleep so that I wouldn't have to drive myself. She does so much for so many people without any expectation of any sort of reward and is always surprised and overwhelmed when someone does something for her. I try to help as often as possible by taking her dog to the beach, shovelling her walks and driveway and putting together things that come with some assembly required, but she still insists on doing something back, like baking cookies. I may not be wealthy in a material sense, but I have the friendship of someone who is worth more than all the gold in all the world. How lucky I am to be so loved!

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:53 PM

What about giving blood? Helping to save the lives of people you'll probably never know. Although it's quite easy, and I hope it stays unheralded, it's a good thing to do.
James

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:16 AM

Ranger1, sorry to hear about your kitty. Neighbours can be wonderful. When we lived in Wyoming, the neighbours on either side of us took turns snowblowing our sidewalk each time it snowed. They knew all we had was a shovel. It was SO nice of them. Each spring, I gave them some bedding plants, petunias and things, as a thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:25 AM

A good reminder, Jerry. I was thinking about this very matter earlier today, and I will be watching more carefully for my own opportunities to serve the World in general...and to be the hands and the heart and the voice of Christ, or the Holy Spirit, or the Goodness of Life or whatever one might choose to call it...and not let those opportunities slip by unnoticed.

One person I'd like to mention and give honor to is Mother Teresa. Have just been reading a book of things she said on various occasions, and it is very inspiring. I also know some people at the United Church who are doing a lot of good work, and I know a local therapist who has tremendously helped a whole lot of people, and sometimes for free (when they could not afford to pay) or for a fraction of her normal fee. She's one of the most gifted spiritual persons I have ever known, and a true professional. Her name is Sandra.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:32 AM

James,

That is a great thing to do. I gave regularly until they wouldn't take it anymore due to some meds I take. However, they know I'm available for emergencies. O negative. I'm everybody's friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:38 AM

Oh Yeah !! Nearly a whole day with only one post so I refresh with a joke and now we get all these great posts making my post look inane. Say, maybe that's my good deed for yesterday. Anyway, I know a chap who won't give a penny to any charity (and I've heard his friends and relatives call him names because he could "afford" to give) but who also makes an after dark visit every Xmas Eve to see the Mother Superior at the back door of Nazareth House, a local men's shelter, with an envelope that would choke a horse. No names, just a blessing. He took me once and swore me to secrecy because I am to carry out one final donation upon his death. Maybe you guys could comment on something that's bugging me. Should I reveal his secret upon that last donation ? Of course, I swore I'd never say a word, but... you know... it doesn't seem right.

Now, my uncle was an alcoholic and AA helped him turn around. He ran a business and furnished the upstairs with everything from a full kitchen to a pool table for the AA. Free grub, the works, for years. He just turned 82 and he still donates to the cause, even though he doesn't have a lot to give. Never was public that he did all that.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:45 AM

What's gnu?

I took your post for a welcome, humorous comment. Humor is one of the acts of love and kindness that can break through the darkest of times. People who are suffering, poor or in bad health need laughter more than those of us who are more blessed.

You did good, gnu?

Thanks for the Good Gnus.

(My friend Art Thieme would be proud of me.)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 01:07 PM

Bunbury!

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Peace
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 07:33 PM

Gnu,

I thought your post was very funny. That's the way I took it.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:20 PM

Thanks for posting that, Big Pink. Didn't the Band record an album at your house?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Amos
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:50 PM

Gnu:

The reason wildebeestes never talk about themselves is they believe no news is good gnus.

I think your friend felt the same way, and would prefer not to be revealed.   One opinion is worth as much as any other, though, in such mattters.

You could ask him, I guess.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: KathWestra
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:56 PM

Five or six years ago when I worked in Washington, D.C., it was (and still is) a big, anonymous, not-always-friendly city. In fact, it's a place where someone like me with my Midwestern U.S. roots, who grew up saying hello to and making small-talk with strangers, is constantly reminded that people in Big Eastern Cities simply don't speak to people they don't know. So I was flabbergasted one Valentine's Day when I went into a bakery/deli at Dupont Circle in the heart of D.C. to buy myself a chocolate treat. I was chatting with the guy ahead of me in line, and made a crack about being sure I got my Valentine's chocolate by buying it for myself. He got up to the register, told the clerk to put my chocolate on his check, turned around and said "Happy Valentine's Day," then left me standing speechless at the counter. Bowled me over.

