A Little Moment Of Joy

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and weep.

But none touched me more than a woman I picked up late one August night.

I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

"Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said.

I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated."

"Oh, you're such a good boy," she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice."

I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient at the end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware--beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said,
...but they will always remember how you made them feel.

You Never Know

You never know when someone
might catch a dream from you.
Or something you say may open up the windows
of a mind that seeks light;
The way you live may not matter at all,
But you never know, it might.
And just in case it could be
that another's life, through you,
might possibly change for the better
with a better and brighter view,
it seems it might be worth a try
at pointing the way to the right;
Of course, it may not matter at all,
but then again, it might.

Three Marbles

During the waning years of the Depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Brother Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively. One particular day Brother Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Brother Miller and the ragged boy next to me:

"Hello Barry, how are you today?"

"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas......sure look good."

"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"

"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla'time."

"Good. Anything I can help you with "

No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?"

"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."

"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"

"All I got's my prize aggie-best taw around here."

"Is that right? Let me see it."

"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"

"Not 'zackley .....but, almost."

"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red taw."

"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said: "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps."

I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Utah but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering.

Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Brother Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.

Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore short haircuts, dark suits and white shirts obviously potential or returned missionaries.

They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket.

"This is an amazing coincidence," she said. "Those three young men, that just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size...they came to pay their debt. We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho."

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, magnificently shiny, red marbles.

GOD SPEAK TO ME

The man whispered,
"God, speak to me"
and a meadowlark sang-
But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled,
"God speak to me!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky-
But the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said,
"God let me see you"
And a star shone brightly-
But the man did not notice.

And the man shouted,
"God show me a miracle"
And a life was born-
But the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair,
"Touch me God and let me know that you are here!"
Whereupon God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away
And walked on.

Don't miss out on a blessing
because it isn't packaged
the way you expect it to be.

Rated G

I just wanted to say "Hello!"

"Have a great day!"

Because you deserve it.

Life is so short And we hurry on through it Well,
I just wanted to slow downAnd say "Hello!"

I just wanted to say "Take care!"

"Hope you're doing well!"

Because you need to hear it Life is so meaningless If no one stops to care about us
Well, I just wanted to hug you And say "Take care!"

I just wanted to say "Bless you!"

"Hope your day is bright!"

Because I want to say if Life can really sparkle If we work on friendship every day. Well,I just wanted to show my thanks And say "Bless you!"

"Hello, friend!"

"Take care!"

Who needs drugs or alcohol when there
are so many natural highs, like:

Falling in love...

Laughing so hard your face hurts...

Hugging the person you love...

Getting mail/email...

A hot shower...

No lines at the Super Wal-mart...

A special glance...

Taking a drive on a pretty road...

Lying in bed listening to the rain outside...

Hearing your favorite song on the radio...

Sitting by a campfire with your love
watching the embers...

Finding the item you want is
on sale for half price...

Chocolate milkshake...

A phone call from your baby...

A bubble bath...

Hot towels out of the dryer...

Just simply giggling...

A good conversation...

Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter...

Laughing at yourself...

Running through sprinklers...

Laughing for absolutely no reason at all...

Having someone tell you
that you're beautiful...

Laughing at an inside joke...

Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you...

Waking up and realizing you still
have a few hours left to sleep...

Late night talks with your lover...

Playing with a new puppy...

Having someone massage your head...

Sweet dreams...

A steaming cup of hot chocolate...

Road trips with your baby...

Watching a good movie cuddled up on
a couch with someone you love...

Swinging on swings...

Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree
with Christmas music playing with your love...

Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can
sing along without feeling stupid...

Going to a really good concert...

Getting butterflies in your stomach every
time you see that one person...

Making eye contact with a cute stranger...

Making chocolate chip cookies!

Having your friends send you homemade cookies!

Spending time with close friends...

Winning a really competitive game...

The feeling after running a few
miles...an accomplishment!

The feeling you get the first time
you step on stage...

Going to the beach...

Seeing smiles and hearing
laughter from your friends...

Holding hands with someone
you care about...

A nice, long backrub...

Running into an old friend and realizing that
some things (good or bad) never change...

Discovering that love is unconditional
and stronger with time...

Watching the expression on someone's face as they
open a much-desired present from you...

Riding the best roller coasters
over and over...

Kisses on your forehead from the first
and only person you have ever loved...

Watching the sunrise...

Getting out of bed every morning and thanking
God for another beautiful day...

Yesterday I met a stranger...

Today this stranger is my friend.

Had I not taken the time to say Hello,
or return a smile,
or shake a hand,
or listen,
I would not have known this person.

Yesterday would have turned into today
and our chance meeting would be gone.

Yesterday I hugged someone very dear to me.

Today they are gone...

and tomorrow will not bring them back.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all knew
tomorrow would be here?

ME MUDDER

When me prayers were poorly said

Who tucked me in me widdle bed

And spanked me till me ass was wed

Me Mudder

Who took me from me cozy cot

And put me on the ice cold pot

And made me pee if I could not

Me Mudder

And when the morning light would come

And in me crib me dribbled some

Who wiped me tiny widdle bum

Me Mudder

Who would me hair so neatly part

And hug me gently to her heart

Who sometimes squeezed me till me fart

Me Mudder

Who looked at me with eyebrows knit

And nearly have a king size fit

When in me Sunday pants me shit

Me Mudder

When at night her bed did squeak

Me raised me head to have a peak

Who yelled at me to go to sleep

Me Farver!

