“For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis.
I had signed up at the beginning of the year to intentionally show kindness to someone else in the greater community as part of the church’s 365 project. The idea is to have every day of the year committed to. Our date was January 26. Little did we know at the time of signing up that it would be the last day (we hope!) at Vernon’s Newport Subacute home. But I had thought our project would probably center on the nursing home residents, as we have such access to them, and they are so easy to give to.
I wanted the kids to be involved…and even Vernon, if possible. So the trick was how to make this a family affair. The kids and I could make mini-paintings as gifts for some of the patients, but when I realized it would be Vernon’s last day, it seemed that we should give them out in his name, as a sort of farewell gesture. I don’t know how much the residents got attached to Vernon in his time there or even if many of them will even recognize his absence later, but it seemed appropriate to mark the passage, and say goodbye in the midst of our little ‘kindness project.’
As usual these things involve more than just the immediate family. Pattie at the SC Art Supply donated the thick foam board, and when Sandy dropped by in the evening, she was promptly put to work. It was a busy day and I sort of forgot to start the project till about 9 o’clock. Oops. No rest for the creative, I guess.
Between the four of us, we hashed out over two dozen. odd little paintings. We meant it as a kindness to others, but whenever the kids and I do artwork together, its always a special time—and good soul therapy. If we had stopped right there, we would have already been fulfilled.
We weren’t sure how it was all going to work, but we had also bought a carton of safari animal toys. Some, I know, have a hard time seeing, so maybe they would prefer a little toy they cold hold and feel instead.
In the end, I think we could have brought anything. What delighted them most was having a sweet little child skipping around the lunch room and singling them out with her attention. The choosing of the cards and animals gave her an extra purpose.
Maki, a little shyer about handing out gifts, found an equally important purpose in keeping his dad company whist his sister flitted around the room.
In my mind, I had thought perhaps we could wheel Vernon around from room to room, so he could say goodbye on his own. But he was in a bit of a confused state again today so it worked out best for him and Maki to just chill out on their own anyway. He was still involved in the message. This is what was written on the back of each painting:
And they ARE special. We will miss seeing them. I doubt that our family’s little giving project made a dent in anyone’s lives. But there were some extra smiles.
And that made a small dent in their day. We were smiling too.
There is a Chinese proverb that says: “Every smile makes you a day younger. ” If so, I can’t think of a place that trick of nature would be more appropriate than a convalescent home.
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Made me cry in a very tender, compassionate, hopeful way! ❤️ Praying for this new “adventure”……
oh Allison you show such compassion to all around you … what an amazing idea, and Maki and Justine have been able to join in ..what a lesson they have learnt about kindness and giving , generosity and tenderness…. your thoughtfulness will not be forgotten by those recipients at the home
xx love and hugs to you all xx
You’re working your very special magic, and I know these things make all the difference. Everyone should paint, and giving away the paintings is a great idea. So lovely to see Maki, I was very impressed with his boat. Justine is a born artist too. Lots of love to you. x
What a super idea & I am sure you bought a lot more to these people than you will ever know, I hope all goes well with Vernon xxx
Allison,
So precious are the children and giving the gifts to the residents left a lot of smiles. And that wasn’t all that hard to perform a kindness to someone in your community. So very good project and one that we all should strive to do this for more people.
Love,
Becky
Allison you inspire me- with your words and your heart snd your perseverent soul. Well done little lady! And thank you again for sharing your beautiful albeit trying journey. Love and prayers continue for you- all of you.
This blog brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. I remember some of those faces and to think they had a little touch of heaven that day is so wonderful! I know heaven was rejoicing! A small act of kindness is capable of causing Heaven to rejoice!
This was an errand of mercy, Allison. You helped lighten the load of many tired and weak ones with a moment of unexpected kindness. Your simple act of giving blesses us!
Just soo precious…sometimes I feel my heart growing from such expressions of love… I feel it now. Love you all so much, I’m so proud of you and the kids Allison. The world is a better place because of what you did! xoxoxo
Thinking of a quote I love: “A shared Joy is a double Joy–A shared sorrow is half the sorrow.” You all shared so very much Joy!! Well Done.
Such colorful pictures and a wonderful family project. I really like Justine’s dress and pink boots. She looks like she is having a good time giving the paintings and toy animals to the people in the recovery facility. I am praying for you as you go through this journey and you are sharing it in such a wonderful way with us.
absolutely beautiful………and I guarantee your family’s kindness made a HUGE dent…..no let me rephrase that………a HUGE IMPACT in each persons life!!!!…..some that probably have not been touched by such LOVE & KINDNESS in a long time!!! <3