Closer to our Mudcat home, my beloved friend Big Mick, aided and abetted by WYSIWYG, our dear Rick Fielding, and others, helped turn a really miserable situation, where I had been taken advantage of by one of Mudcat's habitual "users," into a truly heartwarming outcome. The details are not for discussion here. What IS important, though, is the snowballing series of events put in motion by Rick and Mick that were a testament to goodness, goodwill, generosity, and the kindness of strangers. The love evident in those events as they unfolded some three years ago still moves me to tears (oh, Rick, we miss you!), and it lives on every time Mick plays his guitar. Blessings to all of you, and all those like you.

Thanks, Jerry. We need more threads about gratitude and kindness.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:08 PM

Oh, where to start...

I believe that folks of Faith encounter (and appreciate) folks every day going out of their way to spread caring and love to their felow man. I mean, isan't that what it's all about, be you a Jew, a Hindu, a Pagan, or one Islamic Faith?

Thought I am very much a follower of Jesus Christ, Jesus hasn't been the only one teaching love. No sir. Might of fact, if you'll stripe away the differences between various religion you will find this commonality of teaching us all to be better and more caringand giving people. There are no true religions that teach hatdred of one fellow man...

With that said, at this time of the year when Christains and Jews look into their hearts of the blessings that God has brought during the year I do think of the folks here at Mudcat who exemplify the goodness of man, and fortunately (sniff) that is most of you folks out there. (The exceptions know who they are but, hey, that is their struggle...)

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:54 PM

I don't want to share the details, but a certain Mudcatter who is no longer with us thought it would be a really good idea to tear out a wall-mounted, permanentized air conditioner when it seemed one would be needed by another Mudcatter of our mutual acquaintance. This highly persistent and creative, kind soul did end up admitting it was too tough to get the damn thing out, hoewever.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 03:48 PM

OK, I'm not sure about this one. I just got back from buying my lunch at the local supermarket (apple and yoghurt) so I'm in the '9 items or less' checkout. I know it should be '9 items or fewer' but what are you gonna do? There's an old dear in front of me with a bag of bananas and a can of something or other. Her bill is $4.50. She painstakingly forks over the money in quarters, nickels and dimes. She's only got $3-sompun. Because I'm in a hurry and the wait is excruciating I said, "seeing as it's Christmas, why don't get that for you?' and I paid for her groceries. Now, does that make me naughty or nice? Only I heard someone's keeping a list ...

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 04:41 PM

Sounds to me like you're on The right list, Big Pink..

Helping folks when they're shopping is something we all can do. Many times I've walked out to the car with an elderly woman... or even a woman younger than me who has just bought something really heavy, and loaded her car for her. I always hope that there's someone at home who can get it out for her, or she'll be driving around with a 42" plasma tv in her back seat for the next month.

We do what we can, and hope that there's someone else to pick up the other end of it..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:41 PM

Push chairs and buggies were my thing... I always helped people with push chairs and buggies, because I remember the hassle I had with Limpit when she was in hers. Besides, I hate being behind them when they try to tip the child out, getting it off the bus.....

I say always helped, because I'm not in a position to do it now, but soon, when the dicky ticker is fixed, I'll help again.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: LadyJean
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 12:23 AM

Every year I go camping with a couple of thousand of my dearest friends at the S.C.A's annual Pensic War. Every year, a group of doctors, nurses, paramedics etc. take time off from their jobs, to do the same thing at Pensic. They're all volunteers, and they handle medical needs for a camp of 10,000 plus assorted nuts. I suspect they bring home a couple of good stories. But that's all they get for spending their vacations doing their jobs.

We might also praise Animal X, the biggest goddamned flake I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, EXCEPT in moments of crisis. I found that out the hard way more than once. She spent on birthday, hers not mine in the Emergency Room with me, because I'd broken my arm badly. She was an enormous help with my recent move. Of course she also wished a kitten on me two weeks before I moved. She's a fine kitten, but moving with a kitten is kind of overstimulating.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:53 PM

Don't personally know any volunteers-every-day heroes, which I guess tells you I run in inferior circles.

But I have a delightful random-act-of-kindness to report. Fierce traffic home from work, it seemed every other car was either cutting me or someone else off, or tailgating, or just being a jerk. Late in the drive I pulled up at a stoplight amongst a bunch of other cars. Guy jumps out of his pickup truck, runs past a few cars, screws in my dangling gas cover, closes the little door, and runs back to his truck before the light changed, and speeds off.

Subject: RE: BS: Unheralded Acts of love and Kindness
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 08:11 PM

There are some kindly Wildlife carers out here, who get no financial, or any other, help from official sources. They raise and care for orphaned and injured native animals and birds. That means 2 hourly bottle feeding for some.
Then there are the people who stop and check the pouches of dead marsupials on our roads, saving joeys from slow death from thirst. And the people who move dead animals off the roadside so that other creatures like eagles aren't hit too. I'd like to mention them. Cheers, Joy