The kindness of strangers

My college psychology escapes me, but I am sure there is a theory on why we tend to be kinder to strangers than those we know and love.

Today, Mom and I experienced an overwhelming outpouring of kindness and love from total strangers.

A very good friend of the family passed away. Mr. Oklessen's memorial service was this morning, amid the blustery snow storm blanketing northeast Ohio.

Mom really wanted to attend and I was singing.

The simple process of going to Mass turned out to be quite an extensive mission, which I started mapping out last evening.

We were ok, for the most part, on getting to church. A bit wet and snow covered, but successful.

After the service, we enacted our exit plan. A miracle sprung into life right before our very eyes. People we'd never met or seen before were extending their help in assisting Mom on this tedious journey through the snow.

Without even asking if we needed help, men grabbed Mom and whisked her across the street to the church hall for a luncheon the family was throwing.

Before I even knew what was happening, my friend Coach Sam, and his fellow 'guardian angels' had safely transplanted Mom from the Church to the Hall.

A true testament that there is hope in today's world.


After lunch, the very same thing happened. I had pulled the car right up to the doorway, apologizing profusely as I blocked everyone's exit for a few minutes. Before I could even get out of the car, fellow luncheon patrons had escorted Mom into the car along with her walking aid.


Mom and I were speechless, awestruck and ever so thankful to God and his 'guardian angels' down here on earth (one of which we know was Mr. Frank Oklessen!).



I guess, for me, sometimes I am more thoughtful to strangers because of these random acts of kindness that continually happen to Mom and I from virtual unknowns.


It's those I know and love who let me down...who have to be given an invitation to help us (even when the need seems so blatant to the naked eye)....and when they finally, begrudgingly assist, usually fall short of our real needs.

Truly blessed

Happy Thanksgiving!

It should not take a specially named day for us to realize day in and day out how truly blessed and thankful we are....but I suppose everyone could use a nudging now and then.

I am grateful that I was raised and instilled with the teaching to thank God every day for what he has done for us and the gifts he has given us (spiritually, emotionally, and tangibly).

I've had a good life. I still do. I would not trade it for anything. I've been surrounded by loving family and friends my entire life in a laughter-filled world. I still have a mother to guide me through life's mazes, when I need her, and who shares my daily occurrences.

This holiday ushers us into one of the most holiest seasons for me. I only hope I can live up to your expectations, utilize my gifts wisely and to the fullest extent, and be the person You made me to be.

Thank you.

(P.S. Thank you, God for the gift of wreath making! The picture is a wreath I made for Mom's dialysis center.)