I PROMISE THIS WILL GIVE YOU A MOMENT TO PAUSE AND REFLECT………..
A story I snatched from THE WORLD WIDE WEB.
I hope I raised SONS just like this……..
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up 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 90’s 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 to be treated.’
‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and 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 in a soft voice..’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, and 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 to 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.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well DANCE.
CONTESSA HERE .
I found this on a friends FACEBOOK PAGE.I was brought to tears…………..
I thought it was very poignant for today and our year of 2020.
The driver could have easily tooted and left…………
WE ARE ALL IN SUCH A HURRY THESE DAYS…………COVID is making us slow down.
Feel free to share A STORY here with us in the comment section if you have had a HEARTFELT moment.
I know its a BUSY WEEK for THE AMERICANS……….with THANKS GIVING on THURSDAY.
I do not mean to make YOU sad.I thought this was SO TOUCHING in a way we do not SEE much of anymore.
THE man lost time and money but instead GAINED SOMETHING that NO MONEY can BUY!
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK DEAR READERS…………
I wish I could call YOU ALL and ask HOW YOU ARE ALL DOING!
Know we are well THE ITALIAN and FURRY BOYS…………..
WE have finished the LAST EPISODE of THE CROWN and will start COOKING TOMORROW!I will be THE LAST Person to set a THANKS GIVING TABLE……………and YES, that ITALIAN will cook the turkey in THE PIZZA OVEN!
ONE HOUR AND 15 MINUTES!
I will manage all the other accompaniments!………MAY YOU ALL BE HEALTHY AND WELL!
XXX
WE ARE HANGING IN THERE WITH LOTS OF NAPS………….
LAP TIME WITH SNUGGLES………and rays of SUNSHINE!
Parnassus says
Hello Contessa, Whether or not this story is exactly true, scenes like this are enacted every day by kind people, whose reward in doing a good deed is clearly demonstrated here. However, it is not necessary to wait until this extremity to do the like. You can take an elderly friend or relative on such a trip, and you will bask in the glow of reflected nostalgia. The writer Patrick McManus has written a number of stories like this, all with touching humor.
It would be especially appropriate for younger people to take “old-timers” on such trips, or at least to tag along, to learn about the history of their cities, and more importantly to feel the human connection, and what memories are comprised of. Incidentally, if the person has already moved far from their past environs, any pleasant outing or visit will do.
–Jim
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU JIM for your LOVELY comment…………there are people who do this without being TOLD.
I was really MOVED by this story…………..to think she had NO ONE LEFT and had to take herself to HOSPICE was heart breaking to me.I have told THE ITALIAN he is NOT ALLOWED TO GO before me!He smiles and sends me a sign that INDEED he will GO before me!!!!
I HOPE YOU ARE WELL OVER THERE IN TAIWAN.Will you be feasting on TURKEY?
XX
Lovely says
What a beautiful story! I remember the saying “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. Thanks for sharing this! Made my day.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU LOVELY…………..off to see YOUR BLOG!
XX
Shauna Crymble says
I really admire your beauty, confidence, and positivity! <3
LA CONTESSA says
SHAUNA,
Thank You so much!I enjoy this little forum of sharing information and short stories and fashion!Thank you for reading along!XX
Taste of France says
Parnassus puts it well. Every person is a well of stories; we just have to take the time to draw them out. It doesn’t matter whether the story is true; it speaks truth, in a humanistic, not hateful, way.
Now excuse me while I go wipe the tears off my face.
LA CONTESSA says
SO TRUE WE ALL HAVE STORIES!!!
YOU have a FEW from living in FRANCE for all these years!Love reading a TASTE of FRANCE………I hope your arm is mended and not giving you grief!HAPPY gobble gobble day to YOU and your family!XX
Daron Baylis-Duffield says
Love love love. Random acts of kindness are always repaid one way or another. Thank you for posting this.
Thinking of you and the family including the fur kids at this time and I wish you all an extraordinarily Happy Thanksgiving this year.
Health, Happiness and Laughter too!
Much love
LA CONTESSA says
MANY THANKS DARON……………..I HOPE YOU ARE WELL!
