COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
We all should occasionally stop and count our blessings60 total reviews
Comment from The Death
This is so heart touching.I could visualise those scenes and your words are very effective.We are so lost in our problems that we forget how we are blessed.You are doing a great job by helping her and they need care.
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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This is so heart touching.I could visualise those scenes and your words are very effective.We are so lost in our problems that we forget how we are blessed.You are doing a great job by helping her and they need care.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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I wish I could do more but I fear trampling on her pride. Thank you so much for your generous and kind review, I sincerely appreciate it.
Comment from jmdg1954
I wish I had ten stars to reward the writing and another ten stars for you and your heart. You write of your ordeals and that makes me sad. But you wrote about your inner warmth and you made me smile to know that the entire world is not cruel. There are more good people then not. You are one of them. God bless you Valarie.
John
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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I wish I had ten stars to reward the writing and another ten stars for you and your heart. You write of your ordeals and that makes me sad. But you wrote about your inner warmth and you made me smile to know that the entire world is not cruel. There are more good people then not. You are one of them. God bless you Valarie.
John
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Thank you for your kind words and generous 6 stars. I sincerely appreciate it. A reviewer just gave me an idea. I do respect her dignity and would not want to trample on it, but there are several hair salons nearby that offer free haircuts and manicures for the poor. On Sunday, I will go to a couple and tell them about her. Hopefully they will speak with her and she can get a long overdo hair cut and desperately needed pedicure. I will keep you posted. Even if I have to pay for it since haircuts are only 3 US dollars and a pedicure no more than 7 US dollars.
Comment from cheyennewy
Hi Sasha,
This is a heart-breaking story and I would defy anyone who can read it with a dry eye, I couldn't. Your description of the old lady is vivid and allowed me to place myself beside her. I wonder where her family is or if she has one? You were right to respect her dignity which may be the only thing she has left. This is a superb story and one I enjoyed from beginning to end. Well done....blessings, chey
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Hi Sasha,
This is a heart-breaking story and I would defy anyone who can read it with a dry eye, I couldn't. Your description of the old lady is vivid and allowed me to place myself beside her. I wonder where her family is or if she has one? You were right to respect her dignity which may be the only thing she has left. This is a superb story and one I enjoyed from beginning to end. Well done....blessings, chey
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Your question is a valid one. In Mexico children always take care of their parents. To not do so, is a rare occurrence. Possibly she is from out of town and stranded, maybe she has no children. Whatever the answer, she is not doing well and my heart goes out to her. I find spying on her difficult but I cannot go to bed not knowing whether she made it back safely or not. You are right, I respect her pride and do not want to trample on her dignity. I just wish I could do more. Thank you so much for your generous review and the beautiful 6 stars, I sincerely appreciate them.
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You are so welcome. I am glad you are watching over her...hugs, chey
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
What a touching tale, and the fact it's true, pulls
at my hear-strings - you've a kind heart, Sasha - I
too would have to help her in small ways that didn't
hurt her pride - and I can understand how she's become
part of your life. I just wish there were places over
there they could call in to get some care - a bath now
and again, and her toe-nails cut, to make life a little
more tolerable.
Thanks for sharing this with us - it will do us all good
to remember that there's those out there a lot worse off
than us. And that a little kindness goes a long way.
Margaret
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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What a touching tale, and the fact it's true, pulls
at my hear-strings - you've a kind heart, Sasha - I
too would have to help her in small ways that didn't
hurt her pride - and I can understand how she's become
part of your life. I just wish there were places over
there they could call in to get some care - a bath now
and again, and her toe-nails cut, to make life a little
more tolerable.
Thanks for sharing this with us - it will do us all good
to remember that there's those out there a lot worse off
than us. And that a little kindness goes a long way.
Margaret
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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I don't think she is aware, but many of the small hair salons off free cuts to anyone that cannot afford it. On Sunday (they do this on Sunday)I will stop by a few and tell them about her. Hopefully one will speak with her and she can at least get her hair and nails cut. I'll keep you posted.
Comment from babylonia
Sasha,
It's getting to be that way here. Yeah, there might be places where some can get food and things but it is so easy to be "short" of the qualifications. Sigh. I've seen the sadder part of life. I try to be thankful for what I have and not whine about all I don't have ... just like you.
Love,
Barbara
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Sasha,
It's getting to be that way here. Yeah, there might be places where some can get food and things but it is so easy to be "short" of the qualifications. Sigh. I've seen the sadder part of life. I try to be thankful for what I have and not whine about all I don't have ... just like you.
Love,
Barbara
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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When I see it out my living room window, it is hard not to be thankful for what I have. I just needed a reminder.
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That's how I feel too. I don't see it out my window literally. I know it is there.
Comment from STEPHEN A CARTER
CONSIDER:
"I can see THAT she is quite stiff from sleeping...
"... a thick layer of dust...
"... The old woman wipes sweat from...
"... sound of television stations...
"Deeply etched crevices in her face...
AVOID 'the' 'and' 'as if' and unnecessary adverbs
Challenge: erase 'her' from this sentence..
"Her fingers are gnarled and swollen from arthritis as are her feet.
What do these sentences have in common?
"I know that...where she is.
I dread that day.
She has become a part of my life,..
I don't even know her name.
Has potential. Could be better.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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CONSIDER:
"I can see THAT she is quite stiff from sleeping...
