Monday, November 25, 2013

A Remembrance

There once was a young girl whose parents were immigrants to this country from Guatemala. They both worked hard, sometimes at more than one job at a time, to make ends meet. They were finally able to make a down payment on a trailer that had seen better days, but it was theirs, with enough room to hold the young girl, her little brother, her baby sister, and her grandma in more comfort than the cramped apartment they’d shared with two other families.

The young girl used to daydream in school about going to college, putting money in a savings account, and one day becoming a nurse. Her teachers praised her for her quiet intelligence, her hard work, and her devotion to her siblings. What the young girl didn’t tell them, though, was that part of her dream was that her father would quit drinking, quit going to beer joints and then coming home late, screaming, dragging her mother out of bed and waking up the children so they could watch as he beat her, dragged her by the hair, and sometimes threw her out the front door, weeping, bruised, and bloodied.

Finally came the day when her secret couldn’t be hidden any longer. Just before school let out for Thanksgiving, her father beat her mother so badly she had to be hopitalized. The police came that night and arrested her father. Her elderly grandma was beside herself with worry for her daughter, but with no transportation and no English, it was the young girl who was left with navigating of the sea of doctors and social workers and cops who invaded their lives.

The young girl poured her heart out to a teacher the next day after school, and it was as if a dam broke. Her fears, frustrations, and pain gushed out in torrents. Her immediate concern, though, was that there was no food in the house, save a few cans. Because the whole family was in the country without papers, they did not have assistance with food stamps or any other kind of aid.

The teacher thought what a small thing it would be for her to gather items for a Thanksgiving dinner that very evening and take it to the shell shocked grandma and kids. Another teacher heard about it and joined in, as well.

The two delivered the food that night, from a robust turkey to stuffing to cranberry sauce and desserts. To the teachers’ surprise, the bruised and swollen mother had just arrived back at the house, driven there by an off duty nurse. The thankfulness of the mom and children touched the teachers’ hearts, but what pulled tears from their eyes was when the little grandma walked quietly to each, brushed a crooked brown finger over their foreheads and prayed a blessing in Spanish over them. As the teachers made their way back to their cars, the young girl came running out after them. “I’ll never forget this,” she murmured as she hugged them both.

The year passed and the young girl moved away from the teachers’ lives when her mom packed them up and moved to another town, leaving the father behind to serve his jail sentence.

Her teacher was thrilled when almost twenty years after the Thanksgiving incident, the young girl, now a young woman, found her long ago teacher on Facebook. They exchanged joyful messages back and forth and the teacher was happy to see pictures of her former student’s husband and their new baby, of her graduation from nursing school, and the pictures of her working in her new job at a hospital.  

And this week, in the teacher’s inbox, was a message with a picture attached. It was a picture of a Thanksgiving feast, boxed and delivered by the young woman to the porch of a run- down house. The message read, “I remember. I do.”

76 comments:

  1. It saddens me to know that people experience hardship, fear, and brutality every day. tI gladdens me to know that there are so many loving and caring people in the world like the the girl, her mother, and grandmother, the teachers, and the nurse. You are the teacher... if not literally, then figuratively. :) Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Anita: Truly, I believe there are more good people than not in this world. And thank you- have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  2. Such a beautiful story, absolutely, heart breaking and beautiful. Thank god for people who care.

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    1. Linda: Acts of kindness have a way of multiplying and perpetuating themselves. The young girl here has really figured this out. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. I believe you were the teacher; what a wonderful story of ashes to beauty in this young girl's life; I believe God's hand was all over her. What a wonderful story to share this Thanksgiving! I hope you and yours have the most thankful of days Shelly!

    betty

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    1. betty: Thank you, my friend, and I send those same warm Thanksgiving wishes to you!

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  4. So inspiring story. Love it. Nice to remember person who have helped us in difficult situations.

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    1. Weekend-Windup: A grateful heart goes a long way. Thank you for visiting!

