Shoebox Lifesaver

Some years ago my friend Hope was frequently traveling several hours back and forth to visit her ailing father. Knowing how draining this can be, I figured she could use a little something to make the trip easier. I purchased a plastic shoebox and filled it with assorted goodies: lifesavers, gum, breath mints, Tylenol, snack foods, juice boxes, and bottles of water. I also put in some markers, pens, paper, and card games for Lucy and Harrison, and last but not least some nice calming music to listen to for the ride.

Sometime later she told me that the kids got a kick out of that little box and that as things were used up they’d replace it. She also said that whenever my name comes up when she talks to her mom, her mom says, “Is that the girl who gave you the box when Dad was sick?"
Funny the little things people remember……

What kind of “lifesaver” can you be for someone who is going through a stressful time?
Sometimes just a small gesture can ease the way.

It doesn’t have to be big or “perfect”. As Nike commercial says, “Just Do It”!

There is a place right here at the Geranium Farm where you can go in a time of need; Vigils offers a place where you can light a virtual candle and say a prayer and if you would like the help, support and prayers of others the Farm message board provides a place for that too.

Copyright © 2005 Deborah Sharp Loeb