CHECK IN WITH ME!!!
[email protected]
Xoxo
Lorna says
It’s a lovely story that should make us all reflect. I agree we are all in a hurry but slowing down to do a good deed or just to appreciate something beautiful will make us all feel so much better.
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving. Hope Banksy doesn’t eat all the turkey 🙂
LA CONTESSA says
NO MEAT FOR BIG BOY!!!
His manicurist arrives on the 11th…………..SHHHH don’t tell him as he is NOT fond of THE PROCEDURE especially when she does EYES and EARS and DENTAL WORK TOO!!!
ITS A PACKAGED DEAL and we are SO HAPPY she does this work as I could NEVER FLIP HIM By myself and TAKE CHARGE like SHE DOES!
XOXO
Fifi says
What a sad but oh so beautiful story. Yes, it did make me cry for the gentle old woman and for the compassion of the young man. I can only hope that when my time comes there will be someone like him for me. ??????
LA CONTESSA says
THERE WILL BE!
Now that you are back in your HOOD you have friends FAR AND NEAR!
BE kind to yourself and go SLOW with the un-packing……………..XOXO
Dinner Party Guru says
Dear Elizabeth
What a touching story … I am positive your boys would have done the same. We all need to slow down and take care of each other. That being said, I certainly miss you, Bansky and the gang, and the Italian. I loved slowing down to glance at your Insta page and smile a little.
I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love, good food and much happiness.
Take care lovely friend and I plan soon to take your advice and slow down with a good old chat on your “land” line.
Gobble, Gobble
Amanda
LA CONTESSA says
SOUNDS DEVINE!
LAND LINE LIVES ON WITH US!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEXT WEEK WILL BE PERFECT AMANDA!!!
HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!
XX
Dinner Party Guru says
I will call you dear for sure. Have a wonderful holiday.
LA CONTESSA says
Will look forward to it………..off to clean a bird!
XX
VAL says
One day in NYC there was an elderly Blind woman standing on the corner. I asked her if she would like some help crossing the street. I gave her my arm and we crossed the street. On the other side she Thanked Me for being so kind and we said Good Bye. As I walked away, I said to myself “But For The Grace Of God Go I “. I have repeated this phrase Countless times in my Life for many reasons. A Beautiful, Sad story that has reminded me to be more kind in spite of Myself. Have a wonderful Holiday Contessa!
XOXOX
LA CONTESSA says
BRAVA!!!!!
YOU DONE GOOD GIRLFRIEND!!!!
HOPE you will enjoy the DAY a little………can you get outside and take a walk in Central Park or has it become TOO COLD?
XX
VAL says
On Wednesday and Thursday I will help prepare Thanksgiving meals for over 1,000 home bound and food insecure
New Yorkers- something I have done on Thanks giving and Christmas Day for many years! Weather has been in the 50’s and 60’s!
Robin says
This is a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
In Italy, the elderly are so treasured and adored.
To my fellow Americans. enjoy your Thanksgiving, however it pans out this year.
Baci di Umbria, Robin
LA CONTESSA says
I KNOW……..ITALIANs with the OLD AND YOUNG is something AMERICANS need to ASPIRE TOO!
THAT was a BIG EYE OPENER FOR ME!!!
They also VISIT the DEAD and change flowers on a regular basis!!NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN……….
BACI back at YA,
XX
PATRICIA H. Flournoy says
A treat to hear about kindness, charity and love…Our world has been so caught up in greed and self-importance these last years that I appreciate a story of love and caring! Many thanks for passing it along
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU PATRICIA…………………it would be AMAZING if the NEWS would carry MORE UPLIFTING STORIES!
Especially NOW!!
HOPE YOU ARE WELL……….XX
Heidi says
Hello gorgeous Elizabeth! Happy thanksgiving to you and your Italian from me and mine! What an amazing story!!! I had tears running down my face! Praise be!! I cannot find you on Instagram and am so invested in your new closet! Have you abandoned Instagram? Hope all is fabulous! Sending you love!!!
LA CONTESSA says
I WAS HACKED ON INSTAGRAM BACK IN SEPTEMBER………………taking a break from it all!
