My neighbor always shovels the snow from in front of the mailbox and my driveway at the garage, wants no compensation. This summer he bought himself a small, used John Deere tractor with a snow blade - something he's wanted all his life. He can't wait until we get a big snowfall! He may not have to wait long, tonight and tomorrow an ice storm is suppose to come in and then lots of snow after that.

Good neighbors are a blessing.

In the grocery store...this past year several times the person in front of me didn't have enough money to pay for all of the groceries they had. They started to put back a few items. We are not talking a lot of groceries to begin with and the fact that they were putting back things they obviously needed. I have paid for these items several times. I just look at the clerk and say that I will cover it after I make eye contact with the person buying the groceries and say "may I?" . It is a small thing for me and a way to give back a little. c

Oh, I hate to see that in a grocery store while waiting in line. I'm always tempted to tell the clerk to add the items to my bill, but not when I see alot of junk food items not being put back. Yes, we all need some comfort food now and then, but not if it means putting aside the need for a good hot meal.

I vow the next time I see someone struggling with this decision, I will step up and pay for the items - no matter what they are.

Just a couple of days ago a neighbor stopped in for coffee. I was preparing to drive a couple of towns to the west to take care of some business. It was cold that day! My neighbor had asked me if I had a winter survival kit in my car and I jokingly told him that I had an old dirty quilt in the back of the car along with some frozen bottles of water. The next morning my daughter arrived at school and a box with all of our names on it was sitting in the classroom of another neighbor who teaches at the school. My daughter was really stumped about the whole thing and she said a little embarrassed. The box contained an XL hooded sweatshirt, a couple of hats and a pair of work gloves, a polyester blanket and a thermos. When she told me the story I was stumped as much as she was. It took me one more day before it dawned on me who it was from and what it was for. With the weather what it is right now, it was a very kind thing for him to do. Now I have to figure out how I will pass it on.

MeMo

I love hearing stories of random acts of kindness. Makes one feel all warm and fuzzy :-)

Well, after yesterday's snowfall, I yet again awoke to a neatly shovelled drive and walkway!!! Yea!! I'm now pretty sure it's the kid up the way who shovelled for my last year, which means I'd better get some cashola for him on Monday!! As we are getting another dump tomorrow. White Christmas!!!

As for payback, Memo: I'll get on my soapbox again!! I took a course, several years ago, on CPR and First Aid from the St. John's Ambulance. I suspect they or someone similar is in the US. I put my First Aid kit into my vehicle, along with a couple of wool blankets that were kinda moth eaten. When we took the course, it was suggested that we do this, as, amazingly, most accident victims do not die of their injuries, but rather of shock. The blankets keep them warm, and help to keep them out of shock. I am currently on my 2nd set of blankets, as the 1st ended up in an air ambulance helicopter and a regular ambulance. St. Johns, also, has these foil type blankets which take no space, but are even warmer than the wool. And way warmer than polyester. Sadly, you never find out if the recipients survive, but you know that you have done your very best!!! And if you slide off the road, you have these lovely warm blankets. If you don't have any you can part with - Sally Ann, St. Vincents, Value Village, not sure what y'all have in the States. And I'll get off my soapbox now - just put the blankets in you trunk!!

Nancy.

I'm reminded so much of this poem:

AT DAY'S END
By John Hall

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and it's toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word to you?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does the man who's hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,
"You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?"

Libby

Yes, someone mowed my front lawn for me. I never learned who it was, but I was so pleased.

I can't say what I did last year (anonymously) because I did it to honor God, not me. (I'm not trying to get religious.--Just telling you my motive.) It did feel good though, and I know the person was absolutely shocked.

I can say that my mother gave someone in her church some badly needed money, and she did it anonymously.

For several years, I have given a neighbor (who doesn't like me because we had a falling out) a secret Christmas and birthday gift. She would never suspect it's me. I sneak the gifts to her door at night. I know she doesn't get much from anyone, and she lives alone. I wasn't going to do it this year, but now you have me thinking...I think I will again.