Stories by JuneBug (27 matches)

Thank God For Dirty Dishes

When I was a little girl, I remember taking trips to West Virginia every year whenever my father got his vacation. One particular year, Mom didn't go with us. I don't remember why, but I figure because they were fighting which happened a lot. We visited Grandma and Grandpa and on the drive back home to Indy, we stopped at a souvenior stand to get something for Mom. Dad let each of us girls [there were the three of us] choose something we thought she might like. I don't recall what my sisters choose but I remember picking out this wooden plaque. On it was this poem; Thank God for dirty dishes, For they have a tale to tell, While others may go hungry, We're still eating well. With health,hope and happiness We really shouldn't fuss For by the stack of evidence God's been very good to us! I remember Mom really liking the plaque and she hung it above her ... Read Full Story >>

The Simple Kindness of a Four Year Old

A few weeks ago, my oldest son, Erik decided to spend the day with one of his nieces, Mia, who is 4 years old. They went out and about to several places and then decided to go downtown before heading back home. Downtown is Mia's favorite place to go!  They were walking around and browsing in store windows and taking in the sights when Mia spotted some flowers and she picked a few. After some time, Mia began to drag a bit and Erik, wanting to head back home urged her along. Passing a few homeless men sitting along the sidewalks, he would walk a bit faster to get her past them, but she held back and made him come to a complete stop. ''C'mon, Mia. You need to walk with me.''  ''Okay, Uncle Erik '', she replied ''but this man needs a flower!''  He looked on as she handed the homeless man her flower and Erik said that the man smiled a big ... Read Full Story >>

Can't Buy At McDonald's!

This week-end my husband and I are leaving on vacation to North Carolina ... As you well know, planning is essential including cleaning out the refrigerator of food that will go bad.

Yesterday morning, my daughter calls to check -in and mentioned she was going to McDonald's to get a breakfast burrito.  I told her I had the items to make that in my refrigerator and I could make it for her. She said her daughter (my grandaughter) wanted pancakes. I said I had that too!

I invited my other daughter and her 3 girls as we ''cleaned'' out the refrigerator and it didn't cost them anything, plus I have less work to do! It was fun and everybody got their bellies full of burritoes, pancakes, sausage and fruit! 

Plus I made it with LOVE!  You can't get THAT  at  McDonalds! 

A Mother and Daughter Exchange

   My daughter, Paula, paid me a visit the other morning.  She was down and we talked, ate, and I gave her money for gas so she could get to work that day. She came over again yesterday and I watched her daughter, Belle, while she went to buy some new work pants. Belle had a cold and preferred to stay with Grandma, eat cereal, and watch ''car-coons.''   Paula came back and handed me the money that she borrowed. I just slid it in my back pocket and realized later on when I took it out of my pocket that she had paid me double!  It was so hard bringing up five children as a single parent, but let me tell you, it sure was worth it! God certainly has blessed me....:}

My Conscience of December, 1979

It is funny how at the end of the day, just before we fall asleep, a torrent of thoughts that had not been addressed by my mind during the day come rushing my way. I was looking forward to relaxing in slumber on my soft pillows but my mind seemed to win over my exhaustion as my thoughts scattered and triggered memories of the past. I was lying there with my eyes wide open staring blankly at the darkness that engulfed me and an episode from the past came to mind that I thought I would share. It wasn't anything profound, but at that time, it had meant a lot to me. This incident took place in December of 1979. I had started a new job down at the City Market Deli in New York City. I didn't really care for the job, which included wearing white gloves, slicing bread, cold cuts, and shelfing cartons of juice, milk, and soda. Moreover, I  was miserable ... Read Full Story >>

Surprise Flowers to Brighten My Day

I seemed to have caught the winter time blues like a lot of my friends and family.  Trying to jerk myself out of it, I spring cleaned a bit around the apartment and put a lime green table cloth on the dining room table to brighten things up as well as my mood. I found some paper napkins that had bright and colorful butterflies on them and placed them in the middle of the table as there are many meals shared here.

I went to pick up my husband from work and he put the biggest smile on my face when he handed me a bouquet of spring flowers from the flower shop at the store he works at.  I placed them on the table as well.  He told me one of his co-workers claimed to have seen a robin hopping about.  My day brightened up sooo much! I wouldn't trade my husband  for anything -- no matter how much Mel Gibson begged me!! :)

Beautiful Music To My Ears

My husband and I recently made a visit to see his mother, Gladys, who is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's.  I don't know a whole lot about this terrible disease but I am learning how quickly it can take over the memory.

