I'm totally blown away by people's generosity (longish story)

17 years ago

I don't know if any of you remember about the Iranian family I wrote about last year. We became friends with them, I guess 2-ish years ago now, through the kids' church club and a French class that both Sophie and their son were attending. She has 3 kids, all roughly the same age as mine.

The woman left Iran to come here and marry him (arranged marriage) 7 years ago. He had been in Canada for 5 years already.

She left him last year, but not for very long. She ended up going back. I didn't know her well enough to get the whole story back then.

Turns out he was extremely abusive and controlling and he has severe mental illnesses, but she felt stuck. Her English is not teriffic. She didn't know what resources were available to her, and she wasn't able to get the help she needed to take care of herself and her kids when she left him last year, so she went back. She didn't feel she had an option.

Well a couple of months ago she called me from the hospital and said that she had left him and asked for help. The hospital staff (a nurse and a counsellor) talked to me and gave me a little background of what she had been through and sort of interviewed me, I guess to see what sort of place she'd be going to.

They stayed here at our house for a few days and then moved into a shelter. The shelter had counsellors, daycare (she has 3 kids), a lawyer, etc. who have all helped her tremendously. She applied for social assistance and got approved for assisted housing. After 6 weeks in the shelter, she now has a home for her and the kids. Yay! BUT, the house is empty.

Claude and I went there on Sunday, and it's a lovely house, but there is absolutely nothing in it. We got a pad and paper and together wrote a list of what she would need to start off. I said "Okay, you'll need beds". She says "Just for the kids - I don't mind sleeping on the floor". She's like that. She's truly one of the most selfless people I've ever met. She is so sweet and kindhearted. And what a strong woman. She really is amazing.

Anyhow, I went home and posted a very basic background (less than I told here) on Freecycle and said that anything would be appreciated.

Well as of today, 2 days later, we have lined up absolutely everything she'll need to furnish her home. We picked up loads of stuff on Sunday evening and all day yesterday, and it's all great stuff - nice and in super condition. We're picking up loads more over the next few days, and going to help her set it all up on Saturday. She bawled when I told her what we had gathered. The response of the Freecyclers was absolutlely overwhelming. We had to turn down considerably more than we accepted. She'll now have all kitchen appliances, table and chairs, couch and loveseat, coffee table and end tables, a washer and dryer, beds, a crib, dressers, bookshelves, dishes, cutlery, bedding, new pillows, lamps, a computer desk and a good computer, decorative plants, rugs, tvs, dvd players, baby swing, boxes of food and grocery gift certificates, a vacuum, broom, mop, cleaning supplies, highchair, bikes, toys, clothes, on and on and on. It's unbelievable.

I have been totally blown away, and just wanted to share the story of people's kindness.

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Comments (30)

grammahony
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'm so glad to hear this, and she found the way out. How amazing what all she recieved. I know she was happy too.
Leslie
marlingardener
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Nicole,
You forgot to tell about the helping couple that the lady felt comfortable asking for help; who put her and her children up for a few days; who went to the trouble of posting on freecycle to get necessities; who trundled all the stuff to the house; and who helped set the house up for occupancy.
Sounds like that couple (Nicole and Claude) are pretty generous themselves. God bless you, and I hope He didn't break the mold when he made you.
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linda_in_iowa
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
This is such a happy ending to the story. Bless you Nicole for being an angel to her.
susanjf_gw
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
what an awesome story...one of dh's soccer moms was in the same situation(they were from lebanon)...she "escaped" and ended up getting her college education, and moving on...so hope this will be the same great ending...
teresava
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Funny as I was reading this, I was thinking to suggest Freecycle to you! I am amazed when I go on there and see people offering huge items, couches, computers etc. Also, people asking for big things usually receive them in a week or two.

That is great that your friend is able to start her life over again in a nice safe environment! Good Luck to her and her children!
gardenspice
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Nicole,
Thank you for posting this heartwarming story. I hope things work out for her and that she can manage to stay away from him and make a good life for herself and her kids. You have certainly helped to give her a good start.

