The Basket Lady

by Mitzi Sequoia

Basket Lady took the red truck to Auburn to pick up some donations from Mike and Millie Belskis.

The traffic was bumper to bumper and everyone appeared to be going in the same direction. “What’s up?” I thought.

Then, the duh-huh moment sunk in, it was the Memorial Day weekend.

Have you ever experienced driving a vehicle on Route 108, trying to get to route 4, during one of the busiest traveling weekends of the year? If you haven’t, you’ve missed out on a golden opportunity to practice your patience skills. Pun intended.

Prior to Memorial Day, Mike Belskis called and happily informed me that he had a truck load, maybe two truck loads, of “goodies” for the Basket Lady.

I’m not one for passing up a generous opportunity like that. Besides, dear Dot Sanchas coached me well on the finer points of, "swiftly picking up a donation before someone else beats you to it."

Mike had taken the time to label and neatly stack boxes upon boxes in a spacious garage, so that all we had to do was just put them in the back of the truck.

As we rounded the corner to the driveway, the first thing that we saw were breathtaking stonewalls surrounded by flowers and a pristine front yard, guarded by a miniature lighthouse.

Mike’s an expert landscaper, even though he humbly referred to his “green thumb” inclination as just a hobby. One only needs to be around him for a very short amount of time to discover that his parents especially his cherished mother, Millie, instilled the values of generosity, kindness and compassion.

Once we got the truck home, we separated the donated items into piles to bring to the What Not Shop and to the Free Store. Since it was a Saturday, I knew that the Free Store was closed but I had a “persistent feeling” to take the kitchen ware and just leave it anyway but as we were about to unload the boxes, a young mother with three small boys had just moved into an apartment and needed pots/pans, silverware and glasses, the very things that Mike Belskis had given away just a few hours before. A family in need was the recipient of his kindness.

Mike donated a box of new Smiley cups with the slogan, “Have a Happy Day.” Sunshine baskets were made up and given to several individuals who needed a happy smile and the Swift River Health Care office staff and Dr. Lisa McAllister, also received Smiley cups.

The following angels in training showed an extraordinary kindness:

Senator John Patrick; Lorraine Nadeau; Lori Grassette; Barbara Morse; Daren Vachon; Cameron Kaubris; Kathy, Mary Lou and Ed; and Darlene Akers

The quiet mystery angel that leaves baskets/soaps on the porch. True meaning is found in the little acts of kindness that spring from the heart.

We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas! Until then, smile and live in the present.