"... a thick layer of dust...
"... The old woman wipes sweat from...
"... sound of television stations...
"Deeply etched crevices in her face...
AVOID 'the' 'and' 'as if' and unnecessary adverbs
Challenge: erase 'her' from this sentence..
"Her fingers are gnarled and swollen from arthritis as are her feet.
What do these sentences have in common?
"I know that...where she is.
I dread that day.
She has become a part of my life,..
I don't even know her name.
Has potential. Could be better.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Thank for the suggestions. I will make some of the changes but since this was written from the heat, it is how my heart spoke and feel I need to keep this in the style that I think and speak. I do appreciate your critique and as I say, I will make some of the changes you suggest.
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Dear Smurf: No problem. Here to help.
XX Steve C
Just posted #31/32.
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So pleased you understand. I do appreciate all the help I can get and need. Your suggestions are appropriate but the tone of the story was from my soul and I was only able to make some of the changes. I do tend to use I far too often and it is something I am working on.
Comment from Sylvia Page
The occasional couple out for an early evening stroll walk [couple out for an early evening stroll walks] past her pretending not to notice.
mid eighties. [mid-eighties].
Those are the only problems I can see.
This story is a very humane one and relates to a large number of homeless people around the world, each with their own sorry tale to tell, no one cares to listen. Bless your heart in taking good care of her yet not spoiling her pride.
Cheers
Sylvia
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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The occasional couple out for an early evening stroll walk [couple out for an early evening stroll walks] past her pretending not to notice.
mid eighties. [mid-eighties].
Those are the only problems I can see.
This story is a very humane one and relates to a large number of homeless people around the world, each with their own sorry tale to tell, no one cares to listen. Bless your heart in taking good care of her yet not spoiling her pride.
Cheers
Sylvia
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Thanks for the suggestions, I will make the changes you suggested.
Comment from 3boysrule
I really enjoyed reading this, as it is a reminder to everyone that has a roof over their head, and food in their bellies, how lucky they are. USA is no different. Yes, there are some food banks and shelters. However, going downtown to any large city here, you will find a person, sitting on the corner or looking through a garbage can for leftovers. Thanks so much for sharing this :-)
Dee
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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I really enjoyed reading this, as it is a reminder to everyone that has a roof over their head, and food in their bellies, how lucky they are. USA is no different. Yes, there are some food banks and shelters. However, going downtown to any large city here, you will find a person, sitting on the corner or looking through a garbage can for leftovers. Thanks so much for sharing this :-)
Dee
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Yes, poverty is spreading. This woman breaks my heart and although I feel like I am spying on her I just cannot stand by and do nothing. Thank you so much for your kind words and generous words.
Comment from SC Russell
Thought provoking through the entire time I was reading. I felt pulled through,anxious to find out if and when there would be interactions with the poor woman. Good job!
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Thought provoking through the entire time I was reading. I felt pulled through,anxious to find out if and when there would be interactions with the poor woman. Good job!
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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She seems to be a very proud woman who just wants to be left alone and I feel I must respect that. Leaving something for her to eat or a blanket to stay warm erases the stigma I am sure she feel being approached.
Comment from expressions9
Smurphgirl, this is a heartbreaking story - it brought tears to my eyes. You relate it so brilliantly, how can anyone not be moved? What a very sad picture of what is normal life for the people of that region. May God bless you so much for being like an `angel' to this lady. Thank God that someone with a heart like yours is just across the street from her. When we think of all the amenities, resources and provisions of our society, to be ungrateful when considering the dilemma of this woman is unspeakable. It's fantastic that you have shared this story.
Sometimes people sit begging in city streets here in London and one can never be too sure, as we have sometimes noticed activity which shows they are not really in need, but rather taking advantage - probably related to drugs, alcohol, etc. I always feel that's sad as there may be some who are desperate, although there are provisions in countries like ours.
You're doing a great job and who knows, one day this dear old lady may just begin to find it possible to communicate with you. Thank you so much for sharing. As you title says, we really should "count our blessings".
God bless you,
Christine
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Smurphgirl, this is a heartbreaking story - it brought tears to my eyes. You relate it so brilliantly, how can anyone not be moved? What a very sad picture of what is normal life for the people of that region. May God bless you so much for being like an `angel' to this lady. Thank God that someone with a heart like yours is just across the street from her. When we think of all the amenities, resources and provisions of our society, to be ungrateful when considering the dilemma of this woman is unspeakable. It's fantastic that you have shared this story.
Sometimes people sit begging in city streets here in London and one can never be too sure, as we have sometimes noticed activity which shows they are not really in need, but rather taking advantage - probably related to drugs, alcohol, etc. I always feel that's sad as there may be some who are desperate, although there are provisions in countries like ours.
You're doing a great job and who knows, one day this dear old lady may just begin to find it possible to communicate with you. Thank you so much for sharing. As you title says, we really should "count our blessings".
God bless you,
Christine
Comment Written 15-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2013
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Thank you so much for your positive review. Sadly, I do see so much poverty that it is impossible to help everyone. I always carry a small purse with pocket change for those I see daily and know are truly desperate. Thanks for the awesome 6 stars, I sincerely appreciate them.
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You're welcome :)
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That's so very kind and thoughtful .. May God bless you, Christine