We traveled many miles to visit Gladys and she was glad to see us but within just a few minutes, she even forgot that we were there!

My husband spotted a piano on the other side of the room and walked over to it and began to play a piece he had written many years ago hoping his mother would somehow recognize it.

I wish I could end this story saying she did but Gladys just contnued to eat her lunch.

The music was so beautiful!  Even I had a hard time believing that it was my own husband playing it.  Other people came out of their offices to watch him and one resident even remarked that she wished he would continue playing for a bit longer.

In the deepest of my hearts, I like to believe that Gladys heard the music.  I felt so proud of my husband.

Setting An Example For My Grandchilren - In The Rain

I was on my way to pick up two of my grand-daughters and take them to church.  On the way, I stopped by the shops to pick up a few things. I told my other grand-daughter Michelle (who was already in the car) that we might get wet. She was all for it, with a grin plastered on her face just from the thought of it. We ran from the car to the shop, screaming as the giant cold drops soaked us to the skin. I almost ran straight into a little old lady holding onto her walker. She had three bags of groceries tied onto the handle of the walker. She didn't mind that we were in such a rush, she just smiled at our silliness! We went into the store, bought the things we needed and prepared ourselves for another shower. That's when I noticed the lady was still there, waiting for the rain ... Read Full Story >>

Three Smiley Faces

I came in from my morning walk and found the maintenance man going out the door after changing our furnance filter. ''Hey !'' he exclaimed when he saw me.  ''There's the Cookie Lady !'' I gave him cookies several times when he was here repairing something in the past.

''Well, here, don't forget your cookies before you go!'' I said and grabbed the last two Smiley Face cookies I had baked a couple of days ago. I'm glad there were some left!  He left with a thank you and a big smile of his own :)

An Unexpected Gift For My Grandchildren

One of my daughters gave birth to twin boys a couple of months ago. This was a bit of a surprise even to her because they didn't find the second heart-beat until a month before they were due. This, of course, means needing twice as much baby stuff. Last evening she went to the laundry mat to do up what clothes they did have. The twins are always getting attention wherever they go and the laundry mat was no exception. A couple of ladies were making over them when one of the ladies left to go out to her car and came back with a bag full of really nice baby boy clothes including 2 sets of Micheal Jordan tennis shoes! The girl said she had these in her car forever and didn't know what she was gonna do with them other than donating them to Goodwill. God sure works wonders, doesn't he?

Kindness Ripples From a $10 Bill

The other day I got wind of a family that was a little tight on money and could use some groceries.  On a total whim, I stopped at a general corner store and picked out some bread, eggs, and milk for them with the single bill I had on me. 

As I paid for the food, a lady joined the line, also holding a carton of eggs.  I told the cashier I wanted to pay for hers also.  The lady smiled: "My daughter came over to visit this morning wanted me to make her some French toast.  I was out of eggs.  Thank you so much!"  T

he cashier said, "This reminds me of that movie PAY IT FORWARD!"

I don't know how many people were fed that day from one ten dollar bill, but I DO know I was filled with happiness being part of it!!  :)

Homemade Christmas For My Grandchildren

My hands (along with my mouth ) have been non-stop! I love Christmas!!! My favorite part is watching the children opening their gifts!

This year with so many grandchildren plus other friends' children, I had to be extra frugal when it came to gift giving because I had so many gifts to give! I busied myself making scarves and hats for 18 children. About the time when I thought I was finished, I would hear of another child coming to the family celebration, then another.  Seems like they were coming out of the wood work!! 

I made sure no child would leave empty-handed, so I made several more scarves and several more hats. I have been baking cookies almost every day and stuffed candies inside of small stockings.  It's not much, but I added the Love and Prayers for each child and I hope they feel it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY !!!  THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS WORLD A BRIGHT ONE !!!!!

Sidewalk Slippers

A while back I gave my father a pair of slippers for his birthday. He was always a hard worker and I thought it would be nice for him to have a pair of comfortable shoes to put on when he came home.

I was saddened, though, when we saw that they were too small.  I told him I would take them back for a larger size. He told me not to worry about it because I had painted him a picture and that was what he cherished the most.  Then, he wondered if my husband could use them; but alas, they were too big for him.

