One Single Act

It never ceases to amaze me how the simplest and smallest acts of a stranger can change lives forever. It has been said that "bigger is better," but I've come to learn that is not always true. My Granddaddy taught me that. Not with his words, but by how he lived his life. One single act of a stranger changed him forever and, because of that, changed me forever. It happened many years ago...

My Granddaddy had the two most important jobs during World War II. He was a cook and a medic. He kept our troops fed and patched up. What could be more important? They weren't glamorous, but he played two huge roles in defeating Hitler.

One day, as he was changing sheets on a bed, he noticed a man across from him that was badly wounded. The man was missing most of the right sided of his body, including his right eye and arm. Unfortunately, he had seen worse, but this particular man still tugged at his heart.

A volunteer with the Red Cross sat down next to the wounded man. She had a basket of fresh oranges, a real treat for those so close to the front lines. She asked if he would like an orange. My Granddaddy barely him hoarsely whisper "Yes." The "Red Cross Woman," as my Granddaddy called her, smiled and said, "That will be a dime."

My Granddaddy moved closer to hear the response. "I don't have a dime," he replied."

The Red Cross Woman stood up and walked away, leaving the wounded man and moving on to the next bed with her basket of oranges. My Granddaddy saw the man cry. Embarrassment for not having a dime? We'll never know.

My Granddaddy moved on the next bed as another volunteer sat down next to the man. He wanted to tell her to move along, but he had been told to let the volunteers do their jobs without any interference. He explained to me he would have had a few choice words for her, had he been able to say something.

"Would you like an orange?" the volunteer asked. My Granddaddy's blood boiled.

The man explained, again, that he didn't have any money. The volunteer moved from the chair and sat on the bed next to him. She reached in her basket and pulled out an orange. She began peeling the orange.

"That's okay. I'm with the Salvation Army." She finished peeling the orange. She sectioned the orange and fed it to the wounded man.

My Granddaddy would go on say how much that meant to him. He explained how that single act changed him and the direction of his life. He said he knew there had to be a God because of this one woman. Despite all the horror around him, he knew God was watching and taking care of everyone.

I heard that story my entire life. My Granddaddy wiped tears from his eyes each time he told that story. I grew up wanting to touch a life the way "The Salvation Army Lady," as my Granddaddy called her, had touched him. We don't know her name. We don't know what caused her to volunteer. The only thing we know is that she showed up one day and cared.

How much did this really impact my Granddaddy? I'm not sure. I do know that when he had Alzheimer's and didn't recognize Granny, the woman he had been married to for sixty plus years, he could still tell that story. He didn't where he lived or what year it was, but he could tell that story with all the passion of when he had told it when he was well. His words never faltered. The story never changed. It was always in his head.

No. It wasn't in his head. It was in his heart. Alzheimer's may have taken his memories, but it didn't take the feelings in his heart.

I showed up one day, in Oklahoma City, after the bombing of the Murrah Building there. I wanted to help my hometown.

I saw the Red Cross women. They were selling bottles of water to those covered in dust and blood. Men and women, coughing and wheezing from the debris in the building, desperately needed water. Not far from the Red Cross station was the Salvation Army ladies. They were handing out bottles of water. No charge. Just giving it to those in need.

I thought of my Granddaddy and his Salvation Army lady. Despite what had happened and all that I saw that day, I knew God was there - helping.

I want to do something like that for someone. They don't have to know my name. They just need to know I showed up one day and cared. I can't cure cancer. I can't bring peace to the world. I can touch one person. I can do something, simple straight from the heart, and, maybe, change a life.

I want to give one person an orange. I have at least one orange to give. Do you?

Make A Little Girl's Christmas Wish Come True

I just helped my daughter, Siobhann, write her letter to Santa. Other than asking for clothes that would fit me because "she has gotten fat," her letter was rather moving. Particularly the last item on her list...

"Please bring all the stray dogs and cats lots of good homes, families that love them and lots and lots and lots of food," she wrote. It was straight from the heart. Because of her heartfelt plea, I've compiled a short list of ways you can make Siobhann's Christmas wish come true.

1. Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control agency. Many of these pets are reasonably priced. They are usually already altered (spayed for females and neutered for males). Sometimes, they are even up-to-date on their vaccinations. Rarely these pets have not gone through some sort of personality testing to make sure they are adoptable. Go in and let a pet pick you out. They know if they will like you and your family. Ask a lot of questions to make sure you get the best pet for your family and your family's lifestyle.

2. Donate money to you local "helpers of animals." Any amount will be fine. Drop some loose change in the canisters. That will do a world of good. Monetary gifts are usually tax deductible. Ask at the front desk if you are unsure.

3. Donate items to the animal shelter. What to give? Pet food, cat litter, blankets, towels, wash cloths, and cleaning supplies like bleach. Leashes, small litter boxes (even cardboard flats), pet toys, collars and pet carriers are always appreciated. Think about what your pet uses every day and donate accordingly.

4. Volunteer at you local animal shelter. Just a few hours a week will help ease the workload of those who care for the animals. Offer to walk dogs, wash bowls scoop poop. Not your cup of tea? Play with the pets there. They call it "socialization," but we know better. This is great for puppies and kittens; you'll enjoy it as well. Ever sit in the middle of a litter of puppies or kittens? If that isn't fun, I don't know what is. Maybe allergies keep you from dealing directly with the animals, so volunteer to lick stamps, put up posters and signs or answer the phones. If you are familiar with a computer, offer to help with their website or blog. Get creative and help the animals in need and those who help them. Get your kids involved. There is a lot they can do to help as well.

5. Take a stray to your local animal shelter. It will be better than them living on the streets. They will be warm and have enough food. They will receive the necessary medical treatment or their suffering will be ended in a humane manner. They will be evaluated to see if they are suitable for adoption and every effort possible will be made for them to go to a good home.

It is pretty simple to help animals in your area. It will make you feel good. And, the animals. It isn't expensive to help - a lot of the time it is free. I know it will make my Siobhann happy to know someone cared enough to do a little something for the countless animals she prays for.