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  5. This brought tears...a flood of tears. Being that my daughter was a beaten wife for decades because of a drunk for a husband...I felt the pain for the mother, and the daughter as a witness.

    WE GIVE THANKS...and we do remember. To some this may have been considered just charity...but charity is Giving of the Heart. It's not pity!! A helping hand goes a long way...and through all the years...remembrance is a pay it forward such as your story.

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    1. HOOTIN ANNI: I'm so very sorry your daughter had to endure that, and what a horror of pain it must have been for you to have to witness. And you're right- this was not pity at all, but a hand up. Sometimes that's all folks need. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  6. Paying it forward, Shelly - there's no better feeling. Anyone who follows the news knows that domestic violence escalates around the holidays. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and find a tragic end to your story, but this one has a happy ending as a girl from a troubled and desperate family makes good, remembers how a single act of kindness can transform lives, and gives something back.

    Thank you, dear friend. I wish you and your family a safe, happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!

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    1. Shady: Hello, my friend! No better feeling, indeed! This young girl now has it so cemented in her that I am excited to see what comes next, how she expands this (I just have a feeling she will).

      I hope this Thanksgiving is filled with family, food, and fun for you and yours!

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  7. This is a great story but so very true in today's world. Domestic violence is a major issue especially within communities who don't mix with others, have language barriers and don't know how the UK systems work.

    Those teachers taught the girl a wonderful lesson in life, and she carried it on by providing food for others on Thanksgiving in return. In fact, she started a good trend because when you are in situations like that, you're more likely to remember what was done to help you out.
    What a good read Shelly.

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    1. Rum Punch: I am elated she overcame all the bad in her life with good, and that she's allowing herself to grow in good!

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  8. Once I was lamenting to my mother-in-law that I didn't know how to repay those whose generosity had touched my life in profound ways. I wanted to do for them what they had done for me. She told me, "You are that person for someone else. Generosity is paid forward."

    This story will stick with me, Shelly. I hope I can stop crying by the time my kids get up this morning! ;) Have a blessed Thanksgiving, friend.

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    1. Amy: And you pay it forward in spades, my friend. A wise woman, your mother in law. May your Thanksgiving be the best yet!

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  9. Waaaaaaah! This is so sweet. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie: Thank you, friend! I return the same warm wishes to you!

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  10. Oh Shelly, I cried reading this! You were the teacher, right? Either way a heartwarming story fabulously told.

    xx Jazzy

    PS Thank you for your great comment over on mine, means so much to me, coming from you as a teacher x

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    1. jazzygal: Well, yes, I was the teacher, but she is such an amazing human being I wanted to spotlight how she turned awful into good. Thank you, my friend!

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  11. Shelly, I also cried. This is a wonderful story and it is great that she remembered and paid to forward. It is special when you realize that you did indeed the lives as an educator.

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    1. Mountaingmom: So true- that is the ultimate reward as a teacher, isn't it? Makes everything worthwhile!

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  12. Such a heartwarming story that illustrated the true joy of giving at this special time of year, and so beautifully written, which I've come to expect from you. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Stephen: Thank you, my friend- Happy Thanksgiving!

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  13. Oh my goodness. What a beautiful story to share and what a lovely ending. I know that teacher was you and I rejoice that you and your student were re-connected. That is one of the best things about Facebook!

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    1. Nonnie: I was thrilled when she found me on FB. What a great tool that is! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  14. A wonderful story of love and caring, of perseverance, and thanksgiving as the young woman passes the love and caring along to someone else in need.

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    1. vanilla: The best way to heal, I think, is to pass on goodness to others. And thank you for the lovely Thanksgiving ecard. Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours!

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  15. No fair. you forgot to give me a tissue-needed warning. What an inspiring story. I wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Carol: Thank you! And a wonderful Thanksgiving to you!

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  16. It's a sad story, but also heart-warming. Thanks for sharing it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Yours!

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    1. Linda: I am thrilled that her life has taken such a wonderful turn. I know you all have already celebrated Thanksgiving there, but I hope the spirit and happiness from it continue on for you!