"Who could use these?" I asked myself. Then I got an idea!

I went outside and placed them on the sidewalk.  I went back and sat on our enclosed porch to watch who would get them.  It was rather entertaining when a man came walking along -- he stopped, looked around to see if anyone was watching, picked up the slippers and walked on! He might have thought he had stolen them, but little did he know they were actually given to him.

I just hope they fit or maybe he knew someone who could wear them.  Sharing can sometimes be entertaining too!

Karmically Rich

I just can't get over the fact that there really are so many caring people in this world....Sometimes we wake up and think about all of the world's tragedies and begin to believe we are doomed as a planet. I don't even like watching the news in the morning because the deaths and car accidents and flames that flash across the screen in loud red and orange colors are the first visual images of my day that set a somber tone to my newly awakened eyes. To shift my perspective on the world, what I do instead is, clutch the remote, and push the "off" button so that version of what the world we live in today is shut off.  Ready to reset my day, I make my way to the HelpOthers site on my computer, with my steaming cup of coffee in my hand. Here, I discover a world that doesn't appear on television screens. I find wonderful stories that uplift ... Read Full Story >>

Sweet Love

I normally get 4 of my grandaughters on Saturdays and they spend the night to go to church with me. The plan was for them to finish their Valentine's Day cards up for the special ones in church. Of course, everyone is special, but they can only make so many. We were to make and bake some heart shaped cookies and spread the love but due to circumstances the girls arrived late. I had already decided to go ahead and bake the cookies. They came into a home filed with the smell of homemade cookies which was a plus. Next morning I gave each girl a wrapped plate of cookies to take into their Sunday School room and share with others. There were some left-overs because there were so many. After church service I allowed them to share the remaining cookies with whomever would like one. The girls smiled as they asked the church family if they would like one. They recieved so many compliments and smiles and hugs! It was so awesome to watch them. Alot of love was passed around in that small gesture....Happy Valentine's Day everybody !!! 

My Son That Taught Me A Lesson

I read the story entitled ''A Blazer, Red Scarf, and Fifty Bucks'' and it reminded me of my own son, Erik.

He took me to a health food store one day to buy me things I needed since I am on a special diet. As we were paying for these items, he ran off as if he had forgotten something. He came back with a gallon of water and a large bag of nuts. I didn't think much of it, but as we were leaving the parking lot , he stopped the car. He got out and placed the 2 items down beside a homeless woman who we had seen driving in. She was sitting under a shade tree talking to herself. She never looked up but as we drove away, we saw her place the water and nuts in her cart of probably her only belongings in the world.

''Why didn't I suggest that?'' I asked myself. But I was so proud he did what he did.

An Extra Smile with Lunch

I have a soft spot in my heart for the young and the elderly.

A few days back, my husband and I went out for lunch. We sat across the way from what I assumed were a father and daughter sharing their time by having a meal together.

Before returning to the car, I stopped at one of the many gumball and candy machines located near the exit. I placed two quarters in the machine and out came a plastic ball containing a toy. With toy in hand, I stepped back and placed the toy in front of the little girl and said, “Have a nice day!” She smiled big and said, ''Thank you!”

I hope that made her time with her father a little more special. :)

Container of Cookies

We have been having a problem with our plumbing in the bathroom. The maintainence guy has been so nice about trying  to take care of this problem, but it has turned out to a bigger task than what he intended to deal with. He has been to our home three times already  in the past week and is due to come back this afternoon to see if the problem is solved.

The last few times he was here I gave him some of my fresh cookies I had baked. He told me he really liked the last ones I gave him especailly with coffee. Since he is coming back today, I baked some more of my fresh cookies and put them in a nice container with a bow along with a card thanking him. I hope this helps make his day a bit brighter....

A Little Act of Giving

A lady in our church who recently lost her brother rejoiced in letting the congregation know that she was blessed with a new grandson

My husband wanted to get the baby something and also to lift her spirits at the same time. I went to Wal-Mart not sure what the baby was in need of when I spotted some newborn Hallowe'en pyjamas! They were so cute and reasonably priced so I couldn't resist!

We presented her with a bag of the goodies and expected her to take it home to the momma but she pulled out the jammies and showed everyone in Sunday School! Everyone thought the outfits were cute and adorable.

Believe it or not the teacher was so impressed, he used them as part of the lesson that he taught that day! I guess the jammies were enjoyed by many. I would have never have guessed our little act of giving would go so far!

