Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Kindness

~Josh, March 2011~
Thank-you all for your kind words and sharing Josh's loss. I realized yesterday that Josh was not the oldest dog we've lost, but he was the one we had the longest. Josh was a gentle soul.  He was also a  "pleaser" by nature, and (usually) did what we asked of him. But yesterday was his day and a day that was totally out of my control. It was a humbling place to be. Josh peacefully passed away on the front porch that he loved before the vet would arrive.

I wished I'd had another day off of work, but I didn't. It was a long day that ended with my having to go to the grocery store for a few things.  I really didn't want to go, but I had to, so I dragged myself there.

I hurried inside, quickly got the few things I needed and rushed to the checkout. I got into a little longer line because I saw my favorite cashier.  I'm not sure when "Nora" became my favorite cashier.  But every time I have been in her line, I have heard her compliment every customer she interacts with. I’ve liked watching the people light up as she finds something positive to say about them.  She has such a refreshing attitude and I love chatting with her.  I think Nora is an example to follow.

When it was my turn, she asked me how I was doing, noting that I was looking a "little tired." I told her that I was doing okay, and that I was just really worn out.  And then, she asked me how our dogs were doing. As you can guess, the loss of Josh is still pretty raw and I'm not at a point where I can just blurt out what happened to him. So, I replied with my usual answer that "the dogs were all present and accounted for when I left home this morning."  I think that Nora knew there was more to my answer. Because she stopped scanning my groceries, and said to me, "I know just the thing you need," and she rushed away.  I'll admit that I was a little confused and embarrassed because there were other people standing in line in back of me.  But when Nora came back she had a little pot of bright yellow mums in her hand, and said to me, "here's something to cheer you up, and they're on me!"

I know my mouth dropped open because I was so surprised by her unexpected kindness - And, through the sting of tears that have been so close to the surface all day, all I could say was "thank-you" over and over again.  I thought afterwards that I really hope Nora knows that her small gesture of kindness at a low moment made a difference, and is one I won't soon forget.

30 comments:

  1. Such beautiful photos of this sweet boy.
    Kim, you know all about kindness....

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  2. Sorry to hear about Josh. Hope things in your world get righted soon. How sweet of Nora to know just what you needed at the right moment.

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  3. If ever you needed something, you needed that. How very nice of her. Thinking about you today. Hugs.

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  4. How sweet of your cashier friend . . .
    Perceptive she was and very kind.
    Sad for you Kim . . . it is alright
    being sad and feeling his loss . . . for a bit . . .
    Josh was with you tthrough thick and thin for many years.
    This is the time to be tender with yourself . . .

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  5. I am so grateful that Nora showed her kindness toward you. You needed and deserved that loving gesture.
    I remember Josh playing frisbee with Sheba. And I noticed he always appeared so young because he never had much of a sugar face. The last picture shows his sweet nature shining in his eyes. What a gift you gave Josh, knowing he was cherished.
    Hugs,
    Gus' Mom

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  6. Thank God for the Norah's of this world. That, and Josh's passing brought me to tears. Many gentle hugs to you Kim

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  7. What a lovely gesture and how kind of Nora, such a simple act, but so caring.
    We shall remember Josh, as indeed we shall remember all those wonderful dogs who have been lucky enough to be in your care, and have finally gone to the Rainbow Bridge. What a reunion when Josh arrives !

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  8. I think that Josh just used his good friend Norah to say "Mom, I am still with you and will always be with you." Big hug for all.

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  9. What a beautiful moment of kindness. When we hurt and someone goes out of their way to care, we are truly blessed.

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  10. Hello, it is a sad time. Your cashier is very kind, she knew exactly how you were feeling. The flowers are pretty. RIP Josh! Wishing you happy days!

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  11. The world needs more Nora's in it. What a beautiful gesture.

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  12. tears still.
    josh has just always been there. with his frisby.
    love to you darling bean. and for what you have to go through in giving such love to these wonderful beings.
    and for sharing it with all of us. it's so worth it.
    xo♥

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  13. How kind of her. A small gesture can make all the difference.

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  14. That's a lesson to us all, a little kindness can make such a difference in ways you cannot imagine.
    Sending lots of loves and hugs to you all
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  15. A wonderful kindness. sending you lots of hugs today as you mourn the loss of dear Josh
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  16. the world needs more people like Nora. The name means "light" - she sure was a light for you that night.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  17. I keep thinking about Josh. Such a beautiful dog as these pictures show. A great kindness from Nora that I hope reminds me to do what I can to encourage others. I will miss Josh.

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  18. Golden flowers for your Golden Boy. Kindness to you, maybe for Nora this was small, but to you, and to us as we read your words, a huge ray of sunshine at this time. At home, where he was so loved, so right for Josh. Hugs from NZ.

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  19. I am so sorry for the loss of Josh. May your memories of his love bring you peace.
    Nora is now my favourite cashier too.

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  20. Oh lordy!! The world needed this story, Kim. Thank you for sharing it!! *tears* Rest well, Josh, and save a place for our kitty Mistletoe... he will be with you by-and-by.

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  21. Calm and serene page you have here my friend!

    i enjoyed reading your profile as i too belong to a beautiful lashing village though now live in city with hubby after marriage since 25 years and miss my home town so much .
    though we visit there in summer vacations

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  22. What a kind gesture. I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your Josh. I hope when the tears pass, that you will be able to smile at all the years of memories with him.

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  23. I'll never see yellow mums again without thinking of you, Josh, and Nora. My eyes have tears in them, but my heart has been warmed by your and Nora's kindness.

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  24. My eyes are filled with tears, for Josh, for you, and for the sweet kindness of Nora. I should learn from her and not be too shy to make a gesture like hers.

    I know that you're off kilter without your Josh around. I am sending hugs and love. My heart aches for you.

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  25. That is beautiful. We are sorry for your loss.

    Licks,
    Cobi

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  26. I am sending hugs and love. My heart aches for you.


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