A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

October 13, 2013

No card. Just Frogs and Good Samaritans Who Made Moving a Moving Event

Hi there!

Before I tell you about the good Samaritans, I wanted to share something frivolous, but sweet.  Six years ago, when I was in the hospital recovering from one thing or another, my grandsons arrived and brought me a stuffed animal to keep me company.  It was a large green frog because they knew Bama loves frogs.  We aptly named him Froggie:
I slept with Froggie every night afterwards for three years until my sister's husband died.  When I went to her, I took Froggie with me.  When I left to go back home, I left him with her, to keep her company.
 
Over the phone, I told Mister what I was doing.  He knew how much Froggie meant to me,  so he quickly got online to find me another one and he did find one on eBay.  By the time I got home from my sister's, my new Froggie was waiting for me!  What a sweet Mister I have!
 
Fast forward three more years and last week when I went back to sister's, I brought my new Froggie with me.  I thought it would be fun for the two frogs to meet each other.  They got along famously!

Yes, that's right, I'm a child.  Ya gotta love me!

~~~

Good Samaritans

So here is the story of the moving event which happened to my sister while she was preparing for the event of moving.  Aren't words fun? 
 
The back story, as I mentioned, is that my sister Doris's husband died suddenly three years ago.  Then my sister Donna's husband died in February this year after a long illness.  (These ladies are both young at only 60 and 61 years of age.)  They decided to live together in Donna's home and so Doris put her home on the market last March.  As the months went by with very little buyer interest, Doris managed her house and yard, keeping both pristine for showing, but it was difficult as the months dragged on.  For her, the hardest thing was living by herself.
 
As summer ended, the prime time for selling houses passed and winter loomed, so Doris lowered the price on her home substantially.  Within two days, the home sold.  A week later the United States government shut down which meant that the buyer's efforts to obtain a federally-funded mortgage came to a standstill.  Which meant the sale of Doris's home after all those months came to a standstill.

It was just the sort of bad luck that happened to Doris.  Personally, I happen to believe that luck plays a minor role in what happens to us and that most of the bad luck or good luck that happens is more about choices we make than it is about luck.  Having said that, however, I have to say that for my sister Doris, if it weren't for bad luck, she wouldn't have any luck at all.  She has been Joe Btfsplk in the comic strip of her life.
 
All that changed for my sister during the huge life-changing event of selling her home.
 
First of all, it turns out that since the buyers had already been given a loan number when everything shut down, their loan proceeded and was approved.  We could hardly believe the good news!

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Secondly, cue the angels.

In order to sell a home, the bank requires that it be appraised.  In due course, a husband and wife team of appraisers named Gene and Shelly showed up at Doris's house to conduct the appraisal for the sale.  Although they were total strangers, they were friendly folks.  They got to talking and Doris shared that she was a widow, living on social security, and moving north 400 miles to live with her sister.
 
On the spot, Gene told Doris that he and his friends would come and help her load up her belongings in the truck or pods she was renting.  They would do this for her for free.  "Yeah, right," my sister thought. 
 
A few days later Gene called to say that he had been thinking about how much stuff my sister had and that he thought his large trailer would hold all her belongings.  He said he would be happy to move her, for free, if my sister would pay for the gas.  (My sister had gotten estimates of well over a thousand dollars for moving.)

"Yeah, right," my sister thought, "What's the catch?  What's in it for him?"
 
Skeptical myself, and protective, I Googled Gene.  He looked legit as an appraiser.  Still, I'll admit that I also thought, "Yeah, right!"  Especially since there wasn't anything worth stealing, we all wondered, "Who does that?"

I mean, a lot of us are good people.  A lot of us quietly participate in random acts of kindness on a regular basis.  But this wasn't just a RAK, at least not in the way I think of a RAK.  This wasn't watching a friend's child for a few hours, or bringing a meal to a friend who's recuperating, or offering a ride to a coworker.  Good deeds we do for people we know. 
 
~~~
 
This was a couple of strangers spending the better part of several days lifting and carrying heavy objects.  Going back and forth and back and forth to load a trailer they were providing for free. 
 
This was driving their truck, pulling a large trailer, for the better part of another whole day.
 
This was followed immediately by more lifting and carrying heavy objects as they went back and forth and back and forth to unload the trailer, truck, and car. 
 
