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Reading all the stories is very humbling.
A new 'puter term-PIF-paying it forward. |
Thanks for brightening my day. I believe in paying it forward. When I was teaching, I mentioned this on occasion to my students. Near the end of the one school year, the guidance counselor said she had noted a change in many of my students. They were simply practicing what I had shared with them, and they were more optimistic because of it. Funny how it all works out!
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I have enjoyed reading this thread
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What a great thread. My daughter and I try to do a RAK every day if we can. And it can be as simple as opening a door. Having worked in retail I try to be as nice to others as possible.I have had a cashier tell me I made her day. Because everyone else had been so grumpy or rude.All I did was smile and talk to her like a person. To me its no big thing.
Money wise I can't help but I do foster dogs mostly puppies. I love the stories. They are wonderful. |
Your story brought tears to my eyes! Bless you for believing in that woman in her time of need. You truly changed two lives.
Here's my story: I was sitting in my car, waiting for my take out chicken dinner. Next door there was a modest, poorly maintained house. On the porch, an older woman was putting cat food in a dish, with several cats circling the bowl around her ankles. I mentioned to the employee that I saw she fed the stray cats, who were drawn to the area by the chicken smells. The employee expressed her concern for the neighbor, saying they took excess food over to her so she could eat, as she spent her grocery money on feeding the stray cats. I drove to the grocery store across the street, bought some cans of cat food, some fresh fruit and cookies for a little treat, and took the bag back to the restaurant. I wrote on the bag "from a fellow cat lover", and asked the employee to deliver it to the woman so she wouldn't see me or be embarrassed. I have practiced random acts of kindness and pay it forward for years. I love the movie, and always cry, no matter how many times I watch it. |
Being a nurse, I believe our training makes us able to talk to almost anyone. As I go about my day, I speak to people I pass on the street, other customers in a store, people in the same elevator, anywhere I may be. It can be as simple as a "good morning", or a comment about the weather, whatever you are comfortable saying, as long as it is pleasant and there's a smile in your voice.
Every parent likes to hear something kind about their child, or how pretty that color looks on them, it can be just about anything you notice. You would be surprised how few people don't respond or at least smile back. It doesn't cost me a thing, only a few seconds effort, and it pays me back just seeing people react. My late mother was very shy, and she always marveled that I would speak to almost anyone. Why not? We all like to be recognized as unique human beings. |
Funny June, I just had this experience the other night. I was leaving Aldi's, and offered my cart to the next shoppers. The man already had his coins in his hand, and insisted I take it. We both went away smiling. I tossed the coin in my grandkids' bank.
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I was trying to think of what I've done that stands out- I try to be nice to everyone (my coworker says I'm TOO nice) and make them feel special.
But I was thinking- about 3 weeks ago I helped a couple. They are both disabled, he walks with a cane and doesn't get around well. She has diabetes and heart problems. I got a call from a friend who is a mortgage broker- they were signing a gas lease and would get a big sign on bonus, with which they would pay off their mortgage. Problem- they are in foreclosure proceedings. Gas co. wants a subordination. they have these docs- so I sit down with them and help them. They send it in- they are waiting. Yesterday they get more docs from the lender- do they want to modify their mortgage? We sat down for an hour and I helped them fill them out and made copies for them. I know they are not the cleanest or richest people, but they are salt of the earth- they will pay it forward because that's the kind hearted people they are. And it felt good knowing I could help them and they didn't have to pay someone or have someone take advantage of them. (But the gas co. decided they won't wait for the subordination and has decided not to pay the sign on bonus- grrr.) And I do this because once upon a time I too was divorced, unemployed with 3 little ones and my sister stepped up to the plate and provided Christmas for them- including outfits. She knows she can ask for the world and I would give it to her because she came through for me. (Oh, I went to the Salvation Army that year to get a toy for each of my kids. I went to the door- saw the people and said- I can't do it- they need it more than me.) Another little one- in line at Wal-Mart- mom in front of me was short about 5.00 for her bill. She told her kids they had to put back a box of locally made pizza (my kids love it too). I said to the girl quickly- wait- let me pay for it and you take it home. She didn't want to accept it- but I told her I know how kids love it- and she took it. She must have thanked my 10 times and the kids were so excited. I try to be good- sometimes I have to work real hard to get Evil Barb to stay quiet. (that's what I call myself if I am teetering on the edge of being nasty) |
i just cleaned out my linen closet and gave away all my extra+ towels, tea towels, bath towels, washcloths, and sheets and pillows to a young girl with 3 kids, who i knew was recently seperated. and i was more than generoues with my choices. it made me feel as good as it did her.
she even got a couple blankets in the deal. |
Such wonderful stories. Never heard the expression before. Will never forget it again.
