What he planned was for us to go to the mall and people watch. After a while, he would take me to buy some roses and drive to a mystery location. Upon arrival at said mystery location, he would explain that we were going to pass out roses to the individuals living at the nursing home in return for their best advice on keeping a marriage healthy and loving. He knows me too well and knew I would LOVE this idea as not only would we get something out of it, the people we got to visit with would get something out of it. The only hitch in the plan is that he had to tell me everything as he was having problems finding a nursing home that would allow us to just drop by. I don't think that knowing took anything away from the experience as I was completely delighted by it anyway.
I must confess we never made it to the mall as we decided to get two dozen white roses and drive to the nursing home that is about half a mile from our home. I wanted to make sure that we wouldn't be rushed in our visit and I couldn't imagine getting turned away...and I was right, they let us in. Many people had gathered to play Bingo and my husband and I found some empty seats at different tables and sat with the folks. I sat with a lady named Mickey...her real name is Bonnie but she told me she preferred being called Mickey...and a gentleman who never shared his name and a lady that likewise didn't share her name. They were suspicious of me and kept looking at me...but I just smiled at them. I didn't introduce myself as I didn't want to inturrupt the game but eventually Ms. Mickey broke the ice by asking my name and that is how I found out her name. The games played on and I watched them. The nameless lady seemed unhappy at her losing streak. The nameless man kept saying it was just a game. Ms. Mickey kept smirking everytime they called a number that she had. I told the nameless lady that I had a feeling she would win...and low and behold - she did! When they came to give her a prize, she didn't want it because she thought the powder was for a man. Even upon explaing that it had a very nice floral scent, she said she didn't want it and was upset about the quality of the prizes they had. The man said, "it's just a game." I got up and got everyone at my table a rose. Ms. Mickey and the man were very happy...but the nameless lady wondered wherever she would keep it alive at. Hmmm...started to see a pattern here.
After a while, they called out last game as they were about to run out of prizes. After that last game, I said good bye to my table and met with my husband. We started handing out roses as we introduced ourselves. Can I just say that it is amazing how these people lit up when they got a single, simple flower? They positively glowed!! Even the men that received a rose lit up...it was truly incredible!
Anyhow, one of the last tables we visited had two ladies...Ms. Pauline and Ms. Helen Tezel...and yes, Ms. Helen's family was the reason they named Tezel Road Tezel Road. Ms. Helen told us stories about her home long ago on Tezel Road when it was just a dirt road traveled by horse and buggy. She said there were no cars on that road for a very long time. She described her home, her flower garden and her vegetable garden. She described the orchard behind their home. She shared how she and her husband were married for 60 years and when Pat asked her what her advice to us would be, she said, "It's all a give and take. Give and take, that's it." Ms. Pauline chimed in, "And don't spend a lot!! My husband and I were married 40 years and we didn't spend a lot but we had plenty." Ms. Pauline then shared how she was an identical twin and how she met her husband. I think she must have been an incredible young lady as she was rather forward and sassy in getting her husband to propose to her. We laughed as she shared her story and it was just wonderful.
As the time for their dinner was fast approaching, we asked what Bingo prizes they would most like to have. They replied things they can use like lotions, soaps, puzzle books, little stuffed animals and yes, even make-up and jewelry. Pat and I said we would get some things together for them and drop them off. This is a very good thing as the Activities Coordinator said their Bingo budget is very small and they often resort to giving chips or a soda as prizes.
Pat and I left without one rose but full of love and hope...hope that that would not be our last visit, hope that we would see our new friends again, hope that we would be able to make an impact for them...even if it meant a weekly stop a the Dollar General.
So what is the take-away here? Well - how little it takes to make a huge imapct. We spent $16 on roses and were there for about an hour...and people were so grateful...I mean, I can't even explain the depth of gratitude we saw in people's eyes. I admit that Pat and I were just a tiny bit intimidated walking into an unknown situation. Before we walked in we played out a scenario...okay, so we will walk in and find someone, hand them a rose and say, "so - have you been married before because we're looking for advice," and have the person respond, "yeah, I was married to a no-good son of a bleep!!" YIKES! What would we do if that happened? Say, "all-right-y then...see you later," and keep walking? Despite having this scary possibility looming in front, we said a quick prayer and walked in any way...and we are so glad we did.
I do believe that that is what Christmas is all about...sharing love and hope...and why don't we do that more often? Pat and I have three young kids and we both work full-time. We totally understand "busy" and "tired" but are those really valid excuses? I think we often fear having to make a huge time commitment and that fear keeps us from moving in any positive, constructive direction. You know - even if you find yourself in over your head, you can always admit that you have gone as far as you can and graciously bow out of whatever you're doing...but a least for that time that you were involved you could be sharing faith, hope and love and making a huge and wonderful impact. Why not try?
I don't believe there is a big lesson here...just an encouragement. If you are reading this, I want you to pray and think about what you can do to make a positive impact around you...even if it's a tiny effort...and see what happens. If you take me up on this challenge, let me know what happened as you can serve as an encouragement for me, too!
And just as a FYI...Pat and I went out to dinner afterward and talked about our adventure and made plans to go back perhaps on a weekly basis and even with our children. We would like to sing to them or read to them...or do a cookie decorating class...or something. After dinner, we walked around World Market and Pat found some signs and said, "Hey, isn't this something? I think you might be on the right path (with this blog thing)." Below is a picture of the signs he found... Hmmm - pretty cool, huh?
May the spirit of Christmas live everyday! Until tomorrow... Annie
I love this :) great idea Pat!
ReplyDeleteAmanda