WATCH this space for my NEW NAME and RE-appearance if I do go back!
Did you subscribe HERE?Bottom of the POST!
THANK YOU for missing me!
XX
Lillian Plummer says
A lovely story that brought me to tears. So fortunate the driver was compassionate otherwise it
Could it could have turned bad very quickly. Sending you best wishes to
you and your family for Thanksgiving dear friend.
LA CONTESSA says
HELLO LILLIAN………
THANK YOU for your GOOD WISHES!I agree it was a BEAUTIFUL STORY and I NEEDED TO SHARE IT!!
I think you are creeping into YOUR SUMMER TIME down there………….ENJOY IT!!!
XX
Jill Kamler says
Just beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!
xo
Jill
LA CONTESSA says
HOLA!
THANK YOU lets catch up next week!!
Hope you are well……..XX
Janey says
Beautiful moving story. The world needs more kindness. I like when someone does these things but doesn’t let anyone know. I have a friend who does so many acts of kindness, but her stories are all about what she has done, which makes the act dim in my eyes. Is she really so kind or is she doing these things so people will, praise her? II am not saying this guy was doing that.. It was very touching. Thank you for posting, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Janey
LA CONTESSA says
I UNDERSTAND what you are saying………maybe she feels GOOD about what she has done and wants to share THAT JOY?!
People can be ODD CREATURES……………..and I am ONE of THEM!!!
HAPPY HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!
XX
Katharine says
A perfect thing to read. We need more stories like this. Thank you for posting it ! It brought me to tears, too. Kindness often does. My sister told me the other day that she shared my story about Charlie (the post on my blog that I called Touchstone) with her colleagues who do work in Africa. She said one of them told her “it’s our duty and our privilege to look for our own Charlie’s everyday.” I love that…. and you. K
LA CONTESSA says
I started to say SHARE that LINK but TRA LA I DID IT!
MY friend in ITALY, FLORENCE to be EXACT on the SOUTH SIDE wrote this MOVING piece on her blog……..about a MAN on the street IN CALIFORNIA…………
https://kathinitaly.com/blog-1/touchstone
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL IDEA!I assume this is the sister who works for THE BANK?
GOOD to hear from YOU as you have been on my mind recently.
ADORE YOU to the MOON and BACK!
THANK YOU!I needed some loving today!
LOVE YOU BACK!
XOXO
Leigh says
Thank you for this story, which brought me to tears also. But it is a wonderful story of kindness and even hope that there are many kind people in our world. Happy Thanksgiving, Contessa!
LA CONTESSA says
IT was SO REFRESHING TO ME……………he went with HIS GUT INSTINCT!
AND THE REWARDS were TENFOLD!
XX
Luisa (hushhushhandmade) says
Thank you for the beautiful and touching story!!!
Take care dear Elizabeth
Baci Baci
Luisa
LA CONTESSA says
NIENTE……….so lovely to chat the other day and hear both of you are well.
I received your email will be in touch soon!!
I LOVE IT!
XX
judith says
I got choked up over this one. And I loved the comment made by the mysterious Parnassus. Let us all stop and be thankful while we look for ways to be kind to others. Let us spread good will. Have a lovely and healthy holiday, Elizabeth. I will be thinking of you and that turkey on Thursday!
LA CONTESSA says
PARNASSUS is a BLOG written by a MAN who HALES from OHIO but lives in TAIWAN AT the MOMENT!
He has a keen interest in antique stuff as I do!He has been FOLLOWING me for YEARS!!!!!!
XX
THANK YOU I WILL BE DOING THE” TWIST” THROUGH THE KITCHEN FOR MOST OF THE DAY!!!
Remember that MOVE?1960’s!!!!!
Rena McDaniel says
This was the most beautiful story. It made me think of my mom. You never know how you’re actions are going to affect someone else. What a stunning reminder. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us.
LA CONTESSA says
Welcome…………..HAPPY TURKEY DAY to YOU and YOURS and MAY those TWO TURKEYS TURN OUT BEAUTIFULLY!!!XX
Sandra Sallin says
I love starting the day with a good cry. Beautiful story. So perfect for these days and this week. Thank you for reminding us of the little kind things that we can do. Happy Thanksgiving dear friend.