Crocheting Coasters For My Favorite Uncle

I went to visit my favorite aunt and uncle the other day. My uncle has been terribly sick and is facing some surgery on his lung next week. 

I wanted to take him something handmade as a gift, but couldn't think of much to crochet a man other than a scarf and hat. Of course, it is too hot for that at the moment so I crocheted him six coasters in different colors with smiley faces and a holder to be kept in.  I thought it was something he could use with his drink when he was sitting by the computer.

I teased him when I presented it. ''Here's somethin' to put your beer cans on,Uncle Russell!'' He doesn't drink, but he seemed to like the gift. Aunt Lucille chimed in by saying, ''The kids were over here visiting from out of town yesterday complaining that our cork coasters left water on top from the cans..''  Uncle Russell quickly responded, ''Well, they are NOT using these! I'm hiding them up on the shelf until they leave!''    That made me think if nothing else, it was the gesture appreciated  from making them for him. :)

Scarves For Homeless Teens

It is so cold where I live right now! 

Baby Booties

As my husband and I got ready for church last Sunday, I thought of this young couple who recently gave birth to 2 preemie twin boys. I thought about a bag of crocheted booties I had put away in the closet some time ago and went to find it.  I looked inside the bag and found 2 matching blue hats and 2 sets of blue booties..

When we got to church this couple just happened to sit in front of us. I tapped the mother's arm and handed her the items... She turned and smiled as she took them... Made me feel good.

Later she thanked me and yesterday she sent me e-mail pictures of the babies. They are sooo cute! 

I'm glad I make these little things in my spare time.

Email "Thanks" are Rare and Appreciated

   I have this great uncle who is up in his years and has been married to my aunt for over 60 years. These are two of my favorite people in the whole world!  My uncle is as bad as me when it comes to being on the computer. All day I get funny, not-so-funny, and interesting e-mails that I make sure I pass along to him. For each and every one, I know he is going to respond with a ''thank you.'' And each ''thank you'' says the same thing. He just wants to make sure that I know he appreciates the mail.  I think that's awesome because I don't always do that  mainly because I don't always feel it is necessary, but in his case, he does. I know he wont be around forever and someday I will miss his replies like I  miss the ones my dad use to send me.  Because of that, I have learned to cherish each  and every ''thank you'' from my  favorite uncle, taking nothing for granted!   :}

The Queen Of Tarts

I was having a conversation with someone last week about dessert recipes. It's one of our favorite subjects! 

Cool It With Kindness

I have read posts like this one many times, so letting someone go ahead of me in the check-out lane is no big deal to me. Not only does it seem right, it seems totally wrong if you don't! So, as you can guess, that's what happened to me recently. I was waiting a LO-O-O-O-ONG time in line because of the transaction ahead of me. I wasn't in a hurry to be anywhere but standing there was beginning to be tiring and it was a scorcher of a day. Then I was aware that someone had walked up behind me to join the line. Out of my peripheral vision I saw it was an elderly lady. I inched my way up to take my turn at getting out of the store, driving home and relaxing in air conditioning. I turned to see she only had a half gallon of ice cream. ''Go ahead of me if you ... Read Full Story >>

Can You Use This?

The last few days I have been thinking of items around my home that I don't use and getting rid of them. Why have them laying around and taking up space when someone else can use them? 

Heart To Heart And Out Of My Comfort Zone

I took my homemade cookies and candies to church today and came home with an empty tray which I was hoping for.  I also took about 20 pencils with printed hearts on them and glued bigger hearts on them and passed them out to some children and some adults that I wouldn't normally get the chance to talk to. This was a good way to show love and take me out of my comfort zone. It sure was worth it,  I got a lot of smiles back!!  A little can do a lot !!   :D 

Every Kid Needs Smarties!

The Security Guard's Idea!

Paying With Conversation

A Slice Of Love In the Supermarket Aisle

A Cookie In A Pocket!

True Story of A Grateful Whale

My Daughter The Good Friend

Reluctant Apologies At the Till

'Mad Dog Lady' on the Bus

Four Bags Of Ice

Like The Flowing River!

Shopping Cart Outside A Car Door

A Small Scoop Of Love

Holding My Hand

An Unforgettable Classroom Exercise

Down In The Dumps

Thanks For Rocking With Me!

Holding The Hand Of Life

Picking Up the Phone!

Smile-Card Surprise In The Mail