The Basket Lady

I guess the news or should I say the mail, has been postmarked for our Tony Glazer to be allocated to another postal distribution site. We’re going to miss his cheerful voice, smiling face and humor. Go get ‘em, Tony!

Dot Sanchas used to say, "Miracles happen every day. All you need to do is just ask."

Monday afternoon on a casual walk to the Rumford Post Office, Peggy Hanley came up to me and asked if I could make up a welcome basket for a new Rumford resident who’s in need of washcloths, towels, sheets, soap/shampoo and dishes.

I told Peggy that as soon as I got home from my walk, I’d put together a basket for that individual and thanks to Barbara Morse, I had new wash cloths, soaps and shampoos but I didn’t have any towels or sheets. I took what I had to the young lady who needed just about everything-transportation, money, food and medical care but mostly, a kindness shown to her.

In the middle of the day, I called a very busy Donna Landry, program manager at the Hope Association and asked for her help. Without hesitation, she contacted Wendy Hebert in the what Not Shop and before her busy workday was done, the folks in the What Not Shop had put together a large tote and a box filled with linens, kitchen supplies, pre-natal care books, a lamp and a compact disk radio, too!

Just by coincidence (it’s the truth), I called Jolene Lovejoy to tell her about Tricia Thurston’s community fundraiser for Safe Voices in October and as we were talking, I mentioned that I needed to figure out a way to get the donations from the What Not Shop to point A, so to speak.

Jolene said, “I’ll pick you up around 2:30 p.m. and we’ll go deliver the items together.”

What’s the point? You may be asking yourself right about now.

Actually, there are several points to be made but the most important point proves dear Dot Sanchas to be right, Miracles do happen every day.

The everyday good citizen’s award goes to: Peggy Hanley, Donna Landry, Wendy Hebert, What Not Shop helpers and Jolene Lovejoy.

A request for a need was put into action -- without judgment and without expectation.

I can tell you that the young lady let us know how very grateful she was and I can also tell you that there’s no amount of money on earth that compares to the feeling of showing someone a kindness.

Never underestimate the power of kindness and it can be offered by anyone.

Kindness honors human dignity, it sincerely listens, and it radiates compassion, love and respect.

Be kind to someone special today-yourself. We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas!

Until then, get a basket-give a basket; smile and live in the present.