Then this was simply hugs all around and goodbye. 

This was huge.
 
~~~
 
Oh, and did I mention that because Doris was unable to keep Rusty, her beloved rescue dog which she had for six years, Gene and Shelly took him and made him a part of their family of four other rescue dogs?

Oh, and did I mention that Gene and Shelly were not an old retirement couple with nothing to do.  This couple was young, in their mid-forties.
 
Oh, and did I mention that all these people were perfect strangers just three weeks ago?!
 
Gene and Shelly have touched us all deeply. 

First-hand, we learned about trust. 
We learned about having faith in someone's words. 
We learned about true charity. 
Yummy ribbon of thanks!
These perfect strangers will always have a place in my heart as living angels and good Samaritans.  They left me with a resolve to be a better person to those around me, even to strangers. 

They reinforced my belief in the Golden Rule and how awesome the world would be if we all lived by these simple, simple words: 

"Treat others as you would like to be treated."


~~~

Here we are, three goofy sisters:

Doris, Donna, Darnell
~~~

And here is a picture of the sunrise I captured through the window at the airport on the day of my departure for home. 
It was a beautiful omen of the new chapter just starting in the lives of both of these dear sisters.

~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*  
 
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower!

 
 
*Life Is Too Short!

65 comments:

Ardyth said...

WOW! Isn't it nice to be reminded that there are amazing people like Gene and Shelly! I think most of us in our own little ways try to make the world a better place - these two are extra special! Looks like Doris' luck has changed for the good!

Redanne said...

What an absolutely beautiful story Darnell, I felt quite moved reading it. How wonderful that couple were, a true act of kindness and generosity indeed. I am so pleased for your sisters and lovely for you too to know that they are settled.

Froggies look fabulous together too. Big hugs, Annie xx

Indy's Designs said...

In a world full of horrible deeds, it is refreshing to hear such a story full of generosity and trust. Thank you for sharing and making me think about how I can be a better person.
Hugs,
Debbie

P.S. Love those froggies!

Anonymous said...

Funny this afternoon I was just over at Fascinating Fridays leaving a little note to say how much of an inspiration you have been to me and then you go and pop up. Well done on that thoroughly deserved. What an amazing story and a wonderful happy end. Gorgeous photo of the 3D's and those cute little froggies. So lovely to have you back and thank you for your most generous words you made me blush.

Marie

Dianne said...

Oh my dear Darnell, my heart is bursting, first you have me laughing out loud to see those cute froggies, my sister in England and I have mooses that I always bring with me,I got mine from a dear friend in England, he's a Scottish moose named Duncan, I thought we were the only nutters with stuff toys LOL :O), now your story about the good Samaritan made me soooo happy and all teared up. I worked in the community, with the poor and abused, I met a lot of Angels, it's been years since I've worked, so this just made my thanksgiving weekend, PERFECT story for it, I'm so thankful I found you at WOYWW, you have made me smile, laugh, every time I visit, and always a lot of inspiration, and a lot of sharing, I think your one of those Angels, you look like one, BIG HUGS and a BIG THANK YOU !!!!!

Jean said...

What a heartwarming story ~ thanks so much for sharing!

Carole said...

What a wonderful story about Froggie's. The Universe and all it's magic brought Gene and Shelly to your sister's door...probably guided by the dear heart Darnell. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Carole

Lunch Lady Jan said...

How wonderful to hear of such generosity, in time, support and thoughtfulness. This story just makes you want to be a better person....
Hugs, LLJ xxx

Kate said...

That is a fabulous story Darnell thanks for sharing its great to know that there really are GOOD people out there.
Kate xx

Colleen said...

God is Good and He is spreading His mercy and compassion to you and your sisters...what a beautiful story, Darnell! Thank you for sharing it with us on your blog...it has touched my heart, knowing there is such great acts of kindness out there in the world.

Suze Bain said...

Oh Lordy Darnell, Your froggy story was so lovely but then when I read Doris' story It brought a tear to my eye. Gene and Shelley are angels indeed. Xx

Cathy said...

Such an amazing story, it's wonderful to know that there are still such kind and wonderful people in the world. Glad your sisters are settled. The froggie pics are gorgeous too :) Cathy x

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Darnell, thanks so much for sharing these stories. It seems sometimes we only hear about meanness in this world. I hope your sisters will be very happy with their new adventure!

Sue - said...

