Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Fireplace Heart and Random Acts of Kindness

We heat our home with a fireplace only ...
Having a warm fireplace heart greet you at the door is very special!

I was reading through Michelle's blog "Yesterday's Trash". Last week, a friend of Michelle's did a blog post about Random Acts of Kindness. She pointed out that the holidays were a perfect time to give the gift of kindness, and shared her own personal Christmas story. Michelle then shared her own beautiful story that made me smile - through my tears.

It also made me think about a story similar to her own ... that happened to me just after my brother passed away nearly 10 years ago.

First, you need to know that my brother was a "bum". Yep, the kind you see on the street corners, or out picking up cans to eek out a living. He was a criminal, having spent a number of years in jail.

He had been "clean" for several years, holding down a good job, living in a small trailer at my parents' house.

Then the cancer came and took Dow away. It was nearly unbearable. At his funeral, drug dealers rubbed shoulders with preachers and missionaries. That's the way Dow was. He accepted everyone where they stood, no matter who they were.

Several weeks after Dow died, I left a convenience store with a cup of coffee. One of the local "bums" was standing outside, counting change into his dirt encrusted hand. He looked longingly at my coffee and asked me if I had 17 cents. "That's all I need for a cup," he explained.

Usually I would have said "NO!" and walked away. But there was something about him ...
I reached into my pocket, and pulled out what change I had.
I counted out one dime, one nickel and two pennies.
Exactly 17 cents.
And gave it to him.
For my brother.

What random acts of kindness have come your way?
I would love to hear your stories!!!

9 comments:

MarieElizabeth said...

Isn't it amazing how moments like that teach us so much and become something the we remember forever. Thanks for sharing. I might have to borrow this idea and pass on a story too.

Unknown said...

Last year I knitted a wine colored lace (winter)scarf for myself and it became my favorite one.
Last week I had heard that an intruder had been able to pass the gate of the community where I live, and was in the process of robbing, when he was caught. He got away, but the box was recovered. The whole next day a police car was scouting him him out.
A few days after, we went to the same parking lot, and when I sat in our car, ready to drive off, there was something red draped on the bush in front of me. I thought it looked familiar. When hubby sceptically retrieved it from the bush, I called out, "It IS my scarf."
I don't know who the well-doer is, and my story almost sounds frivolous compared to what you went through, Clytie, but I thank him from my heart for leaving my scarf at such an obvious place for me to see:)

Tina´s PicStory said...

amazing shot ♥

MadSnapper said...

when i saw the thumbnail of the photo, i thought why is she posting her tonsils? it looks just like mine when i get a sore throat. it also does look like a heart and it amazes me you found one in your fireplace.
I have been estranged from my son and his wife for several years, when my granddaughter sent me an invitation to a baby shower,I drove the hour to get there and was met with unbelievable hurtful things. on the way home i had tears rolling down my face and i came up to the sunshine skyway and stopped at the toll to pay my dollar. the lady smiled at me and pointed to the car pulling out and said she paid your toll and told me to tell you to have a nice day. my tears stopped and i drove home feeling better.

teri said...

This story was straight and it was a blessing for me to hear. There are people not just in our lives- BUT in our very own families that sometimes test our ability to be kind. I so appreciate your story of your brother. I love how you found your brother and 17 cents at the same time. Sending blessings- for you and all those in our lives who we find hard to bless.

Leovi said...

Really wonderful, I love that burning heart.

Dorincard said...

Heartburn...Fire, walk with me? No, stay put. :)

Beth Niquette said...

Oh, Sissy--I've heard you tell that story before. It made me cry then--and still does as I read it today.

((hugs)) I miss him too--I miss him so much. Love you, SissyBoo.

Beth Niquette said...

And I love the warmth of this photo. That is one GORGEOUS heart. Fills my eyes!