LA CONTESSA says
HAPPY THANKS GIVING INFLUENCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVED THE LATEST VIDEO about SPACENK!!!
XX
Pierrette says
This made me cry. One year ago I lost my mom. She would be 100 Christmas Day. She hated the Home.
When I was in France in a little village in the Basque Country a few years’ ago twice a week I would see the villagers gather in front of a Nursing Home. They were there to push the residents in wheelchairs along the seawall and through the pretty village. They all looked so happy. It’s a memory I cherish.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Contessa. It’s always a treat to find one of your posts.
LA CONTESSA says
MY MOM TOO HATED THE HOME!
A LESSON LEARNED if one is NOT OUT GOING and SOCIAL one should stay at home and have the CARE come to YOU!!!
THE HOME told me she could have her CAT.ONce there they said NO ANIMALS…………….she did not come out of her room for THREE DAYS!Guess how that made me FEEL!!!!
BIG HUG TO YOU……………I ADORE YOUR MEMORY………………its so civilized and REAL in EUROPE.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO YOU PIERRETTE.
XX
Jo Floyd says
A lovely story Elizabeth to make us all stop and think. We often don’t realize the effect our actions have on people .
When we started sharing our home and farming adventures with others as Farmstay guests way back n the 1980 s . We received letters from guests who had lived our life for a few days from all over the world . I realized then about how being warm and kind, sharing food and life for a day or four made such a meaningful encounter for some people.
Happy Turkey day to you and yours come Thursday.
Meanwhile I must rise from my bed and cook my lovely young granddaughter her breakfast of choice before she is driven to school by Grandad Calvin. This is a weekly pleasure at this time haha.xxxxxxxx
LA CONTESSA says
OH, LUCKY YOU!!!!!
TO SPEND THE DAY OR FOUR WITH YOU WOULD BE AMAZING!!!
A FARM…….I DIDNOT PICK UP ON THAT!
YOU SHOWED US THE OLD HOME WHICH WAS MAGICAL……….
XXX
Hilda Smith says
Oh what a beautiful story. Yes I agree; I think Covid has made us take stock of what is important. I certainly am more aware and take time to live in the moment. Thank you for sharing and I really appreciate you telling me you got notification of my blog post again. For some reason I cannot respond to your comment. There are problems still to be sorted on the blog. But I am not stressing….. xxxx
LA CONTESSA says
NO STRESSING!!!!
THRILLED TO GET THE NOTIFICATION!!!
XX
Graciela Reynoso says
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Many Thanksgiving bring us peace, comfort filled with health. Bless the food that is before us, the home around us the family beside us . May. You continue bringing us beautiful stories to read.
God Bless you and your family, Happy Thanksgiving.
Graciela
LA CONTESSA says
OH GRACIELA SO NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU THESE DAYS……………….
THANK YOU for leaving me a comment!
I am on my second day of cooking today!
PIE and cranberry sauce so not so bad!!!
HAPPY THANKS GIVING!!!
XXX
Lisa Thomson says
This brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful share, LA CONTESSA. Thank you.
I think we have angels on earth who give us these unexpected gifts and moments to treasure.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Italian and the furry friends.
LA CONTESSA says
MANY THANKS AND TO YOU AND I COULDNOT AGREE MORE!XXX
Mary Ann Pickett says
BEAUTIFUL STORY!! Happy Thanksgiving my dear, sweet wonderful friend!
Love,
Mary Ann
Ms. Mary says
Happy Thanksgiving! Our plans changed, as we all thought staying home would be safer. So, I will see the girls on the computer, and be grateful for that opportunity.
Love to your whole family. <3
LA CONTESSA says
SMART GIRLS!!!
HAPPY DAY……………just think YOU will have more LEFTOVERS!!!
Turkey soup,POT PIE,Enchiladas.What else can WE make with TURKEY?!!!
BIG HUGS back at YOU!
XXX
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
This is a nice story, whether or not it’s true. Kindness is never wrong.
