Comments on: Pay it forward

By: Monica

Monica — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:32:47 +0000

Cindy,
I love this piece, the friend you mention in this article reminds me of my mother (the glue of the family) when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was such a tough and trying year for the hero I had always looked up to, but also very humbling for her and those around her. Thankfully all is well now, but in times where tragedy (no matter how big) occurs we look to the strength not only in ourselves but those around us, and whether it be chicken soup or just a shoulder to cry on it makes all the difference. Thanks for the reminder:)

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:10:30 +0000

Pam,
I have a woman’s support group like that too. In fact, one of the women just became seriously ill, and you can bet we are rallying around her. — CL

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:50:45 +0000

So true. A few years ago I would not quite have understood the community you describe, but now I’m part of a women’s group that rallies around all kinds of needs. It’s such a blessing. Recently they offered to help me through a minor illness, and I didn’t really need anything, but it meant so much that I knew they were there.

By: starrlife

starrlife — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:24:51 +0000

Cindy- I just visited your Husbands site- his work is so beautiful! I love that Tangled up in Blue but they are all gorgeous!!

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:52:37 +0000

Great comments, everyone! I wanted to add that when I find myself feeling blue and useless, the quickest way “out of myself” is to reach out to someone else. As the other Cindy pointed out here, the smallest acts of kindness can produce amazing results! — CL

By: cindy

cindy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:35:47 +0000

I have also been thinking about service since seeing Obama helping others on the day before his inauguration. I like the idea that service doesn’t have to be volunteering on a specific day at a certain place every week, but can be done in small, spontaneous acts of kindness.

By: starrlife

starrlife — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:18:06 +0000

Ahh.. It brings to mine a friend of mine’s dilemma when she was disabled for over a year. She would not allow folks to help! It was so frustrating! I was happy that I was called while she was in the hospital and I could wash her hair and hang with her. I also went out of my way to drop by and bring books and talk in the middle of the day when everyone else is working ( on my lunch breaks). It feels good to help. I know though that I am notoriously difficult to help myself! Great post Cindy.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:21:10 +0000

I love this story! It reminds me of my days with a new baby in the house, when friends would appear at my door with fresh baked bread or a casserole. At our age now the healing is different, but the need for nurturing and support is still present. I agree that the best thank you is to “pay it forward.”