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I believe that each one of us can do something simple... and that it has a riple effect ... but no act of kindess is too small or too big ... :D I love reading these stories and gaining ideas to be a better at RAK
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Originally Posted by pgthom
Being a nurse, I believe our training makes us able to talk to almost anyone. As I go about my day, I speak to people I pass on the street, other customers in a store, people in the same elevator, anywhere I may be. It can be as simple as a "good morning", or a comment about the weather, whatever you are comfortable saying, as long as it is pleasant and there's a smile in your voice.
Every parent likes to hear something kind about their child, or how pretty that color looks on them, it can be just about anything you notice. You would be surprised how few people don't respond or at least smile back. It doesn't cost me a thing, only a few seconds effort, and it pays me back just seeing people react. My late mother was very shy, and she always marveled that I would speak to almost anyone. Why not? We all like to be recognized as unique human beings. pg---- I was touched by your story. Since I am also a nurse, I agree with you wholeheartedly that it takes so little to make somebody happy. My big thing now that I'm retired is to smile at strangers. It usually results in a wonderful smile back which makes me very happy. It's usually older people who smile back though. We need to teach our young people to smile at one another. I really miss my relationship with my patients. My initials are also PG. Doctors used to tease me about my name tag which read P Green. Get it? Pee Green? They thought was funny. |
Well Pat, I am really Penelope Gwynne, therefore the pg. The thom comes from my last name.
A little nurse story...when I worked in the hospital, the other team leader, Peggy and I usually shared the supervision of our floor. Our manager would usually call us by each other's names, so for years I would answer to either Peggy or Penny. We are both retired now, not sure if Peg still answers to my name! And no, I never P. Green! Thanks for the laugh. |
Whenever I'm in Jo-Ann's, and I have extra coupons, or someone is buying someting really more expensive than my purchase I give them the coupon.
Living in the city, everyday I see a particular homeless man. I make it a point to give him a granola bar, apple or a sandwich. Times are tough, and we are here to look out for each other. :D |
Made my evening with all the stories.
Went to ceramics class tonight and noticed the teacher didn't look well. His allergies were acting up big time and he had to get a steroid shot to even function. Anyway, alot of the 'younger' students (there are over 25 students in class) finished up their work and left not bothering to clean up their messes. I thought how unfair of them to leave it to the teacher so started cleaning up. When I got everything done, the teacher, who I thought was busy in the back room, thanked me profusely as did the other two students finishing their work and who were cleaning up after themselves. Heck, we are required to do it as part of our grade. Good thing I am not the teacher as some would have gotten their grade docked a few points. It just felt right and good. Not a big deal to me but the teacher was appreciative. |
i remember when i was in the 2nd grade and my dad was on an isolated tour in Korea. Mom had just had major surgery, was flat on her back, and having complications-(almost died). we--4 kids, were brought xmas by the little town of pond creek, oklahoma. it was the best xmas, with the most stuff, including food and p.j.'s that i can ever remember having. i can still remember some of the toys.
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Tucson drivers are not always polite, so I go out of my way to be polite - letting cars turn in from side roads and store lots, leaving a space so left turners can turn when there's a lot of traffic. Yes, it sometimes makes the guy behind me mad, but that's his problem.
This used to be the norm everywhere - why has it changed in the last 20 or so years? |
My son was dx with cancer in January and our whole town turned out for a benefit for him. I was very touched and overwhelmed so decided I needed to pay it forward. I am now making cancer comfort quilts for people in our little town who are going thru chemo therapy and also have made three quilts to be given to an orphanage for kids. I am not done yet, and will keep on giving. Marge
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Originally Posted by mic-pa
My son was dx with cancer in January and our whole town turned out for a benefit for him. I was very touched and overwhelmed so decided I needed to pay it forward. I am now making cancer comfort quilts for people in our little town who are going thru chemo therapy and also have made three quilts to be given to an orphanage for kids. I am not done yet, and will keep on giving. Marge
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Originally Posted by Barbm
I was trying to think of what I've done that stands out- I try to be nice to everyone (my coworker says I'm TOO nice) and make them feel special.
