Grateful Heart




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" July 15, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. Do you have a heart-touching or inspiring story to share? Send it in the body of a plain email, no graphic or colorful back- grounds please. Write 'submission' in the subject line. Don't forget to write a brief bio to introduce yourself to our readers. You may include your family friendly websites, information on your books, newsletters, and upcoming projects. Email your submission to: moderator @ write2theheart.com. We always love to hear stories from new, first time writers. Beginning in July, there will be a new writer’s appreciation gift. I will be sending pens to our writers, and what writer can’t use a handy pen to jot down those inspired ideas? There will be a limit of three per person. Get your stories in early and when I schedule them, I will mail all three at once! Young Vincent appreciated anything done for him. The smallest kindness had him expressing his gratitude. A word of warning, have tissue ready before you start reading today’s story. Grateful Heart By Ellie Braun-Haley I met Vincent when he was ten years old. Even then he amazed me. He was so genuine, so interested in life, in learning and in sharing. I was working on a project designed to help Terry, a young man with a mental disability that limited his thinking and communication skills to that of a three or four year old. I wanted Terry to learn how to act in social settings. Vincent’s family had agreed to let Terry come over for a visit. As soon as Vincent met Terry, he adopted him. He pulled out his science books and began teaching Terry. Vincent’s passion for people was apparent as he chatted and described the wonders of the universe. Terry sat mesmerized, understanding little of the jargon, but definitely understanding that he was with someone who valued him as a person. When it was time, Terry was reluctant to leave his newfound friend. By the time Vincent was 13 he was still impacting the lives of others. I ran into him on a hot summer day at a Mall. He was shopping with his mother and sister, having an excellent time, though both of his arms were immobilized in casts. Vincent had suffered a trampoline accident. We visited and parted but then I impulsively turned back. I’d decided I wanted to give them money to buy cold drinks. I located Vincent and careful of the casts, I pressed the money into the palm of his hand. I told him, “It’s such a hot day. I wanted to leave this money with you for a treat, perhaps some cold drinks.” His face lit up with pleasure. His “thank you” was so profuse it floored me. “Thank you,” he said, “Oh thank you so very much. This is so kind of you. Thank you.” He was almost bouncing he was so delighted. Later I discovered that Vincent’s display of gratitude did not end with thanking me. He had gone home that day, and he had animatedly told his father of my kind gesture. Not many days later, Vincent and his younger sister, Riana, had set off on a summer adventure of digging out a tunnel in a sandbar. Suppertime came that night and the children could not be found. Soon a search party was combing the area but it was not until the next morning that a rescue party found the children. The tunnel had collapsed and Vincent and Riana died holding hands. I attended their funeral service and as I stood by the two caskets saying a final goodbye, I turned to the parents to offer my condolences. The father spoke quietly to me while he hugged me saying, “Thank you for your selfless act.” Puzzled, I stepped back and said, “I don’t know what I did.” “Think about it,” was his response. I went into the chapel and sat alone lost in thought. Then I remembered the shopping episode and the small gift of money. I knew without a doubt that Vincent’s father was referring to that. Suddenly a host of thoughts raced through my head. “Why didn’t I give them more money that day? How can this grieving father who has just lost his only son and daughter reach out to uplift me when surely he is in the depths of sadness?” Finally I came to see the final lesson that young Vincent was to leave with me. It was: It is important to show gratitude, no matter how small the gift. It is impossible to weigh the good you do by your good deeds. An insignificant gesture or small gift may bring immeasurable joy. And the truly beautiful thing about joy is that it often branches out. In my case it came back and touched me at Vincent’s funeral. Vincent’s genuine gratitude for even the smallest of things was a lasting gift, to his father, to me and to all who knew him. It was a fine lesson! Ellie Braun-Haley shaley @ telusplanet.net Riana and Vincent were delightful children. What a privilege to know them! This story is dedicated to their memory. I believe that we were meant to help one another and feel that the quote by Liciano de Crescenzo puts it best: “We are like one-winged angels. It’s only when we help each other that we can fly.” Many of Ellie’s stories have been published in both on-line e-zines and pocketbooks, most notably, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Emerging Courageous, Heartwarmers of Spirit, 2the Heart, Starfish, Sermon Illustrator and others. Ellie is presently collecting true stories (of heavenly intervention) for her next book You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from; I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number for my family to be able to call home when they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products, services and compare telephone rates at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers Kathy Whirity's story about Virgil touched my heart. I am a cancer survivor! Yes! Six and a half years and counting. I was fortunate and did not have to have chemo-only radiation. That didn't have the dire results that some women have--blistered skin, thinning hair, mood swings. But half way through the six weeks, 5 days a week sessions, I grew very tired. Could have slept standing up. LOL One day, I was feeling sorry for myself as I sat in the waiting room waiting for my radiologolist to come for me. There was a young man sitting next to me--also waiting for his turn. He had been there before; I had even asked about him and was told, naturally, that his history was personal--but he was going to be okay. On this day, I wished him a good day and a good treatment. He grinned. "It's always a good day in God's world, don't you think?" I did think of it for a moment and then I nodded and agreed. He continued, "When I found the lump and the doctors told me I'd have to have an operation and radiation and my wife and I will never be parents--I almost cursed that man upstairs. Then we talked about it and realized that life together is so precious that this thing can't interfere with that. We've decided there are lots of kids who need us out there." I never thought "Poor Me" another day of my treatment. Hugs and Blessings, Barbara Deming Author of "The Quilt Maker “ Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.