Thank you for sharing this story. I loved it, and I think you have touched more lives than you know. I dreamed of making a big splash in this world when I was much younger. Now that the candle is burning down, I hope I touched someone's life in a meaningful way.
Here is my tiny little candle story Jan! A man; clearly disoriented and distressed would occasionally call my home and leave a message for his "sister" telling her that he was ill and most likely going to the hospital soon, but he loved her! Heartbreaking right? I occasonally picked up the call and told him that he had the wrong number. This sweet old man apologized profusely. The calls continued over several years! I then tried to block his calls. Enough already! Last Friday night my Rabbi gave a Sermon which struck a chord in my heart. He talked about doing tiny little things to change the world. Jimmy called again this week and left that same message. This time I called the police in my county pleading for a bit of help. I never heard back from them. This man needed a "Well Being Check"! Taking matters into my own hands I called the police in JImmy's area code. They were less than helpful. At the end of my rope , I called Jimmy! JImmy picked up the called. "Where are you Jimmy/" I pleaded? "I am in the hospital" he said, in a weak voice. I which hospital he was in and if I might speak to the tech who was with him. I left word with the floor Social Worker because at the point I pictured an old man in a hospital bed; alone, looking for his sister! The Social Worker never called me back. Finally, finally I talked to the floor secretary and told her my story. As a Jew it is a basic tenant of my faith to step forward and help someone like Jimmy. I told her the story and half way through I thought she would burst out in sympathetic tears! JImmy has no sister! But he has six brothers she told me. I asked her to have one of them call me. The next thing I knew JImmy was calling me from his hospital bed! He apologized for bothering me. He said that his brothers were coming by. One brother brought flowers yesterday. "No apologies necessary JImmy!" I told JImmy that I would be checking in on him now and then...... and he better be calling me to let me know how he is doing or I will get in my car here in Marietta, Georgia and drive to Athans, Georgia where he lives....So I have lit one small candle in this sad, sad, world. Look for those shiny pennies on the sidewalk,....They are out there!
I loved that original post and I also loved this one. You so often share life lessons that you learned through "mistakes" or humbling experiences. Love the candle reference and our responsibility to be a light in our little corner of the world. You are definitely a light in yours!
Thank you for this beautiful piece. When asked why I don't join everyone on the bridge, my usual response is, "when you need a plumber, it's not wise to call an electrician." Not to be flip, but as we age, hopefully we become confident in our own purpose, our own methods of activating PEACE in the world. I pray every morning and evening. I pray when I water my garden, asking G-D to soften hearts and minds to experience more beauty and truth. But mostly I ask that I always be placed where I am most needed.
Oh a.c. ~ I asked God to place me where I was needed once & I ended up being the lone guidance counselor of our high school with nearly 800 students. That's not what I was expecting. It was overwhelming, but I did the best I could, hoping I did some good. Yes, as we age, it's easier to see our purpose. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed your comment. xoxo
Wow! Thank you for sharing! Your story took me back to a hallway conversation I too, had with a teacher. Not about cheating, but about my 16 year old broken heart. Who would have known all those many years ago (38) I would need those same words of encouragement after my late husband passed? God. God knew! It began something like this...if you have a handful of sand... My, how those words (and the round lapel pin, representing the circle of life) have spoken to me through the years! Especially, while walking through grief!! So, you didn't just wag your finger in the hallway. You gave hugs, you spoke life and was preparing me for what was to come. You made a difference from a hallway. And you changed my life. 💜
Oh, my sweet, Missy ~ I wondered if you remembered that. You have always had a special place in my heart. God is definitely using you to make this a better world -- struggles & all. Thanks for sharing. You made my day. xoxo
Jan, I wish that I had something profound to say here but I don't. I believe that if we each do our best to help others, even sometimes just a gentle smile. That we are brightening up our little corner of the world, the more people that share their candles will make this a much brighter happier world. Thanks for sharing your candles.
Ah, thanks, Joan! I miss you in the Lobby. Did all my regular tests this week. I'm good to go for another year -- I hope. Ha! Hope all is going well for the family in your new home. Love ya' {{Hugs}}
Well, at the moment, I'm not lighting candles for anybody, I don't think. But other people have been lighting candles for me, and I'm grateful to them. Some of them don't even realize what their act of kindness meant at a time when I was lower than low. So, I guess we all just go on and if we are not a total nuisance and harassment to others, maybe we are doing something right, we just don't know it.
Thank you for sharing this story. I loved it, and I think you have touched more lives than you know. I dreamed of making a big splash in this world when I was much younger. Now that the candle is burning down, I hope I touched someone's life in a meaningful way.
