Tuesday, April 03, 2012

The Little Things

Several years ago I was tooling down highway 78 after work, heading for home. It was August, and even at 5 p.m. the asphalt was hotter than a pizza oven.
I drove by a stalled car on the side of the road, and realized the driver was a guy who'd graduated from high school with me in 1968.
I turned around and went back to offer assistance. I had changed since high school. I'd lost some hair, and gained some weight, but he was in a bind and I knew he needed help.
At first, he didn't know who I was, but then recognized me by my voice.  We talked while  fixing his flat, and then said our goodbyes. 
I saw him again today. I'd read in the paper yesterday that his father had died, so Jilda and I drove down to the funeral home to visit with his family for a while.
As we stood there talking, he recounted the story of that hot August day so long ago. He said how much it meant to him that I had stopped that day to help.
I barely remembered it, but apparently it meant a lot to him.
Sometimes we don't realize the little things we do, can mean more to someone, that we can imagine. 

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:02 PM

    Actually I think changing or helping to change a tire is a BIG thing. You are absolutely right though...we have no idea how a small thing can change someone's day...even just a smile and a "thank you" can change someone's outlook.

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  2. I agree. That's why I try to never pass up an opportunity to smile or give a compliment - even these small things can make someone's day. You never know. And helping someone stranded? That's HUGE!

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  3. Back from my break, and I'm sure you do more little things for many people than you would ever realize.

    Hugs~

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  4. Awww that's lovely story!! Glad you reconnected with friends the good ol fashioned way - rather than by social networking!!

    Take care
    x

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  5. We reap what we sow, don't we ?

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  6. Anonymous3:21 PM

    the compassionate things we do for others and that others do for us...I don't think we forget those things! Nice that you and Jilda went to the funeral home! He won't forget that either!

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  7. I agree. You never know what little thing you do might make someone's day better - but I agree with the others - that was a big thing you did :-)

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