Kindness and generosity. Kindness and showing people that you care doesn't have to cost much. My wife liked to do the little things that made people know that she cared.
At Halloween she would make the neighborhoods kids that we knew a special halloween bag. It had lots of candy in it, some money, and their name on it. When we had neighborhood kids help us do something like feed the pond fish when we were gone. We paid them well. We weren't cheap. After all they were kids and could use the money.
When a co-worker was going thru a bad divorce. We bagged up food, and gave money. Marianne even went out and made sure her girls had femine products.
When a cousin and an aging aunt were broke and a furnace went. We paid to have the furnace put in.
My wife cooked or baked when somebody was sick or to say thank you. Whether somebody took us to a hockey game or did something special Marianne gave back. I learned never to go to a party or a friends get together without bringing beer, wine, desert, or food. It was a given.
When it was a wedding, shower, graduation party. Don't be cheap is what she taught me. Sure she even shocked me sometimes with what she gave, but her generous heart always won out. It wasn't to show off, because we aren't rich by a ny means. It was just the way she was.
If we went to somebodies cottage. We brought even more food and drink than if we were going to a party. The people had left overs when we left. It wasn't unusual for her to bring two bags of food for a weekend. She would never be accused of being a mouch or a taker.
When somebody needed a friend, or was going thru a tough time she was there to listen. She spent hours listening to "situations" that she couldn't change. But she was there for the other person to let it all out.
But generosity and kindness doesn't have to be material. It can be just time helping a friend sew something, or helping them with a crafty project. Yes she went over to a person's house once to help their child make something for a school fund raiser. It was going out of the way for somebody. It was rushing around to fit it in. But that's the way my Marianne was. When people come by while she sleeps two of the words they use to describe her are kind and generous.
That is what my wife Marianne taught me.
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My Month of April quote:
"Sometimes the only way to get to the far shore is to lose sight of the shore you just left"
Russ Ravary
"helping make your move easier"
your local Metro Detroit Realtor helping clients like you sell and buy homes through out the entire Metro Detroit suburbs. I love showing and selling Oakland County and Livingston County Lake front homes too.
Wow- Russ- you have really caused me to reflect. Your wife sounds like she was awesome and your love for her is evident. Thank you for sharing this and it has caused me to reflect today on those important to me as well as lessons learned. Thank you.
Russ, you're a lucky guy to have Marianne come into your life, she is a beautiful lady. All the best.
Priceless.............my best wishes to you both Russ.
Thank you Russ- very touching and I hope all husbands learn from you as it sounds like you guys are an awesome couple.
Hi Russ. I just read your comment in Gail's blog. I did not know that you were going through this. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife.
Russ, I'm sitting here reading your past few blogs with tears in my eyes. Very touching and heartfelt. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with me and helping me become a better person. What lovely tributes to your wife and family.
Russ - I just read your comment on Gail's blog as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife. What wonderful things you have written about her.
Russ, I also just read your comment on Gail's blog. You have been blessed, and are still blessed, to have your wife in your life, and from what you have written here, you were not the only beneficiary of her presence. My prayers are with you and Marianne.
Russ, I also read your comment on Gail's blog and didn't want to hijack her post. I've been following your story for a little while and my heart breaks for both of you. It's so hard to be with someone you love, knowing they're slipping away and there's nothing you can do about it. In the end, after all the gifts she gave you, you've given her the best gift of all, a love so strong that I'm sure it sustains her even now. God bless you both on this journey. I hope the feelings generated here help to sustain you in this devastating time.
Russ keep writing! You're making a difference with many as the comments show and I've gotta believe it helps you out a little also:)