May 29th, 2007
Here I sit with sore knees, sore back, and hands that won't do what I want them to do, and I would not have it any other way.
Two stories from OKRF.
One:
At the tattoo booth (Henna ?) across from the Pirate ship, there were 4 girls. Maybe 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Dad who was in his mid 20's. Dad was very obviously mentally counting the dollars spent (but had not said anything like "we can't afford that" to the girls). The girls were not oblivious to the money situation either as they looked over the selections and chose $5 designs rather than the ones they had pointed out to each other as "neat". I thought it would be a good thing if I offered something free to the girls, so I started carving. Dad asked "How much?" I told him the usual, "It costs a great deal, patience." and started handing out flowers to them. The girls continued their selections from the design book, and I continued to carve.
So far there were no tips showing in my basket.
The first tip I got that day was from Dad there in front of the tattoo shop. Seven dollars for four flowers. I know it took a bite out of the cash reserve he was carrying, the reserve he had designated for his daughters.
Dear Dad,
You sir have my deepest respect, for you taught your children something that day that they will remember, and so will I. You will probably never be rich in money, but will be rich beyond measure for the way you are teaching your children. Thank you for showing me a little of the hand of God.
Two:
I stopped in front of the herbalist shop opposite the list and asked a young child to hold my cup. She (maybe 5 years old) and her younger sister (3-4 years old) stood there without moving while I carved a flower for first one and then the other. Mom stepped back and took pictures while I carved. They had the patience of the saints!
Mom,
I told you then that your children were incredibly patient and offered a prayer that they be granted wisdom that matched that patience. I thank you. I have never seen such before and I compliment you again on your children. It was a pleasure, nay, a blessing to meet them. May you and your family ever be blessed. You have 2 amazing children there.
I enjoy giving. Giving is hard work, and, once again, with much thanks to my better half mistressniniane for putting up with me and reigning me in when I go overboard, I will continue to do so.
Endeavor to persevere as it were...
Accipe Spiritum Sanctum (receive the spirit)
Page last updated September 2nd, 2009