Pay it Forward Friday
At work the other day, it came apparent to me, how sometimes the little things, the things we may take for granted, could mean the world to someone else.
In the simplicity of doing my job, I was helping a woman and her two children who were in a crisis situation. Tragedy surrounds us in many forms. From all the craziness happening in Asia, to everyday crimes and unfortunate circumstances in our backyards.
The situation was tragic, but too often found. A young girl had been sexually assaulted, and her bravery and determination had brought her to report the crime. The mother was a single mom of 3, struggling to survive in this downturned economy. Hours upon hours in the interview rooms, the girls were tired and hungry, and emotionally distraught.
Did I mention they were also both being treated at sick kids hospital?
Sitting with these two gracious girls I was struck by the infamous question, why do bad things happen to good people?
Within the parameters of my employment I bought the girls dinner. After doing so I recognized the all too familiar emotions from the Mother; fear (because she did not have the money to reimburse me, and did not know how she could repay me), embarrassment (that she did not have the money to pay me), relief (that her girls had been fed), and thankful that her girls would eat that night.
I quickly explained it was taken care of and a small gesture compared to the horrendous acts that had lead them to this point. The girls were kind and polite, the Mother thankful for the gesture. Such a small gesture, at a time where I can only imagine their world was turned upside down. The girls were excited to eat out, the Mom had such a tired look in her eyes.
Work may be tough at times, but it is a constant reminder of how truly fortunate I am. It constantly reminds me of my priorities and gratitude for my life and all that is in it.
I will ask you to do the same, and remember that sometimes the smallest of gestures can truly mean the world to someone.
Have a great weekend everyone, and go out and PAY IT FORWARD, and don't forget to share your stories...
In the simplicity of doing my job, I was helping a woman and her two children who were in a crisis situation. Tragedy surrounds us in many forms. From all the craziness happening in Asia, to everyday crimes and unfortunate circumstances in our backyards.
The situation was tragic, but too often found. A young girl had been sexually assaulted, and her bravery and determination had brought her to report the crime. The mother was a single mom of 3, struggling to survive in this downturned economy. Hours upon hours in the interview rooms, the girls were tired and hungry, and emotionally distraught.
Did I mention they were also both being treated at sick kids hospital?
Sitting with these two gracious girls I was struck by the infamous question, why do bad things happen to good people?
Within the parameters of my employment I bought the girls dinner. After doing so I recognized the all too familiar emotions from the Mother; fear (because she did not have the money to reimburse me, and did not know how she could repay me), embarrassment (that she did not have the money to pay me), relief (that her girls had been fed), and thankful that her girls would eat that night.
I quickly explained it was taken care of and a small gesture compared to the horrendous acts that had lead them to this point. The girls were kind and polite, the Mother thankful for the gesture. Such a small gesture, at a time where I can only imagine their world was turned upside down. The girls were excited to eat out, the Mom had such a tired look in her eyes.
Work may be tough at times, but it is a constant reminder of how truly fortunate I am. It constantly reminds me of my priorities and gratitude for my life and all that is in it.
I will ask you to do the same, and remember that sometimes the smallest of gestures can truly mean the world to someone.
Have a great weekend everyone, and go out and PAY IT FORWARD, and don't forget to share your stories...
Comments
Someone close to me recently witnessed a road rage incident that ended with a savage beating before the coward responsible drove off; she was one of a few who stopped to help the victim until police and ambulance arrived. I am sure he will remember those who stopped; he probably didn't notice the many who drove by.
Kelly, those girls and their mother will not soon forget you.
Thanks!
Thanks for thinking of us, Paula Devi, no sadly just copiously busy and internet acting up...