Yesterday, I took Ajers to the chiropractor for the first time. He had a basketball injury. I was talking to the receptionist and she mentioned that her son was the doctor, and she and her husband had moved to AZ to be with him, so of course we started talking about how we ended up here, and how long she's been married, how long I've been married, practically our whole life stories, because that's what I do when I go out and start talking to people I meet - I like to learn about them. Her children are here -- her son is 28 (the chiropractor), her daughter is around 26 or so, and they are all from NY. She and her husband just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary and decided to move here in October, so actually I have lived here longer than she has.
She moved here to be with her kids and semi-retire and help her son in his office and get away from the cold of NY and enjoy her life.
So I asked her how she is enjoying it.
"I love it here," she said.
"And what about your husband?" I asked.
"He went back to New York after a month. He hated it here. He likes hunting and fishing and being near the ocean. He didn't like it here at all."
My mind clicked. And immediately knew that she needed to have
Laura Munson's
This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. I just felt it in my gut that she was going through that sort of crisis. I didn't know this woman at all. But the look on her face, and what she had just told me in the few minutes that we talked, I could sense it. I had an extra copy at home, and my house is literally, five houses away from the doctor's office. I said to her, "I have a book you need to read, and I'm going to go home and get it for you. I'll be right back."
So I went home, got the book, and brought it to her. I don't know really anything of her personal story, except that she seemed like she might have been lost, and how could you not be? To spend 32 years with someone, and expect to spend the rest of your life enjoying each other, to make a move to be with your children. I feel for her. I wanted to help her in some way, and I really felt that Laura's words will give her some peace. So that's why I brought her the book.
That's why I love words and books so much. That's just one of the reasons that I wanted to share all these books with you all this past month, and that's why I will continue to bring books and stories and authors to you guys. I hope you'll still read. Thanks!
29 comments:
What a very generous thing you did! I hope she benefits from the book. It is a great feeling when you can recommend a book to someone that you know will help them or make them happy.
Thanks for the great giveaways - still hoping for the big win!
Suzebomb!
Ahh, that was so nice Manic. I'm sure she'll likely pay that kindness forward, wonder how many times that book will be passed around AZ now!
how very kind & thoughtful!
That was so incredibly nice and generous! I really hope she reads it and it helps her find a way to get through her uncertainty.
That is AWESOME! I love giving books to people. I have lent out brand new books that I haven't even read yet...I get excited knowing someone else is going to enjoy it or get something out of it. BOOKS ROCK!!! :) Nan
What a great story - now I want to read that book!
the world needs more people like you.
That was so sweet of you!
sad story. I bet you brightened her day!
So incredible of you!! My BFF and I pass books between each other and our other friends quite often. It is great when something that made you laugh or smile will do the same for someone else, or something that touched your heart may make a huge difference in someone else's!!
Love this story, MM ~ books can be powerful, especially when shared. Lovely thing to do, blessing her like that.
that's so awesome of you! Books are so healing.
That's a great story! I love those times when you feel you were meant to be at that time and place for a bigger reason. :-)
What an awesome thing to do. :) what a gift you gave...not the book...but the compassion. rock on!
*for some have entertained angels unawares* Very nice and generous thing to do!!
What a lovely thing to do! Inspiration for all.
Thanks for the posts... will come back often, even without th ebig book giveaway.
~Nattygirrl
That was so sweet of you - my sister forwarded me Laura's NY Times article when it came out as I was going through a similar crisis - then when the book came out I got it same day - Her words were (and still are) an inspiration to me and that is why I love books too!
That is such an amazing story. How thoughtful of you! I am so sorry for that lady and the fact that you want her to read this book has just moved it to 1st place on the books I need to read.
That is a wonderful story! You are always put just where you need to be and I think this is why certain people cross our paths!!
That was very kind of you. We moved to Az three years ago and I HATE it but .... I try to keep in mind that no matter how much I dislike it... I have my husband by my side. I hope that book helps that lady out.
I love that you would do this for a stranger!
Just another reason I felt a connection to you right away. I've clicked around on lots of blogs but never commented or felt like I "knew" the writers besides you! Love this story and wish you lived down the street so we could meet at my neighborhood Starbucks!
Dawn, likewise! And that's what I love about blogging -- the connections you can make. For instance, I do feel real friendships from my blog. I know I would meet you and give you a huge hug and be able to spend a weekend hanging out and having a great time with you. I mean, we exchange CDs with each other and send emails to one another. And other blog friends have done nice things for me, random stuff, and I've done random things just because. It's a great way to make unique connections that are wonderful! Love it! So glad to have this special way to connect with amazing people in the world! xo
You. Are. AWESOME!!! I am so happy you're my BBFF!
And Swishy! I LOVE YOU MY BBFF!!! In the whole widest world EVER!! I wish we didn't live across the world from each other practically! We have to finish our books and go on tour together! hahahah! First stop: Anderson's Book Store where it all began, thanks to Jen Weiner! xoxoxo
Great story! That is part of the reason I love to read too. Sometimes a random book will say exactly what I'm needing to hear at the moment. It is strange how it has happened.
That's pretty awesome! But you know...some people (obviously like you :)) are able to minister to people by taking the time to draw them out - even if it is just in light conversation. But you went beyond that...you tried to speak to her need. I think it is awesome. I think that every day is full of miracles like this if we just view it that way...and have the courage to take action if we are so led. Kudos on speading joy! I know I've enjoyed "playing" for the books all month. See? Joy-spreader. That's what you are, Manic! :)
What a wonderful thing you did! its a great feeling to be able to help a complete stranger, and what better way than by giving them a book that they can surely relate to!
This brought tears to my eyes. I don't like to get all religious because I never know how people are going to receive it, but I will just say this....God works in mysterious ways and puts us in places where we are needed most. Thank you for sharing this and for being who you are. xoxo
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