When my dad was quite old we googled the address where he had grown up back in the 1930’s in Ohio. We took him on a virtual tour of his old neighborhood, and he found that not much had changed – it was in an old part of Cleveland. He was thrilled to see it again, he hadn’t been back since the 50’s. We found the house where his grandparents raised him, and he had so many stories to share, some rather shocking to us! It brought back a lot of memories for him and I was so happy to hear them. I treasure that afternoon we spent together. I learned a lot about my dad. He had a very interesting life, but parts of it I didn’t know anything about until we “travelled” together down his childhood streets. This was a few hours that would have otherwise been spent doing “ more important” tasks. I’m so glad we took the time instead to help my dad remember his youth.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I’m sure your table and menu will be perfection!
XO Heidi
LA CONTESSA says
HEIDI,
This is a BEAUTIFUL memory………….I have a paper napkin somewhere in my nightstand I believe that has my FATHERS addresses of homes he lived in while growing up in San Francisco!I drove by all of them years and years ago……………..I LOVED KNOWING ABOUT HIS PAST…………
WISHing YOU and your family a very happy THANKS GIVING!I know what you are up to TODAY!!!
XOXO
Jacqueline says
Beautiful and a very sobering story ….. makes us all stop and think what is truly important in life.
Wishing you, the Italian and your family and friends a truly wonderful Thanksgiving ,
Sending love ….. XXXX
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU ENGLISH GIRL…………………DO you BRITISH ever cook TURKEYS?
XXX
Jacqueline says
We do cook Turkey Elizabeth but only at Christmas. WE sometimes have turkey escolapes during the year and I buy cooked turkey from the supermarket sometimes but, turkey is thought of as a special treat at Christmas ! I don’t know why !!!! Not everyone has turkey at Christmas though ….. goose and game is very traditional and, a newish thing is cooking a quail inside a pigeon inside a guinea fowl inside a pheasant !!!!! XXXX
LA CONTESSA says
WE do TURKEY or a ROAST BEEF for CHRISTMAS!
I Do FRESH CRAB on the night of the 24th…………NO COOKING!!
GOOD GOD………4 birds for ONE MEAL!
Send me a photo if you ever in across one!
FASCINATING!
XX
Susie says
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story. I had read it years ago and was left crying then as now. I hope that we all carry this message into the world…when we are allowed back in the world.
Wishing you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving!
LA CONTESSA says
LOVELY to KNOW it has been around for awhile…………..THANK YOU for THAT!
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!!!
XX
Mary A James says
My father passed on Thanksgivng morning, and now my neighbor has passed suddenly and unexpectedly. I spoke to his daughter this morning, and she decided not to cancel the plans with a gathering of friends she and her father had planned. It will bring her joy having love surround her, and yes even more tears. But how wonderful for her to know she is not alone, and that people really do care.
Thanksgiving like all holidays has been for me a time to share with those who have lost loved ones, or cannot marke it to the family affair. I don’t like my friends to be alone, for they are my family too. Sometimes the house was so full with 25-30 people, and sometimes a handful, but it is a time of remembrance, a time of laughter and joy, and always too much food. It is also a reminder of how precious the people in our lives are, and we need to nurture this love and joy all year. Happy Thanksgiving my friend, and a huge hug.
LA CONTESSA says
OH MARY………………THANK YOU for sharing!MY FATHER passed one early morning on an Easter Sunday………..
YOU BE WELL……………..and THANK YOU for your FRIENDSHIP!
XXX
Mumbai says
this true story made me pensive. To be kind to others is not only a gift for them but also the greatest happiness for yourself
LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE SO POETIC…………..SO SO TRUE MUMBAI.
Hope you and your husband are well in SPAIN………we are headed for a hard time here in CALIFORNIA!I just heard last night they may be closing down Los Angeles with NO outside dining etc its getting so bad.
BE WELL…………..XXX
Rosemarie says
To quote the Dalai Lama:
Be kind whenever POSSIBLE
It is always POSSIBLE
LA CONTESSA says
BRILLANT!
Nadine says
Beautiful story, Contessa!
