The Power of Giving.

Our daughter was hospitalized as an infant with an illness.  I had a good job but I had no time that I could use to leave work and be helpful to my wife at the hospital.  Becky spent many hours at the hospital with our daughter. 
I worked with a woman who was very kind and she and I had built a friendship that was solid.  She was much older than I was and she led a hard lifestyle to what I was used to.  I really enjoyed her 'hard' personality and the way she spoke bluntly about everything.  I had shared with her that our daughter had been hospitalized.  She kept pretty good tabs on the situation, asking me what the latest details were.  I came into work one day and she asked me how our daughter was and if there was progress being made.  I told her that there was progress.  She then asked me why I was at work and not up at the hospital.  I told her that I didn't have any sort of leave that I could use to be there but that Becky was there and that made me feel good inside.  A few minutes later, my friend Diane, handed me five twenty dollar bills and told me that she would pay for the day of work and she hoped that I would take leave ,without pay, and go to the hospital to give Becky a break.  I couldn't believe it!  I assured her that I would go and I gave her a hug and thanked her for her generosity.
A few years ago, my friend Diane, suddenly passed away.  I was asked to speak at her funeral.  One of the very first things I thought of speaking about was her generosity during a period of time when we were financially strapped and struggling with the stresses of a hospitalized child.  I told the congregation of people assembled that day how grateful I was for the love that she showed to me and my little family.
Sometimes the simplest gestures go a very long way, especially when the stress level is high for someone that is going through a tough time in their life. 
I continue to try and look for opportunities to lift the burdens of a people who need the help of another.  
Diane was good at anticipating the needs that we had, and then acting in a quick, concise manner.  That ought to be our sincere goal.