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  17. Beautiful, Shelly. I am glad you've connected so many years later, and that you have gotten to see this student's success and kindness spreading out like ripples from your own kind and thoughtful action. Thank you for a wonderful story.

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you, my friend- I count it a wonderful blessing to see such a happy outcome in her life. Her perseverance amazes me.

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  18. Beautiful. You made me cry, that was so touching! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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    1. Sherry: Thank you! The happiest of Thanksgivings to you, too!

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  19. Beautifully told story, as always my friend. So sad that some people have to suffer such horror in their lives, but so uplifting that there are people that are more than willing to give them help when they really needed it. How wonderful that they found each other all those years later through facebook :) WOnderful, also, that the student is now happily settled with a family of her own, and hadn't forgotten your act of kindness all those years before. Good to see you here today Shelly.

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    1. thisisme: I am so inspired by those who have the worst in life, yet produce good and don't quit. I was thrilled we reconnected on FB and look forward to hearing many good things from her in years to come.

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  20. Thank You Lord for people who reach out and help others. They will be blessed. Sometimes there seems like so much sadness that happens and then an angels appears. Thank You Lord for angels on earth.

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    1. Christine: And I'm so thankful for those who allow the Lord to use alongside his real angels. This girl is one. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  21. Another one of your beautifully told stories, Shelly. A story with an important message as seems to be the case with many of your wonderful stories. One positive thing about Facebook is the reconnecting with some people from your past. (Not all, of course. :-) ) Just yesterday morning I received a special message from someone from my past. This person was sharing something from forty years ago. Please keep us posted, I am so happy this one had a happy ending. Happy Thanksgiving Shelly!

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    1. Cindy: It is such a special thing when those old, dormant connections are revived and their richness grows. Thank you, my friend, and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  22. Okay. Now that is the true meaning of Thanksgiving (and love) (and paying it forward)...she says as she wipes her eyes and blows her nose. Bless you. Happy Thanksgiving!! :)

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    1. Rita: Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving and may sweet Karma have her fill of turkey!

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  23. What a tear jerker of a tale, it is stories like this that touch me and make me think of my nanna .who would what the teacher did and how cool is it that the child grew up to remember the kindness

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    1. Jo-Anne: From what you've shared of your nanna, I know she would have. This girl is such an inspiration!

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  24. I hate to know there are people out there hurting like that. It seems to be a success story though. I know there has to be more in all countries. Were you the teacher? sandie

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    1. Sandie: Yes, I was the teacher, and am so blessed to know her and her new family. Great things are coming from her! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  25. Now, I'm bawling. What a beautiful love filled Christian woman you are Shelly. You walk the talk. You live the Gospel.
    This story makes me a little more thankful, that's for sure.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Shelly!

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    1. Jamie: This girl has certainly turned what was so horrible into a wonderful life. I just love her perseverance. And a wonderful Thanksgiving to you, my friend!

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  26. This story breaks my heart and then lifts it up in love. I'm thankful that this child was so brave to tell her story. Many many suffer in silence, not trusting anyone with their pain. What a kind, generous, meaningful gift to give that family. People of deep faith don't hesitate when they are called to help. And while the social workers, police, doctors and nurses were all very important in that story, it was the teacher who made the long term impact. The teacher was able to step out of the role of the official profession and act as a spiritual human being concerned with the emotional impact on the family. What a healing gift to bring to that family, and now to all of us.

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    1. Jenny: It was really such a small thing, in the grand scheme of it all, but I'm so glad it took root in her heart and that she is now passing it on. Even a little kindness can take root in big ways. Thank you, my friend, and I hope you all have the most wonderful of Thanksgivings!