But I was thinking- about 3 weeks ago I helped a couple. They are both disabled, he walks with a cane and doesn't get around well. She has diabetes and heart problems. I got a call from a friend who is a mortgage broker- they were signing a gas lease and would get a big sign on bonus, with which they would pay off their mortgage. Problem- they are in foreclosure proceedings. Gas co. wants a subordination. they have these docs- so I sit down with them and help them. They send it in- they are waiting. Yesterday they get more docs from the lender- do they want to modify their mortgage? We sat down for an hour and I helped them fill them out and made copies for them. I know they are not the cleanest or richest people, but they are salt of the earth- they will pay it forward because that's the kind hearted people they are. And it felt good knowing I could help them and they didn't have to pay someone or have someone take advantage of them. (But the gas co. decided they won't wait for the subordination and has decided not to pay the sign on bonus- grrr.) And I do this because once upon a time I too was divorced, unemployed with 3 little ones and my sister stepped up to the plate and provided Christmas for them- including outfits. She knows she can ask for the world and I would give it to her because she came through for me. (Oh, I went to the Salvation Army that year to get a toy for each of my kids. I went to the door- saw the people and said- I can't do it- they need it more than me.) Another little one- in line at Wal-Mart- mom in front of me was short about 5.00 for her bill. She told her kids they had to put back a box of locally made pizza (my kids love it too). I said to the girl quickly- wait- let me pay for it and you take it home. She didn't want to accept it- but I told her I know how kids love it- and she took it. She must have thanked my 10 times and the kids were so excited. I try to be good- sometimes I have to work real hard to get Evil Barb to stay quiet. (that's what I call myself if I am teetering on the edge of being nasty) |
That is such a wonderful story thank you so much for sharing!! Of course it made me bawl my eyes out but in a good way! :)
Originally Posted by crashnquilt
I am a firm believer in PAY IT FORWARD and WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.
It was raining very hard one day. I saw a woman and child walking down the road. I stopped and asked if she needed a ride. She got in with her daughter and was told she was going to the Woman's shelter. She really did look worse for the wear and the daughter wasn't much better. When we arrived, I could almost hear her relief. Before she got out I gave her $100 bill. She asked me for my name so she could pay me back. I said, "No, just don't let this be in vain. If ever you find someone else that needs help, please, do what you can." The woman smiled and said "Pay it forward" Just a week ago, I stopped at the bank to make a deposit. (yahoo) I put my deposit in the canister and sent it on it's way. The canister came back with a two photos. One was the woman and her daughter taken about the time I had picked them up. The other was a photo of them today! I looked back at the bank and there she was waving wildly at me. I went into the bank, she came running out, gave me a huge hug while she was crying. She said to another girl, "THIS IS THE LADY I WAS TELLING YOU ABOUT!" She told me that day was a turning point for her. She said, "If someone thinks enough of me to give me this money, I'm not such a bad person afterall." She got her GED, got a BS in Business, and is buying a small home for she and her daughter. Her daughter is doing very well in school and every night she prays "Bless the lady that has the white car." Needless to say, THAT has truly MADE MY YEAR! For PAY IT FORWARD, she volunteers at the Woman's Shelter and helps other women get education and work to better themselves. BUT, she is still a single mother and loves it. |
i am just loving everyone's stories of paying it forward!! They are all special in their own way and so are all of you ladies!!
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Thanks so much for this thread. I've enjoyed reading all the stories. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't take the time or space sharing all the random acts of kindness bestowed upon me. As a result, I am constantly trying to pay it forward in any way I can. Just a smile, a hello, hold a door. These are the small things I do.
One story: I was just out of college and going to Texas to visit friends on vacation. I was broke when I left so my Mom gave me her gas credit card for the trip. What I didn't know when I left was that that particular card was only good at certain gas stations. On my way back to Arkansas I ran out of gas still in Texas just before the Oklahoma border. A total stranger gave me money for gas to make it to the next state where I could use the card. Thanks to that person I made it home safely. He wouldn't give me his name and address to repay him. I've tried to pay it forward ever since. Next story: A very similar situation happened while I was still in college. My siblings and I were going to CA to meet our father for the first time. Long story short, I lost (not really, my sister stole) all my money for the return trip. When we arrived at the airport we didn't have the money to get my car out of long term parking. We were more than 2 hrs away from home. A taxi driver offered to drive us, but that would have cost too much. Jokingly, I asked him to loan me the money to get my car out and to my surprise he gave it to me. I got his name and address and returned the money with a bonus and a nice note to let him know I would pay it forward since he was so kind to me, a total stranger. I've been trying to pay it forward ever since. Just such a small act of kindness could be all it takes to change a persons life. You just never know another persons situation and by being kind, saying something nice, or sharing a couple of dollars is all it takes to turn someone around. Problem is: You never know how much of an impact you have on them. I know how much it's made a difference in my life, so I can only hope my acts of kindness have affected others in the same way. That's why I won't stop paying it forward. Even though most of the time I won't know what impact I had, I know I had some kind of impact. |
Originally Posted by crashnquilt
I am a firm believer in PAY IT FORWARD and WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.
