The gift of groceries
We had just returned from our winter home in Arizona on March 22.
We had a few grocery items that we had brought from Yuma, so we were not hungry. But we had talked about how it might be slim pickings for 14 days for two people.
Maybe a chance to lose a pound or two!
About mid morning on March 23, the door bell rang, and when I went to answer, there was a big box on the doorstep with pink flowers on top.
The young lady was already back to the sidewalk and heading to the house next door. She gave me a big wave and said, “Welcome home, there is a letter in the box that will explain everything.”
I learned from the letter in the grocery box that Emily and her husband and three young children were our new neighbours. They had bought the house next door during the winter while we were down south.
Here was enough groceries to last for more than 14 days. There was a well-balanced amount of groceries, fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, cream, bread and butter. Plus, a couple packages of toilet paper.
How thoughtful from someone we had not even met.
Thank you again, Emily. Much appreciated.
Grace, Red Deer
Sister’s love and dedication
As I looked at the thriving plant, my sister’s smiling face came to mind.
The plant had bloomed a second time after three months, despite the lack of water, sunlight or care.
When I was depressed, plants were easily forgotten. Yet, a little pink blossom poked through, as it sat on my kitchen table.
A wonderful memory of a thoughtful sister. This was one of three deliveries that my sister made happen during my crisis. Not just during the self-isolating COVID-19, but sooner than that.
Early last week, we heard a knock on our front door. No one there, except a jar of mincemeat.
My husband’s favourite. As I picked up the jar, I saw a woman in a white car about to drive away.
At first, I didn’t recognize her. Her hair was longer, streaky blond, her bangs a little crooked. As I approached the car, what a surprise. It was actually my sister.
She rolled down her window, and while keeping our six-feet distance, we chatted.
“Hi,” I said with a smile. “I didn’t recognize you. Your hair is different.”
“Yeah, no available hairdressers, so I cut my own bangs,” she said with a giggle. “I came across the jar in my pantry. I thought your hubby would enjoy you baking him mincemeat tarts. Better get back to work. With the extension, it seems like tax season goes on and on. Both our clients and staff are struggling with the social distancing in the office.”
My sister was the manager of the office with the responsibility for dozens of employees. With necessary travel to local areas, she has worked 24/7 since January.
Plus, she had to learn, then teach her employees the new online processing and signing of 2019 tax receipts. All the hand washing and hand sanitizer applications wore havoc on her hands. Latex gloves were out of the question.
“Once the snow is gone, let’s do a six-feet coffee date on your front patio,” she said with a laugh.
Days later, our doorbell rang. Sitting on the porch again was another present.
My sister yelled from the car: “Thought that flower planter brightens up your patio table with the first sign of spring.”
“Wow,” I exclaimed, “thank you so much, sis! Just what the doctor ordered.”
Yesterday, I was sobbing in my husband’s arms; COVID-19 cabin fever had struck hard. I needed to visit with real live people. And I ached to go to the local Co-op nursery for my first whiff of bedding plants growing, and water fountains flowing.
My sister possessed a sixth sense. Although she worked long hours, she still made time for me.
Thank you to her and all her employees for making this tax season a little easier. Working online to submit and sign on email had its glitzes, but my husband and I, being techy challenged, worked through it with their constant help. I appreciated their everyday kindness and dedication.
Catherine
Bringing care packages to friends
My friend Colleen is the kindest person I know.
Even before this virus took over our lives, Colleen would do kind things for others. We are seniors isolating at home.
Recently, she phoned to say she was bringing something to my husband and me for our supper. She arrived soon after with burgers, fries and two chocolate bars and a beautiful homemade card saying how much she missed us.
Once a week, she chooses a friend and does the same thing for them.
Everyone should have a friend like Colleen.
Anonymous