Saturday, July 4, 2015

Appreciation

      I do things just because they have to be done. I don't look for a pat on the back or even a thank you. 

      Five years ago a friend asked if I would be an emergency house in case his kids needed something on the way to school. My house is between his house and the school so it was very convenient.

     Over the five years I was not called on for any assistance whatsoever. The kids didn't have a problem where they needed to come to my place.

     On the other hand I had quite a few very good visits. If I was out in the yard they would stop for a visit. Conversation was easy with both kids. I usually went away having learned something or having a good laugh .

    The only serious incident turned out to be funny. One day after school I was talking to the little girl. Apparently somebody drove around the block three times to check on the man talking to the little girl. After three times they decided I was okay but reported to her Dad. Their Dad had a big laugh and related the story to me.

    This was the last year for me to watch the kids. They both go to another school next year.

     The other day I answered a knock on the door and the kids were there with a thank you card. I was blown away. I didn't expect anything. They both said how much they appreciated having the security of being able to check in at my house. They promised to check on me and have a visit once in a while.

    Surprise appreciation is the best.



38 comments:

  1. That is great! I am certain they all appreciated you!! Nothing better than a safe place between school and home:)

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    1. I'll miss them but will still see them in various places.

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  2. Aww how sweet! It is nice to have the security of knowing someone is still nice and protective.

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  3. what a heartwarming story. And so good that the children have also been taught to appreciate your willingness to help. I hope you get to enjoy watching them grow.

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  4. Replies
    1. Yes, and I don't think Mom and Dad coached them.

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  5. How wonderful Red, loved this story and I can see how they must have appreciated immensely being able to have that security of knowing you were there when they needed you. Hope your 4th was a very happy one :)

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    1. They had the security but never had to use it. I enjoy fourth of July but I am Canadian.

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  6. That is sweet of them to thank you.

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    1. It was a surprise and much appreciated.

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  7. It is wonderful to have a "safe house" for children going to school. We share the same honour here and our "street" children are now off to college. Congratulations Red - wonderful feeling, eh.

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    1. These two go into gr six and nine. Before you know it they will be gone.

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  8. such a lovely story..as one of our famous politicians said, it takes a village.

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  9. What a perfectly nice thing for them to do. They sound like lovely kids.

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    1. They are very knowledgeable climber The girl is a dancer and the son is a wall climber.

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  10. How sweet of them. Their parents have raised them right, giving thanks to someone who mattered to them and provided a safe haven, just in case. :-)

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    1. Their parents have definitely given them the right stuff.

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  11. You are really blessed, it is nice to have some contact with youngsters. It also was very nice that they showed their appreciation, they are learning how to make this world continue respectfully.

    The big dragonfly in your yard is probably a Pond Hawk. they migrate just like the birds.

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  12. Hi Red, That's a very cool story. You are so right, surprise appreciation is best.

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    1. I had planned to tell the kids how much I would miss them the next time I saw them.

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  13. What a wonderful story! Aside from the fact that I really like that you were such a good neighbour, I love how thoughtful those kids are. Those parents have certainly done well by their kids.

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    1. They're certainly first class parents. they push the kids to make their own decisions.

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  14. How thoughtful. These kids are being raised right.

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  15. that is SO very sweet!!! they'll remember you always.

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    1. I'll remember these kids too. I do have lots of contract with their Dad.

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  16. That is just so great! SOunds like a lovely family. :)

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  17. i'm sure it was a great reassurance to the children's parents to know you were watching out for them. And always nice to know you are appreciated.

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  18. It's just the most wonderful thing to be appreciated. You were a fabulous friend and neighbor.

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