Forgiveness...And more PIF

Over the next few days (most likely until the end of the month) I might not be posting alot or at the very least, short post. Reason: everything is on "GO" for us to get a new house, so I am left with all the packing. Once we get to the closing, I'll also need to do some work on the new house-painting and getting carpet in the guest rooms. So I am asking ahead of time for forgivness.I left a little stash of goodies out in hopes I might get a few mintes to make something, but I wouldn't bet on it.
I have some more "Pay It Forward" stories to share. Hope you enjoy them :0)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear FlyLady, I had a great chance to pay it forward a few years back. I was living in Memphis, TN., where the crime rate is high and the police work hard. I had just picked my young daughter and her friend up from school, and we were in the drive through line at a fast food place ordering ice cream shakes. A police officer in his cruiser was in line behind me. I paid for my order, then asked the woman at the window how much the next order was. (I had limited cash with me, and if he was getting dinner for the entire precinct I couldn't have accomplished my "gift.") The order was only around $7.00. I happily paid for it. The woman who I paid was incredulous. "Why are you doing that?" I told her it was in appreciation for a difficult job. As I pulled to the edge of the road, the police officer got the news that some stranger in a mini van had just treated him to dinner. Over his loudspeaker he announced, "YOU JUST MADE MY DAY!!! THANK YOU!" The kids in the back seat waved like mad and we all grinned and giggled all the way home. I try to pay it forward often, but this instance was a memorable one. Cheers! Flying High in Maine * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hi Flylady, I was feeling miserable. Recently plagued with a multitude of illnesses, 10 pills a day. My kids. . .recently all diagnosed with adrenal disease. Husband took a big pay cut. . .bills piling up left and right. Mom's got a muscle disease, dad is broke, grandma is an angry old lady, the list goes on and on. I wasn't whining. . .just. . .feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired and broke. Then today, with borrowed money that I desperately needed. . .I went to the store. And as I passed, I saw the Salvation Army guy. He was standing there in 18 degree weather tonight. Collecting money, ringing his bell. Smiling. Saying Merry Christmas. I pouted. There's not a dime to get my kids anything and they have so little to start with. But then I thought about the man outside, freezing, while I was in a nice, warm Wal-Mart store. And my heart began to stop weeping for the unkind year I have been having. A thought grew in my mind and raced through my blood. . .a way to feel better. . . So, at the end of my shopping trip I took a dollar and some change and went into the McDonald's and bought the Salvation Army man a large hot chocolate. With the change from the purchase I put it in his red bucket and handed him the hot chocolate and said "here you go, Merry Christmas". He beamed a mile wide. Tears welled in his eyes. He said "thank you, thank you so much" and as I touched his frozen gloves I smiled and said "no, thank YOU very much, Merry Christmas". And inside of me grew a warmth so fantastic that I had to come home and tell you. Happy Holidays Flylady, Jen A., a PA flybaby