9/2/09

Psssst....Pass it On.........

It’s the little things in life that make my day.


I was working feverishly at school today, preparing for the 25 young souls who will run through the door on Thursday. I took a few minutes to go to my mailbox to check for yet ANOTHER stack of papers, checklists, class lists and other items that find their way to the rectangular purple tub that bears my name.

Inside was a square envelope, with my name and school address carefully written in beautiful script.

This is what was inside.









It was a lovely and touching note from a woman in a neighboring community. She wanted to thank me for writing the monthly column that she so enjoys.


It touched me. It reminded me about little things I neglect. I am sending at least two cards out to friends.


It’s called paying it forward.


Sometimes I just need a gentle reminder.

61 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fan mail! Today a card in your box, tomorrow sack loads of letters? Who knows, maybe you will have thousands of adoring fans waiting to catch a glimpse of you outside the school gates shouting for your autograph. Maybe you will be so famous you will get rich enough never to have to worry about money again!!!

Boozy Tooth said...

Rock on Vodka Mom.

Knowing you has paid me fabulous dividends! Now, if only I could cash them in!

Gayle said...

This world lacks random kindness. Glad you were on the receiving end. Tell Sassy to cut you some slack. You're too busy to deal with her being bitchy.

Sue said...

I just watched that older movie, "Pay It Forward" the other night. Unfortunately, I forgot about the sad ending, but it was still a good message. "Paying it Forward" is something I strongly believe in. After all, we all really need each other these days. Would love to have the link to your column some day when you have time. You should be very proud of yourself right now! Have a good school year with your babies!! Take care.

Amy said...

There's nothing quite like a handwritten note, is there? I make a habit out of sending them. It may be old fashioned, but I think it's a fashion that needs to be kept in style. Good for you for paying it forward. Your heart is as big as your sass. (No...I didn't misspell "ass.")

SkylersDad said...

You are awesome! You deserve all the accolades in the world.

Sprite's Keeper said...

That is so sweet! And SO deserved! If people only knew truly knew you, the tub would be filling every hour.
xoxo

IB said...

I try to remember to reach out and say thanks but I'm sure I don't do it often enough. Good reminder. Thanks!

IB

Vodka Logic said...

And soon little hugs and thanks from your students.. Well done

xx

Sandee said...

Now that's a very nice surprise indeed. Yep, we all need a reminder now and then.

Have a terrific day. :)

Ladybird World Mother said...

Lovely... will pass it on too. x

Jenni said...

That is a VERY nice surprise...especially during these crazy back to school days!

Unknown said...

how very awesome is THAT! You deserve lots of those thank you cards

PippaD said...

There must be something in the water something similar happened on another blog I read!

Unknown said...

Doesn't stuff like that make it all worthwhile?

You bet your bippy it does...

Peace - Rene

Unknown said...

Gosh! I just love it! Why can't everyone do stuff like this? It is one thing I do pride myself on. I rock at sending Thank You letters/cards. So fun for you!

Carolyn...Online said...

I think we forget the joy of receiving a handwritten letter. And a letter just to say, "Thanks, I love what you do" must be the best part of your day.

You deserve it.

Mango Girl said...

We all need gentle reminders!

I love letters via snail mail, or purple tubs!

Mrs. E said...

I need that reminder, too! Hope you have a wonderful school year with the little people!

Brian Miller said...

very cool. it is the little things like that, that make it all worth it. it probably only took her a few minutes to write 9not to take away from it) but we don't take the time to do it enough. well deserved. hope you have a great time witht he kiddos!

blognut said...

Go you! Letters rock.

Now I suppose you want my address?

Yeah, just kidding! :)

Suzy said...

And by Gentle Reminders you mean a bottle of vodka, right?

Angie Ledbetter said...

Best part? Those kindnesses always come back multiplied. (((VM)))

Captain Dumbass said...

I love cards. I recently sent my sister little card that said "douchebag" on it in flowing.

It's the little things that sat 'I love you' best.

Ash said...

Aww - I love that she took the time to send you a note. A dying art I'm afraid.

Maybe we should start a movement? Bring back handwriting!!

Wait, can bloggers do that?

You rock :-)

buffalodick said...

If you're only going to learn two words of a language make them "Please" and "Thank-you"...