What a beautiful story - it brought a tear to my eye. It's so nice to know that there really are some truly kind people in this world. Unfortunately we usually only hear the bad stories and not the good ones!

Sue said...

Oh my goodness Darnell. I am so pleased I stopped by to look at your blog tonight.
First of all I was crying and laughing reading about your frogs and seeing the wonderful photos. Then to read about the kindness shown to your sisters, well that has really lifted my spirits. Thank you so much for sharing this happy event with us.
The photo of you with your sisters is beautiful, I tell just by looking at your genuine smiley faces how loving and caring you all are. The stunning photo of the sunrise ends your post perfectly.
hugs Sue xx

Kim Heggins said...

Beautiful photos Darnell and the sweetest stories too. It is always nice to hear such wonderful stories about angels. It restores faith in the world around us, thank you so much for sharing.

Joyce said...

This is a really heartwarming story. It makes me happy to know that there are people in the world like that.

Unknown said...

What an amazing story Dippy, but it just confirms that good people attract good deeds.......although this was way over and above the norm. It certainly makes my heart warm that your sister was given such generosity. For some reason the three of you will be known as the Three D(gree)s! lol Love the Froggies (how wonderful is Mister.....). Is it just my imagination or is one Froggie bigger than the other?

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Sammy said...

And then there are days when your faith in humanity is completely restored... How wonderful Darnell, it is so good to know there are still people out there willing to go through such trouble for a complete stranger! x

April said...

What a great story. :-) Thank you for sharing - sometimes we humans aren't so bad after all. ;-)
April

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. That is an amazing story that renews the faith in the goodness of others. How generous of Gene and Shelly to adopt your sister's dog ... and for Gene and his friends to move your sister 400 miles away. True selflessness!

Also loved the story of your beloved froggie and how you gave him up so that he could be with your sister - very touching. And your Mister is so special to find you a replacement. It's nice that the froggies got to meet ... they look like they will be life long friends. Lolly xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Oh my what amazing and heartwarming story, thank you for sharing. The couple that helped your sister are angels on earth. Such wonderful people to do so much for a stranger and even adopt her beloved rescue dog. Best wishes to your widowed sisters and it's wonderful that they can enjoy the companionship of each other. Cheers, Shirleyxx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

oops in all the excitement I forgot to say how much I enjoyed the 'froggie' story as well :) funny !!!

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Oh Darnell - your story is so moving - I had to reach for the tissues. What a selfless thing to do - Shelly and Gene are angels.
The story of the two Froggies is wonderful too,(more tissues required)!
Sending big hugs to you and your Sisters - Sylvia xxx

scrappymo! said...

Oh my goodness Darnell...I have goosebumps reading that lovely story of your sister and how her luck has changed!
I think that wonderful sky is an taste of more lovely days to come for her in her new life...

Lisa Elton said...

Thanks for this beautiful and very moving story Darnell. I don't call it luck. I know it's a blessing and these people are examples of angels who walk this earth. Love your froggies too, so sweet!

Bonnie said...

What a heartwarming story, Darnell! I'm so glad that Doris has the move behind her and I pray that this is the beginning of the best years of her life. I hope Froggie 2 didn't insist on staying with Froggie 1. They look like pretty good friends.

Unknown said...

What a lovely story! I am so happy for both your sisters and for you, too. It's great to hear that there are still wonderful people in the world. And I am happy for Rusty, too!

Kay Miller said...

Well I started out laughing right out loud about the two Froggies, then I ended up with tears in my eyes over the good samaritans. That was quite the story Darnell. Very touching. It's so nice to hear there are genuinely kind and good people like that out there.

Harriet Skelly said...

Fabulous story Darnell - I love to read stories like this. I am so happy for your sister and also her dog!!

Sue from Oregon said...

oh this did my heart good to read such a wonderful story...thanks so much for sharing!!!

Jacquie Southas said...