It was raining very hard one day. I saw a woman and child walking down the road. I stopped and asked if she needed a ride. She got in with her daughter and was told she was going to the Woman's shelter. She really did look worse for the wear and the daughter wasn't much better. When we arrived, I could almost hear her relief. Before she got out I gave her $100 bill. She asked me for my name so she could pay me back. I said, "No, just don't let this be in vain. If ever you find someone else that needs help, please, do what you can." The woman smiled and said "Pay it forward" Just a week ago, I stopped at the bank to make a deposit. (yahoo) I put my deposit in the canister and sent it on it's way. The canister came back with a two photos. One was the woman and her daughter taken about the time I had picked them up. The other was a photo of them today! I looked back at the bank and there she was waving wildly at me. I went into the bank, she came running out, gave me a huge hug while she was crying. She said to another girl, "THIS IS THE LADY I WAS TELLING YOU ABOUT!" She told me that day was a turning point for her. She said, "If someone thinks enough of me to give me this money, I'm not such a bad person afterall." She got her GED, got a BS in Business, and is buying a small home for she and her daughter. Her daughter is doing very well in school and every night she prays "Bless the lady that has the white car." Needless to say, THAT has truly MADE MY YEAR! For PAY IT FORWARD, she volunteers at the Woman's Shelter and helps other women get education and work to better themselves. BUT, she is still a single mother and loves it. |
Where I work we have temps come in once a year to help count inventory. Last fall one girl just really impressed us. She later got a job (still through a temporary agency) where my daughter works. My daughter just thinks the world of her and said she is one hard worker. She and her husband had recently moved here and they had no family here and didn't know anyone. About two weeks before Christmas, her husband was laid off. They have two small children. My boss and I both put $100 in an envelope with her name on it, and took it to the temporary agency that she works for. (I taught Sunday School with the owner for years, and knew she would get it the one it was for.) I told them not to tell her where the money came from. That was the best Christmas present I could have gotten.
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Originally Posted by Ninnie
easy ways to "pay it forward" is to pay for the car behind you when going through a toll booth, or pay for someones coffee who is inline. There are lots of small ways to pay it forward. it doesn't have to be anything big.
even the subway is over $2 :roll: . |
Wow, I have just sat and read all 8 pages of comments on Pay It Forward and I have to tell you my heart is really feeling the love. I have cried through the stories and even admired the wonderful acts of kindness. I guess it cannot be said enough what a great bunch we are here on this Board.
I,too have tried to pay it forward and just received a PM yesterday from someone I sent some scraps to. I appreciate the fact that she let me know she recived them and thanked me. I am so glad she will be able to use them. it made me feel good to help. I sent a package to another person but have never heard back whether it was received. I will have to track it down.I have tried to teach my children the importance of Paying It Forward and so far have not been disappointed. |
I was in one of our local grocery stores, checking out, the man in front of me looked homeless, he was buying some cat food, 2 yogurts and some veges and fruit. Well, he didn't have enough to pay for it, and the clerk was treating him really bad, which no one deserves, so to make a long story short I paid the left over bill for him. On the way howe I was almost in a really bad 6 car accident, I think some one paid it forward for me. I have never seen that guy agsin, I guess he was transient.
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On this board I have both paid it forward and have been paid forward, This is the most heartwarming site I have ever seen! When I was working I sent a lot of packages out now that I am laid off it is wonderful to receive that package in the mail.
It is so hard to say a proper Thanks to the great people on here as Thank you sounds so lame!! WE need to come up with a new term as it truly melted my heart each time I received something from a board member. When my granddaughter learned to quilt she was showered with squishey's and the smile on her face could not be properly conveyed to the people that sent her things. You guys are the greatest in the whole world!! |
I also am a nurse. Last week one of our young nurse techs who is a poor nursing student got word from her older sister that her mom now had mets to the liver and she should come home to Chicago immediately. I was able to give her the money she didn't have so she could fly home. She didn't want to take it and like many of you I told her, let me have this opportunity to do something for you and someday just "pay it forward". Every time the occasion happens when I am able to help someone else, it makes me feel as if I am the one who has received a special gift. Is that how ya'll feel?