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  27. What an uplifting story. At first my hear was in my throat. As I read it it made me realize that hard work can have results and yes America can give us our dreams and results of hard work. Yay
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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    1. Munir: So true, my friend! A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours~

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  28. Hi Shelly,

    I have tears in my eyes. This is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Maria: Thank you, friend. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  29. Dearest Shelly;
    Wow, what a BEAUTIFUL story for Thanksgiving Day, my friend! The kindness while one was in hardship won't be forgotten and how wonderful Facebook worked liked that. I've read another case of finding old friends among the blog friend. It sure must be the pro's side for the SNS. Although you might guess we don't pay much attention to Thanksgiving Giving Day, it was great for me to know the history of your country☆☆☆
    Blessings to all of your family to this special day; Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, Miyako*

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    1. orchis Miyako: There are so many out there who are less fortunate, my dear friend, and I wish I'd thought to do more sooner for this girl, but she is certainly passing on a very small kindness in a big way now. I hope you are resting and recuperating from your recent sorrows. Blessings to you and yours! xo

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  30. A beautiful story from a beautiful soul. Thank you!

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  31. I love this. There's a saying I like, it goes, "People won't remember what you said, they'll remember how you made them feel". You made me feel very grateful for all of the advantages I've been blessed with. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving, Shelly.

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    1. The Chicken's Consigliere: Thank you! I, too, feel emphatically grateful for all the blessings in my life. I hope your Thanksgiving was terrific~

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  32. Beautiful Shelly. I haven't visited in too long. My internal voice is saying "Bad Blogger, Bad Blogger" :)

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    1. Rick: Good to see you, friend! Bad blogger? Never! And thank you~

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  33. Why do your posts always move me so, my friend? This was so touching. I love the quiet way your write, with the unexpected twists and stirring endings. Thank goodness that little girl grew up to finish her schooling, become a nurse, get married and become a mother, and is passing along the blessing bestowed upon her. Just beautiful.

    On an unrelated note, this new post did not show up on my computer. I've been checking your blog for the past several days to see what you've been up to, and your November 10th post kept appearing as your latest post. I thought that maybe you were on vacation. The only reason I got to this November 25th post is because I clicked on your name when you posted on my blog today. I will clear the cookies on my computer because maybe I have your blog cataloged specifically for your November 10th post?? Yo no se. Either way, I'm glad I was able to see this new post and I'll continue checking in on your frequently.

    Happy Sunday. Be well.

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    1. Janette Dolores: Oh, friend, thank you so much for letting me know and for persevering! Please let me know if it continues to happen as it may be happening to others, as well. And this girl is so special, in the way she hasn't let bitterness in, in how she overcame the bad, and in how she is a light bearer. Thank you!

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    2. What a lovely Thanksgiving remembrance, and thank you for sharing it with everyone here. That young woman, as a nurse, is going to find a lot of women in the same situation as her mom was. She will in turn be able to pay it forward.

      By the way, I saw that movie "Pay It Forward" and it was great.

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    3. Lorna: She truly is paying it forward, and it is such a wonderful thing to see. BTW- I was so excited to see you Naomi Shihab Nye quote on your post- I've known her since I was in high school and she's amazing!

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  34. Why, oh why do you always make me cry with your blog posts! *runs for a Kleenex*

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    1. Lydia: She surely made me cry when she sent me that picture- what an amazing person she is.

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  35. I never fail to read your posts without being overcome by emotion...shared this one all over the place Shelly...your words always move my heart...

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    1. Cathy: Thank you so much, Cathy! Truth be told, I've been getting a little discouraged about blogging lately, and thisand these other kind comments really made my day!

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  36. Goodness, I'm late to the story, but it was so uplifting! I am so touched to hear how the acts of kindness shared by you and your friend were and are being payed forward. It is the circle of life we need to perpetuate!
    Hugs dear friend...

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    1. Sush: Thank you, friend! So true- the only way to see more good happening in this world is to do good ourselves. I love how it multiplies. Hugs back to you!

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    2. I'm just starting to get caught up on reading after some time away -- and am so glad not to have missed this beautiful story! What a joy to see that kindness led to kindness all those years later and that the young girl never forgot. What a touching, heart-warming end to a harrowing tale.

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    3. Dr. Kathy: i am proud beyond words of this young woman- she's going to make a difference in this world!

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