I hope all the good you do comes back to you many times over.
Kathsgrdn
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What a wonderful story.
lisa_fla
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Its not only a good story about you and your community, but about Freecycle. I keep hearing about how people on there are greedy, its nice to hear the good.
pattico_gw
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
WOW !!!! That is an amazing story...!!!

Thank you for making it happen.

patti
angelaid
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I posted an ad needing a walker for a friend on dialysis. Within a couple of hours, I had five offers of a walker. I was blown away.
hayjud_mn
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
This brings tears to my eyes.
Thank you for sharing
angela_nor_calif
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
There are a lot of good people out there. What a great story.
good36
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
This was the first thread I opened when I sat down at the computer. You MADE ME DAY!! Bless your heart.... There really are a bunch of generous nice people in this world.
Terri_PacNW
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
That is just wonderful.
I'm all teary eyed too!
Granlan_TX
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oh Gosh, Nicole, what an uplifting story..makes me cry and feel good, too!

You and Claude are pretty special, ya know. :)
trishaw
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Wow Nicole! What a wonderful story. I like the tears of joy! What a good friend you are. Hugs to you!

Trish
jennmonkey
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Awesome story Nicole!!! Thank you so much for sharing it. I need to hear more stories like this. You are so kind for helping her and her children get back on their feet.
sue_va
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You and Claude are "Good People!"

How nice to hear positive stories among all the doom and gloom these days.

Thank you for helping and for telling us about it.

Sue
zeetera
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
People don't mind giving if it's going to a worthy cause. That's very nice of you Nicole. (Nice of your country too to allow her to stay.)
gemini40
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Nicole how awesome is this story!! You and your husband are just so nice and we are very proud of you. I hope this friend has the chance to live in peace and without fear. I worry about the husband coming back to harm her.
jannie
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
People are good. thanks for telling your friend's story. By the way, thank YOU for helping her so much.
ruthieg__tx
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks for sharing that...there is so much ugliness that happens that we forget that most people are genuinely caring and giving people not to mention generous.
patti43
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You and Claude are so caring and kind. What a good example you're setting for your three little ones. Bless you!
casey_nfld
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Zeetera, re your comment "nice of your country too to allow her to stay".

Nicole said she came here 7 years ago, perhaps she is a Canadian citizen now? In that case, there would be no "allowing", she would have rights just like all other citizens.
Cherryfizz
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Awww Nicole, what a wonderful thing to have happened and for you to have facilitated it all for her. You and Claude are caring people.

I wish I had known about the beds. I don't know how I would have gotten them up to you but I have an extra single mattress and box spring and a double bed in good condition that I was planning on offering for free on Kijiji. I have an extra double dresser and mirror too but the top needs to be refinished.

I love to hear stories like this!

Anne
kittiemom
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
That is a wonderful story. You & Claude are very kind for helping her out as well.
glenda_al
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
There truly are nice people around.
Plus you and Claude are so special!
joyfulguy
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thank you for this story, that lifts one's spirit in these difficult times, Nicole.

And thank you for your kindness to the lady.

Does she have an easy chair? I think that I have one here ... and a chesterfield, but I can't put that into my car.

Does she have some skills that she can use?

Though many are helpful ... would that more people in our society were so willing to help others when they are in need.

Good wishes to you and Claude and your young ones ... and to the lady and her young ones, as well. Please let her know of the good wishes expressed for her, by several persons, here.

ole joyful
country_bumpkin_al
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
There's some wonderful people still out there...sometimes they just need a reason to shine! I hope and Pray your friend finds the peace she deserves. No one should have to live in fear!!!

I also think you & Claude are true friends to help like you have..BUT I'm not the least bit surprised at either of you!!
maryanntx
17 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks for this story. And thanks for being such a good friend. I always believe that "what goes around comes around"

I'm totally blown away by people's generosity (longish story)

Comments (30)

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