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Originally Posted by cherryberry
I also am a nurse. Last week one of our young nurse techs who is a poor nursing student got word from her older sister that her mom now had mets to the liver and she should come home to Chicago immediately. I was able to give her the money she didn't have so she could fly home. She didn't want to take it and like many of you I told her, let me have this opportunity to do something for you and someday just "pay it forward". Every time the occasion happens when I am able to help someone else, it makes me feel as if I am the one who has received a special gift. Is that how ya'll feel?
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I am so glad everyone is enjoying this thread! i know i just love reading everyone's stories about paying it forward!! just warms my heart!!
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What we know is that, for some of us," giving is getting."
I have 3 manila envelopes taped inside of my fabric cupboard. One is for selvages, one is for crumbs, and one is for 1 1/2 " squares, for 3 QB friends. I am on the look out for green cloth and dog prints for others. When I ask for something, my mailbox is loaded. Hoorah for us! |
ok i have had a some wonderful folks help me out, i dont hae a job so with this play it forward dose it have to be quilt related i am just beginning and have very little on it but i do have other things like beaded crosses i have made , a couple books i dont use not quilting,
other then that the play it forward we as a family have done was mow our elderly neighbors grass She dosent need to mow it in this heat, Hugs Dora |
When I was in high school I did not have money to by a graduation ring and my uncle gave me enough money to buy it I told him I would pay him back he said no just do it for some else this was in the earlyy 60'ds sence then I have paid for 3 rings
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I have read all these stories, at times having trouble reading the end of the story due to overly wet eyes. Thank you so much for sharing all of your stories. I try to PIF whenever I can, and to do RAK, because of all the kindnesses that have been done for me in the past. (I'd rather not get into specifics.)
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Now she is someone we should all pitch in together and make her a quilt as her housewarming present!! She is a true success story
Originally Posted by crashnquilt
I am a firm believer in PAY IT FORWARD and WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.
It was raining very hard one day. I saw a woman and child walking down the road. I stopped and asked if she needed a ride. She got in with her daughter and was told she was going to the Woman's shelter. She really did look worse for the wear and the daughter wasn't much better. When we arrived, I could almost hear her relief. Before she got out I gave her $100 bill. She asked me for my name so she could pay me back. I said, "No, just don't let this be in vain. If ever you find someone else that needs help, please, do what you can." The woman smiled and said "Pay it forward" Just a week ago, I stopped at the bank to make a deposit. (yahoo) I put my deposit in the canister and sent it on it's way. The canister came back with a two photos. One was the woman and her daughter taken about the time I had picked them up. The other was a photo of them today! I looked back at the bank and there she was waving wildly at me. I went into the bank, she came running out, gave me a huge hug while she was crying. She said to another girl, "THIS IS THE LADY I WAS TELLING YOU ABOUT!" She told me that day was a turning point for her. She said, "If someone thinks enough of me to give me this money, I'm not such a bad person afterall." She got her GED, got a BS in Business, and is buying a small home for she and her daughter. Her daughter is doing very well in school and every night she prays "Bless the lady that has the white car." Needless to say, THAT has truly MADE MY YEAR! For PAY IT FORWARD, she volunteers at the Woman's Shelter and helps other women get education and work to better themselves. BUT, she is still a single mother and loves it. |
when I was a kid... I grew up in a SMALL town... my teen brother worked construction to pay the house payment and we were POOR.
MY favorite thing to do was visit the local library.. I must have been there everyday for an entire summer! I would sit on the front steps and wait for the librarian to drive up and unlock the door! she knew my card number by heart! so.... that summer my father found out that our house was going to auction because of nonpayment of back tax's... at ten I really didnt understand this at the time... but HOMELESS was the word he used... the day of the auction came and went... nothing happened... the county commissioner came by the house and told my dad that it had been "taken care of" and to pay the taxes from now on. that was the day I found out the librarian was the county commissioners wife :D My family has been the recipients of RAK for SO long.. it has taken hold :D I LOVE to do crafts, I sew, quilt, stitch! and give it ALL away :D my husband is scared that I pick up hitchhikers so often.. but HEY! it could be my dad! |
One of our quilting sisters has asked me to " pay it forward" in prayer for her brother who is battling cancer right now. So, this is my way of paying it forward from her special gift of encouragement to me in the way of fabric pieces yesterday. So, this is my pay it forward - praying ( and I have done much of it already today ! ) for Terryl's brother, Donny.
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i save selvedges and crumbs too. old quilting mags. craft items and wool scraps. lace that i'll never use. off they go for credit in my next life. that's really paying forward.
i get squishies that i never knew i needed in return, in addition. that's the bonus part. |
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