The Little Things

"Appreciate the little things". You've probably heard that hundreds of times, and it's good, solid advice. May I show you why it truly is important to pay attention and value those "little" things.

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My good friend Tibb has ALS. For the past two plus years, she hasn’t been able to move anything below her neck, and about nine months ago, she lost the ability to speak entirely. Tibb operates a device attached to her right foot that moves a cursor so she can communicate. The tip of her right foot is literally all she can move. 

I visit her nearly every day, and I have never heard her complain — not even once. She’s still quick-witted, attentive, and her faith is stronger than ever. The only thing she's ever typed to me was "Everything is being taken away from me" and it wasn't a complaint - it was simply the truth. 

Even though Tibb can’t move her fingers, she still has feeling in them and they hurt. I’ve started squeezing her fingers and hands, which feels good to her, and I make sure to do both hands almost every time I visit. Sunday, I gently took her heavy, motionless hand from beneath the blanket and began squeezing her fingers as usual. About two minutes later, Piper, her cat, jumped up onto her lap, and Tibb gave a HUGE smile.

I gently lifted Tibb’s hand and guided it to pet Piper. One of those “little” things, right? Yes, but not really. Tibb instantly began to sob, her face a blend of joy and heartbreak. It had been over two years since she’d been able to show love to her cats Piper and Roberta. I continued helping her stroke Piper, speaking softly to her as I did. I placed her hand on Piper's head, and she felt the cat's tongue lick her. I guided her hand to Piper’s chest and stomach, where she could hear and feel the steady, motor-like purr, as she continued to sob.

We stayed like that for about five or six minutes until Piper hopped off her lap. I looked at Tibb and said, "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Tibb mouthed, "Thank you" and "I love you". I stroked her cheek, rested my head next to hers, and told her she was welcome and that I loved her too.

Petting a cat. Just one of those "little" things.

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Sharing Joy

read prior blog: Joy

Since I started making and giving out my quilted heart Joy tags, I’ve handed out more than 475. They’re simple fabric hearts with the word “JOY” stamped on them. Some tags went to people I met while out and about—those who looked like they could use a little joy or given to those who brought joy to me. Friends have also asked for tags to share and they have become joy givers too!

Before I give a tag, I always ask first if it’s okay to give them something, and while they often seem a bit hesitant, the moment I hand them a tag, their expression instantly shifts to happiness. I knew that I would feel joy in giving them to others, but I’ve been genuinely touched and blessed by the reactions of those who received them.

Several people have asked, “You’re just giving this to me?” or “You made this?” I reply, “Yes, I do make them and I keep them in my bag and give them to kind people who have blessed me.” Sometimes I get a hug in return, but I always receive a heartfelt thank you.  The reactions are different, but every single one has been a blessing. Knowing that I am reaching out and making a difference in someone's day has inspired me to make and share more of them. I started a notebook to record every time I gave out a tag, knowing that while sharing joy was a blessing, I wanted to relive that feeling over and over. From there, I created a Facebook page called "Sharing Joy" and began posting some of those experiences. 

Now, I’d like to offer the Joy heart tags to anyone who wants to join me in sharing Joy. If you’re interested in receiving some tags to hand out to people, send me your address (in a private message) and I’ll mail them to you! All I ask is that you pay the shipping (approx $8 for 10 tags).  The tags themselves are a gift and a blessing for you to share.

Share your address and help spread joy! Don’t forget to like the "Sharing Joy" page and post your stories of giving tags or share other acts of kindness you’ve given or received. The Facebook page was created to be a comforting space where people can turn when they feel overwhelmed and need the reassurance of the Lord’s love. Please feel free to contribute as much and as often as you like. 💗

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Tender Heart

I had a follow-up appointment with the hand specialist on Monday and was in the waiting room with a few others. A few minutes after I arrived, an older man came in wheeling his frail wife, who was clearly in distress. Once he got her in place, he sat beside her, gently brushing away the thin, gray strands of hair that had fallen onto her face. One hand was over her hands, clasped in her lap while the other gently stroked her cheek as he quietly assuring her that everything would be okay—that she would be okay.

It took a little bit, but she seemed to be noticeably calmer after his efforts. Leaning back in his chair, he glanced up, saw me watching with tears in my eyes and offered me the sweetest smile. There was so much in his smile and eyes that brought me into his world. In that moment, I saw a man who loved his wife deeply and truly meant it when he vowed to stay by her side through it all. 

I have a tender heart and moments like this really move me. People often say that I’m “too sensitive,” and honestly, they’re right—I feel everything deeply. But if feeling this deeply is the cost of having a tender heart, it’s a price I’m more than willing to pay.

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