Individuals Paying It Forward

I just wanted to write and share a small story of my own, though I have encountered many people along the way in my 48 years of life that have done so much and I've always tried to do for others. Guess it is something that I've always believed in, glad to see that it has inspired a someone to write a novel and a movie to be created. By the way awesome movie and I am sure that I will get the book.

My story is not an on-going one, but one about a friend in my life (still), who has helped me a lot. We actually met on the internet and found that we worked close by, so we had lunch together. We became friends quickly and to this day refer to one another as sis. I had been separated for quite a few years, struggling as I am still doing to this day, but Christmas was coming and I had no decorations for my tree. Money was low as usual and I mentioned to her that I did NOT know what I was going to do. Presents under the tree being skimpy was one thing..we had a lot of love there. But, not to have decorations on that tree, would be a first for my two kids. She volunteered to give me some old decorations that she had. She said they were all white, but if I wanted them, she would gladly let me have them. I told her I really appreciated it and didn't care what color it was. My son, who at that time was about 12 years old, decorated that tree...It was amazing w hat those white ornaments did to that tree..it magically changed into the most beautiful Christmas tree we'd ever had. I was so thankful to her for making that Christmas extra special, even though she may not have thought it was much, it meant so much to me and to those two kids... Another time, my car broke down and I didn't live on a bus route, no where near. She offered for me to live at her house in an extra bedroom till I could get my car fixed...I did it. I hope one day that I can repay her and her new hubby (well, she's been married now for about 3 or 4 years, so I guess he isn't a new one any more-smile), but, they are wonderful people, and really good friends.

I have always tried to encourage my kids to do things for others when they could...help out when they could...I was a girlscout leader for several years...we believed in helping others. Now, my daughter is grown and is a Kindergarten teacher and I know that she helps those little ones whenever she can...and I did make it a point to send her info for your site. My son is on a college baseball team and many young boys look up to him. I think he likes that..smile. I tell him all the time to make sure he pays them attention cause they do look up to him...anyway, that is my story for now...maybe one day I'll have some bigger stories that will impact others , or myself and really make a dent in how our world is today...thanks.

Brenda Harris.