I get you on that. I'm trying not to burn out too soon. Ha! Some people just don't get that. Have a great day, Diane!!! xoxo
Here is my tiny little candle story Jan! A man; clearly disoriented and distressed would occasionally call my home and leave a message for his "sister" telling her that he was ill and most likely going to the hospital soon, but he loved her! Heartbreaking right? I occasonally picked up the call and told him that he had the wrong number. This sweet old man apologized profusely. The calls continued over several years! I then tried to block his calls. Enough already! Last Friday night my Rabbi gave a Sermon which struck a chord in my heart. He talked about doing tiny little things to change the world. Jimmy called again this week and left that same message. This time I called the police in my county pleading for a bit of help. I never heard back from them. This man needed a "Well Being Check"! Taking matters into my own hands I called the police in JImmy's area code. They were less than helpful. At the end of my rope , I called Jimmy! JImmy picked up the called. "Where are you Jimmy/" I pleaded? "I am in the hospital" he said, in a weak voice. I which hospital he was in and if I might speak to the tech who was with him. I left word with the floor Social Worker because at the point I pictured an old man in a hospital bed; alone, looking for his sister! The Social Worker never called me back. Finally, finally I talked to the floor secretary and told her my story. As a Jew it is a basic tenant of my faith to step forward and help someone like Jimmy. I told her the story and half way through I thought she would burst out in sympathetic tears! JImmy has no sister! But he has six brothers she told me. I asked her to have one of them call me. The next thing I knew JImmy was calling me from his hospital bed! He apologized for bothering me. He said that his brothers were coming by. One brother brought flowers yesterday. "No apologies necessary JImmy!" I told JImmy that I would be checking in on him now and then...... and he better be calling me to let me know how he is doing or I will get in my car here in Marietta, Georgia and drive to Athans, Georgia where he lives....So I have lit one small candle in this sad, sad, world. Look for those shiny pennies on the sidewalk,....They are out there!
Absolutely love your candle story, Barbara!!! Thanks for making my day. I have to confess I was a bit teary-eyed. {{Hugs}}
I loved that original post and I also loved this one. You so often share life lessons that you learned through "mistakes" or humbling experiences. Love the candle reference and our responsibility to be a light in our little corner of the world. You are definitely a light in yours!
Thanks so much, Cathey — my encourager. Love ya’ ❤️
I hope that through the newsletter, I will be able to do that.
You are, Janice! I can personally attest to that. Your newsletters are a guide & a comfort. Thank you! xoxo
You touch my life every article. Thank you❣️
Thank you! I love our substack friendship. ❤️
Me too. How close are you to Hocking Hills?
Thank you for this beautiful piece. When asked why I don't join everyone on the bridge, my usual response is, "when you need a plumber, it's not wise to call an electrician." Not to be flip, but as we age, hopefully we become confident in our own purpose, our own methods of activating PEACE in the world. I pray every morning and evening. I pray when I water my garden, asking G-D to soften hearts and minds to experience more beauty and truth. But mostly I ask that I always be placed where I am most needed.
Oh a.c. ~ I asked God to place me where I was needed once & I ended up being the lone guidance counselor of our high school with nearly 800 students. That's not what I was expecting. It was overwhelming, but I did the best I could, hoping I did some good. Yes, as we age, it's easier to see our purpose. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed your comment. xoxo
Wow! Thank you for sharing! Your story took me back to a hallway conversation I too, had with a teacher. Not about cheating, but about my 16 year old broken heart. Who would have known all those many years ago (38) I would need those same words of encouragement after my late husband passed? God. God knew! It began something like this...if you have a handful of sand... My, how those words (and the round lapel pin, representing the circle of life) have spoken to me through the years! Especially, while walking through grief!! So, you didn't just wag your finger in the hallway. You gave hugs, you spoke life and was preparing me for what was to come. You made a difference from a hallway. And you changed my life. 💜
Oh, my sweet, Missy ~ I wondered if you remembered that. You have always had a special place in my heart. God is definitely using you to make this a better world -- struggles & all. Thanks for sharing. You made my day. xoxo
Jan, I wish that I had something profound to say here but I don't. I believe that if we each do our best to help others, even sometimes just a gentle smile. That we are brightening up our little corner of the world, the more people that share their candles will make this a much brighter happier world. Thanks for sharing your candles.
Thanks, Randy ~ I can assure you -- YOU are making a difference in this world. Thanks for commenting. {{Hugs}}
Love your stories Jan ❤️
Thanks, Lynn! I love to hear from you. {{Hugs}}
I enjoy your writing!
Your candle continues to shine BRIGHT!
Ah, thanks, Joan! I miss you in the Lobby. Did all my regular tests this week. I'm good to go for another year -- I hope. Ha! Hope all is going well for the family in your new home. Love ya' {{Hugs}}
Never doubt that you are continuing to make a difference in many lives! I absolutely love your blogs! ❤️
Thanks so much, my Forever Friend ~ hoping to make it to Texas some year. xoxo
Jan,that really is a good story. I loved reading it.Very enlightening!!!🙌🙌
Thanks, Kathleen! {{Hugs}}
You’ve definitely made a difference in me by shining your light upon my life 🕯️ ❤️
Ah, Cindy — I love how we found each other. Looking forward to many more years of friendship — and adventures. ❤️
I couldn’t agree more❤️
I love your story. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Mia. {{Hugs}}
Well, at the moment, I'm not lighting candles for anybody, I don't think. But other people have been lighting candles for me, and I'm grateful to them. Some of them don't even realize what their act of kindness meant at a time when I was lower than low. So, I guess we all just go on and if we are not a total nuisance and harassment to others, maybe we are doing something right, we just don't know it.