Helping Hands discussion

Now do NOT feel like you are bragging in any way when you share a time that you have been the giver/sharer. This is an uplifting, inspiring group. We would love to hear your story!

Just today, one of my co-workers came to work in a better mood than I have seen her since I met her. She told me that the reason for her excitement was that this year, because her family had grown rather large, instead of giving each other gifts, they would put the money that they would have spent on each other and give it to someone in need this year.

They have already managed to raise $700! There is a man with whom her father works. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Has several small children and subsequently had to take so much time off of work, he eventually was let go from his job. Not only does he have horrendous medical bills, but no way to support his family. My friend and her family have chosen to give this man and his family a good Christmas.

Her enthusiasm was contagious. It actually inspired me to create this group.

What are some of your experiences?

I have another one. This was just a little thing. A few years ago, money was tight. It was the night before Thanksgiving and I only had to get a few things. At the last minute I went to the grocery store to get rolls, and a couple of other things, not much at all. The line behind me was building. You can understand the embarrassment when it wouldn't take my debit card, then my credit card, I had no cash.
The lady behind me paid for my groceries. I will never forget that. I hope I can do something like that someday.

The expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his 1841 essay Compensation, wrote: "In the order of nature we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefit we receive must be rendered again, line for line, deed for deed, cent for cent, to somebody."

This is an experience I want to share. I am not in any way trying to convince anyone to choose one way or the other, it is a personal preference.

I am a great supporter of organ donation. I used to be a representative of the National Organ Donor Society and give speeches, answer questions, hand out sign-up forms, etc.

A large part of my participation in this cause is because my father died of a massive heart attack in 1996. He didn't have a history of heart problems, neither in his family or in his own physical health. It was a sudden occurrence that changed my life forever. Although he died of a heart attack, he donated everything possible from his body to help those in need. This even included some of his heart valves. Every member of my family is an organ donor.
Now I know this is a much larger and final contribution to others and one I know my dad would support completely.

Organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Experts say that the organs from one donor can save or help as many as 50 people. Organs you can donate include

Internal organs: Kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs
Skin
Bone and bone marrow
Cornea

Most organ and tissue donations occur after the donor has died. But some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

People of all ages and background can be organ donors. If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must give you permission to become a donor. If you are 18 or older you can show you want to be a donor by signing a donor card. You should also let your family know your wishes.

National Women's Health Information Center


For more information, see

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/or...

http://www.organdonor.org/register.html

My son's dear friend, Tracy, was the most giving & lovable person. Just after their graduation from college (still living in Boston) she was riding her bike home from the grocery store. When she was hit by a car and died instantly. She was an organ donor and she helped so many people.

That's a great story, Carol. Sometimes the donor families actually hear from the recipients' families. I'm sure that would be so rewarding. We never did, but it was rewarding nonetheless.

I just saw a post from one of my friends on Facebook. And it's not about me!

"So I took my girls to go have dinner at the restaurant inside the Marriott hotel where my mom works. It's her birthday and we wanted to see her. We enjoyed our food and I was just sitting and watching my girls be funny as usual and I get my check card out to pay our bill. My mom then comes over to tell me that one of the customers sitting at the bar had insisted on paying for our dinner. He or she... apparently commented on how adorable they thought my little family was and just wanted to do something nice. They also insisted they remain anonymous. I was floored. Do people really do that??? And great, now I have the bug to be just a watchful eye out on the prowl to just randomly do something nice for some stranger who maybe did nothing more than bring a smile to my face. ;)
What a huge 'pick-me-up' that person gave me!! I wish I could've thanked them in person, but since I can't, they will be in my prayers and I will just have to forward on the blessings to someone else! :)"

I try to be kind in my day to day dealings with people, and even share a smile, I know this may be small, but I believe in Hawaii in the Aloha Spirit and to share with others be it of yourself or your kindness. During the holidays here an elderly Japanese woman was buying groceries much like the above story and someone paid for her groceries and she was so humbled by the experience. Someone wanted to pay it forward. It is better to be kind than the alternative in my way of thinking. Thanks Heather.