Thanks for sharing this story Darnell - I'm lucky enough to be married to a guy like Gene, so know that sometimes people do really just jump in and help when they see a need. I also have 3 sisters & love seeing you & yours there for each other. And the froggies are just adorable together - so glad they met :)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post Darnell-For your kindness leaving Mr Froggie-to the kindness of those two unknown friends.Life can be so cruel at times,but it can be so beautiful and fiends can come in many different forms.I met someone totally by chance when I adopted my little Jay.Her mother had just died and she needed to walk,to have some time to think-while she walked she found a little scrap of a dog shivering and starving in the snow being abused by a gang of youths.She tackled those youths and talked them into letting her take the dog.She couldn't take it home,so took it to a rescue-where I was on the fosterers list.I fetched the dog and took it home to feed it and gain it's trust before it would be ready to be adopted....that little scrap of a thing was my Jay-and the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was my heart dog and we would be together forever-and that lady was called Sandy,and has become my very bestest friend ever :)We talk everyday,and she drives for hours to visit Jay.From the sadness of her Mom's passing-came the new life for Jay,and a lifelong friendship between two strangers :)
I am glad your sisters dog has found a lovely home,and that your sister has gained two lovely friends :)
Have a fabulous day,Nessa xx

Squirrel said...

What a wonderful story Darnell, and a delightful photo of the 3 of you.

(My DH and I are just as batty about our "boys" as well!)
Rosey x

shirley-bee said...

What a heartwarming tale, Darnell! It restores your faith in human nature to hear stories like this. Love the Froggie couple, they look so happy with each other, as do you three sisters :)

Gerrina said...

Sometimes ther are good people that come on our path just as we need them... We shouldn treasure them... Inky greetings, Gerrina

Brenda in IN said...

I am so happy for your sisters being able to live together and be there for each other. How wonderful there are such terrific people like Gene and Shelly. It's a shame we have to be suspicious when someone offers to do a good deed. That was so nice that they even took her dog. I love your froggy, what a sweet gift from the grandsons and how kind of you to give it to your sister. Thank you for the nice comments on my blog. Age is just a number. You and your sisters look so youthful and happy.

Karen P said...

This brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes Darnell, but then you know I'm a soppy old bat! It is so nice to see that there are still some really good and really nice peeps out there. I am so glad your two sisters are settled now and will be happy in each others company xx

Chris Dring said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes when reading it! What a wonderful grandson you have, and what amazing people Gene and Shelly are to help your sister out in such a huge way! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Those froggies do look so at home and comfortable with one another Darnell ... such a lovely story! What true goodness Gene and Shelly shared with your sister ... and with you ... and with all of us, thanks to you. Wishing your sisters joyful times together! Anita :)

Geri said...

I'm blown away by this story. Renews my faith in the goodness of mankind and really, REALLY makes me think about what I need to do to pay it forward!

Love the frogs - you sure know how to make me smile!

Geri said...

Awesome picture - three beautiful, smiling faces - sisters rock!

Carol L said...

This is the most heart-warming story I've heard in ages! You three all look so much alike!! Thank heaven for earth angels!!

Marie Bingaman said...

Darnit Darnell, this post made me cry! What sweet, sweet people. God bless them! :)

Shannon J said...

Oh Darnell! I have been away for a few weeks, and frantically trying to catch up (I am so behind), and what a treat it was to stumble upon this post! I got goosebumps reading it - first with Froggie (what a beautiful story) and then with Gene and Shelly. I too, would have been cynical (isn't that sad?!), but it's people like them who restore our faith in mankind, especially when so often it seems impossible to restore. SUCH good people making such a difference in a stranger's life. Thank you so much for sharing such a heartwarming story and I am so happy that your sister had a visit from these sweet angels!

Nan G said...

So good to hear the move went well, thanks to the ...good Samaritans! And you know how I feel about frogs! These are adorable! Hugs from Froggy Designs :) lol

Susanne Vargas said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! There are some good people in this world! And welcome back! Thanks also for the pictures of the cute frogs and the equally cute sisters!

Lindsey said...

What beautiful stories. Thanks so much for sharing. My spirits have been lifted.

Unknown said...

Such lovely stories and it's so refreshing to hear of the good deeds of others. I hope your sisters will be happy sharing a home together.

Anonymous said...

Best story all week !!!
So happy that you, your sisters, her dog, & your froggies all got the happy ending that you all deserve!!!
Such kindness by perfect strangers completely restores my faith in humanity --- which at times can be shaken!!
It's so honorable to help another when you can & are able. :)) :))
You are all blessed!!

Jessi Fogan said...

