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Pay It Forward – To Me – WOW!

Today, after getting all our chores done and the rest of the day ahead of us, I suggested to my husband we get in the car and drive to Osoyoos – go to the Bakery -now open this weekend, then I would take him for lunch and we could then go to Home Hardware (Francis’s place).

Off we go. We buy 2 butter tarts (if ever here – don’t walk out without one), 2 hot cross buns and a focaccia loaf. Done. Now for lunch.

We go to Convivia Restaurant and are enjoying a wonderful quiet ‘date’ lunch. We got talking with our fabulous server about Dads and for whatever the reason, I choked up. Our server left but the lady behind her said to her, we were just talking about how precious Moms are and I understand how she feels.  I waited a few moments and left the area and met with our server. I asked her to ‘pay it forward’ for this lady and tell her after we leave. She said – she is taking her order home before you leave. I then paid for it and came and sat down.

A short time later, the lady comes rushing back in and gives me a big hug and thanks overflowing. Don said he knew why she was returning but I hadn’t noticed her at that moment. (He knows me).

We left there and walked over to Home Hardware. I immediately walk in and ask if Susie is there and they told me she was away until next week – was there a message? I started to walk away and said yes – tell her I needed a hug.  I hadn’t gone 20 steps and a lady came up to me and said “I am not Susie but I will give you a hug”. I was so floored and thankful and then the lady in Home Hardware comes up and give me a hug as well. Wow and double Wow. At that moment my husband gives me a hug.

I now know what that ‘pay it forward’ means to the recipient. I have been doing that for years and always felt good for helping but no one has ever paid it to me until today. The best part? It was all free – no money involved but I feel like a million.

Lesson here: Pay it forward – its costs from to free to whatever (a coffee, lunch for 1, 2 or 6 hungry men in Maui) It doesn’t matter but means so much.

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In Reflection 2015

I usually send out a Christmas letter letting one and all know what we have done. I hesitated so long in doing this, I did not write one. We were extremely lucky this year and let me tell you about it.

Believe me, I am not bragging when I continue on. What Don and I accomplished took a lot of planning (13 months in advance) and a ton of saving.

In January we went to Maui – stayed two weeks in our time-share and 2 weeks we rented an apartment on the beach. Don’s sister and new groom stayed with us the first two weeks.

In April, son Maurice and wife Anne stopped by for a bit and Kelly had her hip replacement surgery. A week later I went out to spend some time with her. She amazed me with her strength and fortitude. She recovered well and continues to heal. Also to St. Paul’s Hospital for Don six month visit.

In June the boys were here to golf with Dad on Father’s Day weekend and lo and behold, Kelly came too! This really was a win-win situation.

In July, we headed to Vancouver to fly to Spain. Travelled through Spain, Portugal and then carried on to the South of France. Loved it, met and travelled with some fabulous people.

September, life-long friends came to visit; met our new neighbor and lady friend and we also volunteered for the FOG celebrations here for the wine festival. We also found out that Don would need to have his defibrillator replaced within 3 months as it was wearing out. I tease him about the ‘ever ready’ battery of his. My cousin and her husband were devastated with the death of their only child (Eric – 33 years old). Eric’s wife, Megan would deliver their baby about 2 weeks after this. Nothing can make an entire family feel so lost and hopeless as this loss. A new friend of ours, also named Don, passed away. He was waiting for a pacemaker.

In early November Don had his surgery and all is well for another 7 years. Lucky me. Lucky him. Thank you God.

In December, we learned by accident, that a very dear friend of ours from years ago, had passed away a couple of months before and on the same day, Don discovered that a dear friend of his (again years ago) had passed away earlier this month. There – that is three and that is enough.

We have had our ups and downs for sure this year. We are truly blessed with everything we have, have lost and have found. Our grandchildren fill us with pride for all they are accomplishing and experiencing. The new friends are a treasure and the old ones are a blessing for sure. So, with this note to you all, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. May 2016 bring all your dreams to fruition and good health abound. Blessings to you all.

 

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