AN OLD ELVIS SONG....
Come on...sing along everybody...

Are you lonesome tonight?
Does your tummy feel tight?
Did you bring your mylanta and tums?
Does your memory stray,
To that bright sunny day,
When you had all your teeth and your gums?

Is your hairline receding?
Your eyes growing dim?
Hysterectomy for her,
And its prostate for him.
Does your back give you pain?
Do your knees predict rain?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

Is your blood pressure up?
Good cholesterol down?
Are you eating your low fat cuisine?
All that oat bran and fruit,
Metamucil to boot.
Helps you run like
A well oiled machine.

If it's football or baseball,
He sure knows the score.
Yes, he knows where it's at
But forgets what it's for.
So your gallbladder's gone,
But your gout lingers on,
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

When you're hungry, he's not,
When you're cold, he is hot,
Then you start that old thermostat war.
When you turn out the light,
He goes left and you go right,
Then you get his great symphonic snore.

He was once so romantic,
So witty and smart;
How did he turn out to be such
A cranky old fart?
So don't take any bets,
It's as good as it gets,
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

MY SPECIAL LIST

I have a list of folks I know...
all written in a book,
And every now and then..
I go and take a look.

That is when I realize
these names... they are a part,
not of the book they're written in...
but taken from the heart.

For each Name stands for someone...
who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become...
the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic...
for me to make this claim,
I really am composed...
of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware...
of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped my life...
more than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting...
as just a mere routine,
your name was not ever
forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting...
that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list...
of folks I'm indebted to.

So whether I have known you...
for many days or few,
in some ways you have a part...
in shaping things I do.

I am but a total...
of many folks I've met,
you are a friend I would prefer...
never to forget.

Thank you for being my friend!

~Author Unknown~

Rated G

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

A few weeks ago I talked to a man whose wife had just been killed in an auto accident. She was very well liked at the school where she worked and the school system shut down on Monday for her funeral. On the day the teachers came back to work, they found this poem in their e-mail which the woman had sent on Friday before she left school.

When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

"I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

"You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.

"But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me."

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Things Divine

These are the things I hold divine:
A trusting child's hand laid in mine,

Rich brown earth and wind-tossed trees,
The taste of grapes and the drone of bees,

A rhythmic gallop, long June days,
A rose-hedged lane and lovers' lay,

The welcome smile on neighbors' faces,
Cool, wide hills and open places,

Breeze-blown fields and silver rye,
The wild, sweet note of the plover's cry,

Fresh spring flowers and scent of box,
The soft pale tint of the garden phlox,

Lilacs blooming, a drowsy noon,
Rolling Meadows and storm-washed heights,

A fountain murmur on summer nights,
A dappled fawn in the forest hush,

Simple words and the song of thrush,
Rose-red dawns and a mate to share,

With comrade soul my gypsy fare,
A waiting fire when the twilight ends,

A gallant heart and the voice of friends.

Thank You

I was walking my dogs early this morning
before the sun came up when I noticed
that it had frosted last night.
The frost on the grass sparkled in the moonlight.

It was so beautiful. It was like
the Earth itself were made of crystal.
I thanked God for such a wonderful sight.

Later in the morning
as I looked out my window after breakfast
I saw the most spectacular sunrise.

The heavens were a glorious blend
of pink, purple, and red.
I thanked God for sharing it with me.

Thank you is such a beautiful phrase.
It says it all. Every single prayer
should begin with the words,
"Thank you."

Don't be afraid to say thank you then.

Don't forget to be thankful.

When you say thank you your whole world
becomes more beautiful,
joyous, and loving.

Say thank you then to family, friends,
acquaintances, and even strangers.
Say thank you to yourself

when you do something good.
Most of all, though,
say thank you to God for all
that you've been blessed with.

MAY YOU ALWAYS FEEL LOVED

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand.

May the pain you have known
and the conflict you have experienced
give you the strength to walk through life
facing each new situation
with optimism and courage.

Always know that there are those
whose love and understanding
will always be there
even when you feel most alone.

May you discover enough goodness in others
to believe in a world of peace.

May a kind word, a reassuring touch,
a warm smile, be yours every day of your life,
and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who know hate,
and let that love embrace you as you go into the world.

May the teaching of those you admire
become part of you,
so that you may call upon them.

Remember, those whose lives you have touched
and who have touched yours are always a part of you,
even if the encounters were less
than you would have wished.

May you not become too concerned
with material matters, but instead place
immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.

Find time in each day to see the beauty
and love in the world around you.

Realize that each person has limitless abilities,
but each of us is different in our own way.

What you may feel you lack in one regard
may be more than compensated for in another.

What you feel you lack in the present
may become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future
as one filled with promise and possibility.

Learn to view everything
as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength
to determine your own worth by yourself,
and not be dependent on another's judgements
of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.

Portrait Of A Friend

I can't give solutions to all
of life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you,
and together we will search for answer.

I can't change your past
with all its heartache and pain,
or the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now
when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet
from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand
that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes,
and happiness are not mine.
Yet, I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not
mine to make, nor to judge.
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling
away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you,
talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries,
which I have determined for you.
But I can give you the room to change,
room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart
from breaking or hurting.
But I can cry with you
and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.