It’s “Sista” from preppy empty nester – I have been meaning to write to thank you for your beautiful card! It meant so much! I hope you and your family have a wonderful thanksgiving! Love everything about you and your blog!
LA CONTESSA says
OH, SISTA!!
HOW WONDERFUL TO FIND YOU HERE………commenting away!!!
You are TOO KIND!
Hope your BOYS are HOME for TURKEY!!BIG HUG TO YOU through THIS COMPUTER!!!!
XXX
D. A. Squires says
I read your post at work (where I still am)…. it is such a powerful story, so quietly and beautifully told. There is so much meaning, and I have found myself rereading and thinking about it much of the day. Our office is locked down (normally abuzz with members stopping by), for which I was grateful.. the tears welled and spilled over. Thank you for sharing… I am so grateful for so much, and one of my blessings is you.. Happy Thanksgiving dear Contessa…xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
TOO KIND!
HOPE YOU ESCAPED THAT OFFICE AND PUT YOUR FEET UP AND WILL ENJOY TODAY WITH FAMILY………….
I will back BACK TO BUG YOU SOON!!!
XOXO
Michelle says
Good morning Contessa, thank you for your story. During the lockdown I have spent time with my beloved Aunt writing her story. We live in different states in Australia and where unable to meet in person, however we spoke regularly on the phone and sent each other letters with photos. It was a trip down memory lane for her and her husband. I enjoyed learning about her life and researching the places she talked about; dance halls where she attended dances, businesses where she learned her craft, schools that she attended. I found that her family had few photos of her life. She didn’t like to be photographed and would often step out of the frame of photos. I suspect this is common amongst women of her age. She passed away a week ago. I miss her.
LA CONTESSA says
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY AND WHAT A CONNECTION TO HAVE.LOVED THAT YOU STARTED WRITING HER STORY!!
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS……………
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS.
BE WELL.
SENDING A BIG HUG,
XX
Katie Clooney says
My dear Contessa… thanks a lot for turning me into a big fat wet mess. Your post should have come with a warning: do not read while wearing non-waterproof mascara. The Mister walked in and thought I was crying because of Shitts Creek. It was on in the background. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving with that handsome Italian of yous. Have a great weekend. xx
LA CONTESSA says
IT WAS A TEAR DROPPER THAT WAS FOR SURE……………
I was telling THE ITALIAN your STORY last night at dinner……..
SO,are WE BUILDING A HOUSE or still LOOKING?
XX
Andrea Serrahn says
What a touching story. May we all be able to stop and smell the Roses of a life well lived. This one reminds us all of the fragility and fleetingness of our time here on earth. Thanks for sharing.
Ellie's friend says
Ciao Contessa,
I really loved the story. I have been the recipient of many kindnesses, especially during Covid days.
I am amazed that most often my neighbours are not the people who have showed the kindness but total strangers. I had to file a document and my bank card wouldn’t work. A man in line behind me just handed me the $20 I needed. I offered to repay him but he wouldn’t hear of it. We are writing a local history book and didn’t have the research quite finished. You would not believe the kindnesses of those strangers who helped us find those facts. People have volunteered to proofread. They have volunteered to drop off books from their own personal libraries when the public libraries and universities are closed. The list goes on and on.
I hope you had a great turkey from the pizza oven. Happy late Thanksgiving!
donna m macdonald says
What a sweet story. And as the daughter of an elderly Mom, I think the driver gave her such a gift to drive her silently and patiently around her old environs. I once went to look at the house I grew up in…and it must have been a very dull moment for my friend. But he patiently waited while I leaned out his window looking at a non-descript little ranch house. He didn’t say a word and allowed me to stare as long as I wanted. To him it was just a house I’m sure but to me, I saw a rainbow of life seeping out of the seams. That’s what we do for friends…Thank you for sharing Contessa.
Juliet says
What a beautiful story … thank you for sharing it, Contessa. We need more reminders of the decency that still exists maybe we just have to look a tad bit harder for it. There are tears in my eyes, but not sad tears … hopeful tears and thankful tears. Hope you, the Italian and your furry companions had a wonderful time feasting not he pizza oven roasted turkey. xo