The Basket Lady

I’m sitting at the computer typing and just below the window; a bird has landed on a tree stump singing its little heart out-such merriment.

I don’t know what kind of a bird it is and for now, that’s unimportant because the bird is serenading the trees, flowers and clouds from his perch with sweet song in spite of the gloomy weather that’s permeated across the Nation and in Maine.

It’s the rare bird indeed, that can still sing so sweetly even when the weather is foul and a worm is hard to find.

The Memorial Day Parade in Rumford was a well attended and organized event from the floats, marchers, Mtn. Valley High School band and Honored guest speakers to the procession that marched on toward the Mexico Greens.

I came away with admiration for Senator Olympia Snowe, dressed in a black pants suit, walking every step of the parade route waving and chatting with the onlookers in between exchanges with Joseph Roberts.

The sun brought the heat; at least it did for that momentous occasion.

Friends, be kind to one another. The truth about kindness is that you don’t need to be lucky or rich. What you do need is to: Be kind daily. It is just as easy to be kind as it is to be unkind. Make kindness an everyday habit; and unkindness a habit to be broken. Every day you live, you are in the process of becoming.

Whether you are becoming better or worse depends on what you give yourself to.

The following angels in training have shown a kindness to the Basket Lady: Millie and Mike Belskis (Frank, too): A truck load of goodies; Norman Robichaud: Lovely women’s clothes; Angela Roberts: potpourri/shower kit; Barbara “Jean” and Albert Smith: seat cushions, Memorial Day items and lap throws; Robert and Joyce Saisi: men’s belts, magazines, box of girl clothes; Jane Bubar and RCH Auxiliary: baskets and decorations for baskets; Carolyn Woodward: necklace and bracelet creations; Catherine Johnson: Thai meal; Marcia Rajaniemi: Books for RCH Bookmobile; Linda French: soaps/shampoos; Dr. Lisa McAllister and SWHCC support staff; Bethel Animal Hospital staff/medical providers; Irene Haynes: chairs; and Margaret McNeal: Free Shop volunteers.

We never know how deeply an act of kindness can touch a heart. We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas!

Until then, smile and live in the present.