October 8, 2012

Of Sunshine and Smiles




“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
                                                                                                                    ~ Joseph Addison


There are people who arrive in our lives unexpectedly and are the perfect tincture of comfort at a given moment.  Such a woman smiled warmly at me with welcoming eyes one afternoon and immediately my shy reserve and anxiety in an unfamiliar situation melted away. 

Our paths only crossed a few times after that afternoon.  I learned later that she was fiercely fighting a battle with cancer.  Surrounded by her family, sadly she passed away yesterday.

I didn't know her well but I feel as though I knew the tenor of her heart.  Hers was a heart that gladly and generously gave love to another through her smile.  Even as her own heart was heavily burdened. 

The exact words of our first conversation are lost to me now.  I'm sure though we were sharing our excitement and love for gardening.  I'll never forget how her generosity of spirit and smile made me feel that day and I hope to follow her example and never forget to share that same generosity with others along my journey.  





22 comments:

  1. In our hustle and bustle lives, we sometime forget how we touch others, even when we don't know it.

    Sorry to hear of this lady's passing. We need more of her kind, in this old world.

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  2. Smiles and hugs are free. Sometimes we don't give them out as often as we should. So sorry about the sad news of this woman's passing. Sounds like she was touching other people's souls with her kindness.

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  3. Beautiful words and a sweet tribute to someone who touched you however briefly

    It is sad when someone loses their battle, yet her memory will live on in your words and this reminder that we should all take a moment to do that for someone else.

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  4. she sounds like a wonderful soul. bless her in her new freedom.

    i have loved that quote since i first read it on a blog last year.

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  5. Perfect thoughts, Cat. I feel the same about Becky, feeling like I didn't know her as well as I wish I had, but so touched by her generous spirit. Thanks for posting.

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  6. A beautiful tribute, Cat, and the photo is perfect. Life is too short! Treasure every moment.

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  7. So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Cat. To have been touched by such a generous loving spirit is wonderful indeed.

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  8. Small moments often have a larger impact than grand gestures. We need more kindness, even in the form of sweet blogs to wake up to. :o) Thank you for remembering her instead of letting her be just another face.

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  9. Thanks Cat for this lovely tribute and thanks to you as well TexWisGirl for sharing that beautiful take on the "new freedom" our souls may take after our physical death. It is stirring to witness the impact simplicity and sincerity truly exert in this world. It is an honor to be in this company.

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    1. That expression so beautifully written by TexWisGirl touched me too. It's a beautiful thought to ponder.

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  10. So sorry to hear...beautiful words and photo!

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  11. A smile can make such a difference, can't it. How sad that the giver of said smile has passed away. An excellent reminder to be generous to others, and lovely tribute to your friend. One doesn't need to know someone for a long time for their life to touch one deeply.

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  12. Sometimes the briefest of encounters can leave a lasting impression. Generosity is a wonderful gift for her to have shared.

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  13. Very beautifully put! It reminds me of an elderly neighbor that we used to have who was always so kind and cheerful, even as she battled lung cancer. People that have such a good spirit like this are my inspirational role models.

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  14. It's fascinating isn't it--what a small world it is, and how we can touch each other's lives at unexpected moments. Sorry about your loss. This is a touching tribute and a reminder to all of us. Thanks, Cat.

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  15. How tragic and beautiful. I'm sure she'd be pleased to be remembered by her smile.

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  16. Cat, that's a beautiful sentiment. I only met Becky once and talked to her only briefly. I wish I had gotten to know her better, she sounds like a lovely person.

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  17. My wife tells me to smile every day. She says: Don't forget:Smile at someone today! Your story brought tears to my eyes for the truth that it shows in something which really can be easy to give. Thanks.

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  18. Great quote, Cat. Key word in it is 'inconceivable' - we have no idea how much a smile can do for another person, especially someone we may not know or know well. We might just have made their unseen burden a little lighter, even if only for a moment. Great post, and a lovely photo.

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  19. Let our hearts overflow with love, the more so when we are burdened. Thanks for a beautiful reminder of how to live!

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  20. Beautiful post, and I love the quote.

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  21. What a touching post, Cat. Even small moments can mean a lot. What a gift she was to the world, I am sure.

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