By AMY SHANKLAND
Sandwiched
It’s easy to feel like so many people are just, well … evil. Especially with what is being done to the poor people of Ukraine and other countries around the world. But now more than ever, I believe most people are good. Okay, I know they are.
I know it thanks to:
- The numerous texts, messages, emails, and calls I’ve gotten just to check in with me after my mom’s death to make sure I’m okay.
- The dozens of cards lining our corner table in the dining room. I’ve read each of them slowly, at least twice, and I’ll read them one more time before I lovingly store them in a memory box.
- The gorgeous flowers, both real and artificial, surrounded by those beautiful cards. It’s two weeks later and, believe it or not, this gal with a black thumb has kept the real ones alive! I think they must be sprinkled with magic or something.
- The meals and other thoughtful gifts friends and family have dropped off or sent to me. As I type, my precious lily of the valley is starting to rise up from the soil in the front and side of my house. This year, Mom’s favorite flowers will surround a beautiful stone with a poem, a gift I’ll treasure for decades to come.
- The muscle provided by a dear friend who helped my husband and I move items out of Mom’s apartment. In the cold. And the rain. (Yes, it’s April in Indiana.) My sons couldn’t help due to their schoolwork/classes and my siblings are … um … older than me. My brother and sister helped pack everything up, but they weren’t able to lug the heavy stuff. Thank you, Matt!
- My best friend driving over for the funeral with her daughter and grandson. Having Stacey by my side that morning was an added comfort. And her insistence on picking up the tab for lunch was unexpected and moving. Speaking of …
- The manager and wait staff at Hacienda in 100 Center in Mishawaka going above and beyond to host our 30+ group of people after the funeral. Their website said they weren’t able to host large groups, but we called and explained how Mom loved going there and how we wanted to toast her with margaritas. Their manager, Laurie, said to come on in. They did a great job.
- And, finally, thank you to my cousin Kenny for treating each table to a liter of said margaritas and for taking/sharing photos at the viewing and funeral. I always knew how kind you were, but you went above and beyond.
I’ve been so inspired by everyone’s kindness over the past few weeks. I’ll strive to be one of those good people, each and every moment, for the rest of my life.