Gratitude link-up

Serene is doing a link-up on gratitude, and I would be soooooo unappreciative if I did not offer my thoughts.  In fact, even as I write this, I cannot begin to think of just one experience when someone has touched my life through an act of kindness.  There are so many.  So many good deeds that I have been on the end of receiving.  It brings such humble feelings to my heart.

It was the year that Aaron was diagnosed with MS, Kai was born, and I began a new job as an apartment manager in a very neglected complex (all within 4 months).  It was a hard rainy season in Seattle and just leaving to make deposits in the bank during my stressful life was a challenge in itself. 

One day I received a knock on the door, and there a delivery man stood with groceries.  My very best friend Mary (living in China) had ordered groceries for me online to be delivered so I wouldn't have to leave the house.  There were bananas and cereal and diapers and milk and eggs, etc.  RIGHT when I was just about out of all those items.  Our friendship has always been via email since we live so far away, and although we often spill our heart out, she never would have known how much that gift to me would mean in that exact moment.  It still brings me to tears thinking about it. 

We have received Christmas gifts when no one knew we were struggling.  I have received cards and meals and drop-by visits from friends just to see how I was holding up.  I have received support in dire medical situations.  Such love. 

And I am so very very thankful, and hope that I have...or will someday pass my gratitude along by showing such kindness as well.