Selfless or Selfish...

After recent horrific acts to our fellow mankind there has been a renewed push for random acts of kindness.  The idea is to leave a note and let the recipient know the good deed was in honor of the victims of these terrible events.  Sort of a new play on "Pay it Forward".

Maybe it's my Midwest upbringing but isn't this just being a good person?  Don't get me wrong.  I think it is an amazing opportunity to treat those, with whom we share this earth, with kindness.  But why do we need a tragedy to occur to be reminded to be nice.

I think back to the way we were raised by our parents.  My Dad always shoveled for Mr. McCoy next door.  In the summer we would mow his lawn as an extension of our own.  I would circle the yard at my grandparent's home and continue over into their elderly neighbor's property.  We would help the Hansens and Kleinschmidts across the street.  Even when we were a military family you helped your neighbor. If you had extra you shared.  Bountiful gardens. Successful hunts.  There were no notes left.  You didn't toot your own horn.  You just did it because it was the right thing to do.

This morning we enjoyed a taste of the Midwest with a little snow. Of course with snow comes a date with the shovel. After yesterday's inside activities, I found myself looking forward to some outdoor time (and the exercise). I allowed my shovel to lead me where I needed to be.  No messages left behind. Just the warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart and my brain cleared of clutter. 

I'm thankful my husband's youth was filled with similar moments, even though he was in the Pacific Northwest... just one of the things that drew us together - the belief in helping our family and neighbors.

Of course, there is one difference - in the Midwest we are a bit less creative when it comes to snow removal...  

I know our children were raised with our beliefs.  Pay it forward was more than a movie in this family.  And now with their spouses, they have found someone with the same values. They help friends and family with projects even when it means putting their own day's plans on hold.  I hear of them stopping to help strangers on the side of the road, checking on stranded motorists and helping coworkers even when it means they miss a little sleep because things didn't go quite as planned.  I love how they do for others, how they are caring and practical, and how they don't expect anything in return.  I love the fact they don't flaunt their possessions. I love how they are comfortable in their own skin and don't have to share every "don't I look good" moment on social media.  Instead they share with one another. They don't forget their family.  I see these same values in so many of our extended family too.  These are the same ones I know if we called and said "we need you", they would respond. It's not about calling yourself a good Christian, or doing something to be noticed. It's about setting a good example.

I hope they all know how proud I am of each and every one of them. They are all independent, secure individuals who find success in their less-than-public achievements. I love how we stay close - using each other for sounding boards, venting, sharing and philosophizing. I love that our relationship doesn't stop when "out of sight, out of mind".  It doesn't have to be about what we have.  It's about family.  It's about caring and love.  It's about being a good person all the time - not just when someone is looking.

The fresh air and activity got me to thinking...  as wonderful as the random acts of kindness are, to do for others, how about an addition to the original challenge...  let's be nice without being noticed.

Reality...

We pay homeowners insurance for a reason. I worry sometimes about the large cottonwood trees in our neighbor's yard. I know a car could come around the corner too fast and wind up in our porch. I pray we never have to endure the horror of watching our home go up in smoke... but the reality is why we make those insurance payments. Stuff happens.

Tonight we were winding down after dinner. I was debating white or rose for a glass of wine and which would tally up more WW points, when I heard a few sirens. I realized this was a second round of sirens in a short few minutes. We have a fire station just up the street so sirens aren't rare. But hearing fire engines, ambulances and police sirens all multiplying and coming up short nearby draws my attention.

We assumed there was a bad accident out on the main street. Then I realized I heard a familiar diesel rumble in front of the house. (We've had several visits to neighbor's homes for elderly family members.) Much to my surprise, I discovered Engine 4 in front of our house and a diligent fireman unrolling and attaching a hose to our hydrant. Engine 10 was in front of the house, just 3 down, hoses unrolled - flames and smoke coming from the rooftop.

I don't know why but I went back in for my camera. My son called me a voyer. Guilty as charged. In the horror of it all, I prayed quietly our newer gentleman neighbor was safe and thank God for all the men in front of me who were risking their own lives to help someone in need.

The drama unfolded... I knew it had to have been multiple alarms. Later learned a second alarm was called. Our neighbor was invited into the home next door, with his dog. He said he was settling in for a relaxing night with a big log in the fireplace when it all took off in flames. I'm guessing a pitchy pine log and a dirty chimney. The reality... why we pay our insurance bills.

The flames were already out when I returned with my camera

You could smell the burning timbers.

Second alarm - more engines.

Thank you gentlemen for all you do.