Little Ms Blogger said...

How great is that!

It's unfortunate that our society is quick to jump all over people when they've done something and forget to thank them when they've done something that touches them positively.

Keyona said...

So sweet! I think I will send a few cards to friends. Paying it forward as well....

Keyona said...

So sweet! I think I will send a few cards to friends. Paying it forward as well....

Everyday Goddess said...

Nothing like snail mail!
I like it even more when there's a Benjamin in the envelope.

Ann Imig said...

Good reminder. xo

Hit 40 said...

Hand written notes are priceless. I keep all of my thank you notes from students in my drawer at work to bring me good karma and wishes when I am feeling down.

Lynn said...

Looks handmade, too!
I'm certain you deserve it and much more.
Ready or not, HERE THEY COME!!!
I ow down to your teacheryness. Now that mine's over, I can't figure out how I did it all!

cheatymoon said...

So so sweet! Awesome of you to share your gift with us. :-)

Anonymous said...

Definetly pay it forward and you will get twice as back! :)

for a different kind of girl said...

That is truly the sweetest thing. I still have all the notes and cards readers sent me when I reported and worked at a weekly newspaper. It was stunning to realize just how much their moment of kindness could really lift a particularly bad day. I'd sometimes pull them out to read them again if I was down. I love your paying it forward idea and will definitely do the same thing!

KMcJoseph said...

Nice!

Beth said...

Adding this to my To Do list for tomorrow...

Sharon Rose said...

Thanks for the reminder that a note in the mail can make a day, a week, even a life so much better!

You do rock! I love your heart!
Now could you go back in time and be my Jody's teacher?

Thanks for making the best memories for these beautiful children who are about to join your class for the year!

Desert Songbird said...

How nice that someone recognized your gift to them. And how very wonderful that you recognize that you can "pass it on."

Madge said...

perfect start to you school year....

*Akilah Sakai* said...

How sweet it is!

justmakingourway said...

Lovely, lovely.

mommakin said...

Paying it forward rocks.

Handwritten notes rock.

You rock.

Crazy Charm said...

That's so sweet! I hope you enjoy the first day of school with no tears. Those parents get so emotional :)

Patsy said...

Ah, somehow I am not surprised that you got such a wonderful vote of confidence and recognition. :-)



~Lorna
____________________________________

The Good Cook said...

I just sent a note to a friend who is having a really tough time lately.

I know (imagine) her face when she receives it in the mail.

But even better than warmer her heart - it warmed my heart to think of her receiving it and know that I am thinking of her.

Paying it forward pays all around.

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Do you want my address?

♥ Braja said...

Holy crap! Can I have your autograph??

:) xoxoxoxo

♥ Braja said...

Holy crap! Can I have your autograph??

:) xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

It's so easy to get caught up in all the drama of life..thanks for the reminder to take time and enjoy the little things...
Thnk u:)

Joanie said...

That's wonderful, Vodka Mom!

Zip n Tizzy said...

That is so nice.
We've definitely forgotten the power of a handwritten card. I've been thinking of sending a few of those to important people in my life. you've just reminded me to!

p.s. T LOVES his kindergarten! You K teachers rock!

anymommy said...

I missed your Fiftieth Birthday! Hope it was so happy. Fan mail at fifty, that is impressive ;-)

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I love getting snail mail. I collect lovely, cheap cards to send out a note here and there. Makes me feel good to mail them.

Joanie said...

I'm so glad someone sent you a card. That's so cool!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Great reminder hand written notes mean the world.

Unknown said...

Thats what I love!
I remember going away to school a long time ago and because I was lonely I spent a lot of time writing my best friends letters and drawing pictures for them. They kept them! I have always kept my old personal letters too (from old boyfriends, there haven't been many) but I love reading them!

Email has killed a lot of history I think!

Unknown said...

Thats what I love!
I remember going away to school a long time ago and because I was lonely I spent a lot of time writing my best friends letters and drawing pictures for them. They kept them! I have always kept my old personal letters too (from old boyfriends, there haven't been many) but I love reading them!

Email has killed a lot of history I think!

TexasRed said...

Fantastic to get in the mail. (and a good reminder that I need to send a couple of birthday cards today!)

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