I opened this Saturday’s newspaper and flipped through the pages when suddenly an Obituary notice popped in front of me. It was of a past neighbor. I suddenly was in tears. I had talked with her a few months ago. She had been on my mind these past few weeks. She was always very calm and kind in her approach to me.
Years ago when our first child was born she threw a neighborhood shower for me. She’d run over and babysit for our children when my parents were ill. Often we’d be running to the emergency room 
in the middle of the night and she’d appear at any hour to take over and help. She was never critical and always available. A real friend.
She and her husband would often join us for baptisms and first communion parties. Although we shared different faiths, we were one in spirit and would go to Christian lunches together. She would remember our children throughout the years and even came to help celebrate my daughters 18th Birthday celebration, an all girl gathering.
When my mother died, she came to our home and helped welcome relatives. She set up the dinner prior to the funeral. While it was a long day at the funeral for me, she cared for our toddlers and the children of our extended family back at the house. When I walked into our home the dishes were done, the kids all asleep, the house was tidied up, and the dog was sleeping peacefully.
I asked her how I could pay her for all she had done and she told me to “pay it forward.” She told me she once had to identify the body of her teenage daughter after a car accident. Someone helped her with getting through that time. I was so appreciative and touched by her generosity.
For years after that I helped provide food for our church when it had funeral dinners. And finally after many, many years, I was approached by another neighbor to help him after his wife died. He needed someone to host and feed at a family gathering following her wake. I did. It was what someone had done for me so many years before.
I can’t put my finger on it exactly except to say that some people are indeed angels. They know when to appear in your life and help you. They ask nothing in return, but appreciate you. This lady influenced me so much.
She treated me like a daughter and our children like grandchildren. She wanted me to pursue writing and always handed me small assignments to help compose things for the local newspaper. I hope she is looking back to see how important she was in shaping me and encouraging me to write as well. Thank you Shirley!
Learning to like yourself and love life comes through the wonderful people around. Blessings for the day.