I have tears in my eyes, Darnell. What an amazing gift to have met Gene & Shelly - I can't even fathom how much it must have meant to Doris to have such a place for her dog, let alone all the other help they provided. WOW. Thank you so much for sharing this with us - and maybe prompting us all to try and do something within our means to help a stranger.

Karen M said...

What a beautiful post Darnell and it's lovely that people like gene and sally still exist - I wish them and your sisters every happiness for the future:) I love your froggie story and the photos really made me laugh - they are sooooo cute:) Lovely card too - hugs xx

Karen M said...

ps. oops sorry - that should be gene and shelly.....(forgive me)

RosA said...

Lovely story Darnell. I hope your sisters are enjoying themselves now with all the worry of moving etc behind them. There's a quote I am trying to recall about the "kindness of strangers" ... true in this case.
RosA

Andrea said...

wow what a lovely story darnell it just goes to show that the world is not all bad and there are still some beautiful people around,who warm our hearts,I'm so pleased it all went so well and even the dog has a new home !..that's not luck !...its put a smile on my face for work today ,thanks for sharing and best wishes to your sisters I hope it all works out for the best as I think it will. on a more light hearted note the froggies made me LOL fab photos and we are al big kids at heart and they looked so pleased to meet each other one day I will tell you about Harold and friends!... best wishes and hugs Andrea x

Jenny said...

What a lovely story, it's good to be reminded that there are selfless people out there that genuinely want to help :0)
I hope your sisters will be happy together in there home.
Jenny x

Eliza said...

Darnell,

I am not tooting my own trumpet, but this is the world I live in all the time with the charity work that I do. I have teams of people that go out and help people like your sister with no knowledge of them before the day. It is a wonderful world we live in and yes there are truly special people out there that give and need help. Without, saying to much about what they have done, they probably got just as much out of helping by giving than your sister did in receiving and they feel wonderful for it, it is a truly amazing feeling inside to know you have touched someones heart like that and helped them beyond their dreams.

Hugs Eliza

Mrs A. said...

This is a very moving (no pun intended) uplifting story. They are out there amongst us and they see when we are in need. Lovely. Hugs Mrs A.

cm said...

From Froggie sharing and meeting; to the perfect timing of the new owners receiving load approval; to the experience with Gene and Shelly, you have moved me to tears! Generosity, thoughtfulness, acts of kindness from strangers: these things do appear in the world, often when least expected, and most needed! I believe as you do: a new, positive, shining-light beginning for both your sisters. Off to find more tissues...Hugs to you!
c

Anne said...

A truly lovely story.Proving that the world does still have some good in it. Hugs Anne x

Bobby said...

It is so good to read such a heartwarming story. I'm sure your sisters will have many angels in their life and I wish them only the best. I love how you posed the froggies. Even they know that a smile and a hug can make everything all right. Hugs to you.

Greta said...

Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing, Darnell. We always hear the bad & sometimes we forget there really are a lot of good people around us. Love the sister picture & wish your sisters much joy as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

Janelle said...

Such a wonderful post, Darnell. Rather than "luck", I consider such things as "fate" - these things happen for a reason (even if it is to bring someone into your life to fulfill a need). I too had an experience when I drove into the rear of a young girl's car. Her dad came around to sort out the paperwork, and we got talking. It turned out that he was organising a food drive for the farmers out west, who were undergoing a prolonged and drastic drought and they had reached the stage where they were in need of food for themselves and their livestock. As I was a teacher at the time, I was able to organise a food collection in the school and we provided twice the food he had collected. Love your stories and those froggies are adorable. TFS!

MaryH said...

Your froggie story is uplifting to the nth degree. Yes, you do have a sweet DH - hang onto 'im long as you can! I really got a good feeling from this shared angel story, and it's so heartwarming to hear about this kind of behavior when one is bombarded constantly with all the meanness of our world today. Those folks will be in my prayers of thanks for still knowing good people walk this earth. Angels unaware..hmmm. Yes they were. And I wish your 2 sisters the best of happiness in their combined lives & I know you are so thrilled they have each other to help get through life's hurdles. (almost misspelled that one. Can't do that here!!) Thanks again for sharing this wonderful post. Made my day. Hugs

maria f. said...

Woman, I love you!