The Little things
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
United States
April 30, 2009 3:47pm CST
Everyday I go to the same store to get my usual items and everyday I always stop and talk to this lovely old man who is always hanging out in front on a bench and I would always sit there and chat with him sometimes share a snack or two he'd tell such me such great stories.And talk about his wife too who had passed on a few years back.So I noticed he wasn't there yesterday or this morning so I started asking about him know one knew where he was I was concerned.So I sat and waited abit and dropped by to check on him.Finally I saw another person who was a crony of his and asked about him turns out he passed away and I felt so sad.It will be hard to go there and not see him anymore.But I know he is with his wife now and that's a comfort coz that's what he wanted as he missed her so.But you get so used to someone being there and then their gone and it is never quite the same I will miss his smiling face and stories.No one seems to pay attention to those little things but sometimes those little things make the world of difference.
3 people like this
14 responses
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
30 Apr 09
Aw, faery, that is a sad story. But one I am so glad you shared with us. I realize once in a while that I have gotten too caught up in the rat race to pay attention to the little things that really matter. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
1 May 09
I am guilty of that too, but I also am trying to balance everything out! Life is way too short to go through life racing and not taking the time to "stop and smell the roses!"
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Yes I wanted to share this with friends and those who would understand.We all do that even me sometimes we get caught up in things and miss the little things,I am trying to balence both.Thank you for responding.
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Awwww...you shouldn't feel guilty my friend,sometimes there is so much going on at once we may miss things along the way I am far from perfect and I know I missed alot myself running around like a hamster in a wheel most of the time...it's what makes us human.I just learned to pause now and then coz people and things ofthen surprise you.And I try and balence all that out.Hope your having a good dayxx
1 person likes this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Apr 09
That is such a sad story faery, bit it also makes us realize that the little things in life count as much as the big things - sometimes more. I'm sure you were the highlight of this man's day, by just taking the time out to sit down with him and chat as you did. It would have meant a lot to him.
I too, love listening to older people, because they have a lifetime of experiences to pass on (some good, some bad), but we can learn so much from them - they are a mine of information!
You got so used to seeing him every day outside the shop, then suddenly he was gone, and it shocked you - but you can rest assured that you made his days bright and interesting. Take comfort in that - you are a special person. Not many people have the time for older people these days and it's so sad.
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
30 Apr 09
Hello abbey,thank you for the kind words,yes he was always happy to see me which just warmed my heart.As no body really payed any attention to him or even noticed when he wasn't there,doesn't make them uncaring just doing their own thing.I love the elderly they are very wise and I think when they get cantankerous they are just lonely and don't want anyone to know.Yes I got so used to him being there so will take a little getting used too.Thanks for your lovely words at the end of the day I was there for him.And he touched my life too and that's what matters.
2 people like this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
30 Apr 09
*Hugs*Thanks Abbey,hope your having a lovely day.x
1 person likes this
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
1 May 09
I know what you mean I worked in a store and we had this lady her name was mary an for some strange reason everyone called her willie but she would walk the streets picking up cans an she would come in the store to buy a cup of coffee an danish aan yes the danish always was free when i was working but her her husband an son were both killed years before from the stories I had gathered from everyone that knew her an after her loved ones passed all she did was raom the streets she was the sweetest woman I have eber met an thenlike it happen to you she didnt come in for her cheese danish an coffee instead she went to be with her husband an son but every time i have a cheese danish i think of her an smile I am sorry about u losing your friend
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello enola,thank you for sharing that with me.She sounded like such a wonderful woman and I think that was so kind of you to do that acts of kindness like that go a long way and you gave her some happiness and that is so important.As we all feel alone at times and need someone to listen.Yes we used to have little picnics on the bench.I stopped by the store this morning and got a little choked up but I started to remember our last day we spent and I began to smile.Your experience with your friend warmed my heart.
1 person likes this
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
1 May 09
I am glad it made you feel a little better
1 person likes this
@Colmuc (707)
•
1 May 09
Your story reminds me of my childhood days. Close to where I lived were several old men who would sit in their gardens in summer and I loved to go and chat with them.
One was a World War 1 veteran and fascinated me with his stories. Another was a retired police inspector who was equally interesting. Now the situation is reversed and the children in my family are fascinated by the stories I have to tell.
I am sure you brought great pleasure to the old man by giving him your time and showing an interest in him. Be thankful that you did what you could when you had the chance. Too often it is too late and we regret missed opportunities.
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello colmuc,thank you for sharing with me about your friends.It is very facinating to sit and listen to all their stories and life experiences I love talking to the elderly they have seen so much and have such wisdom.And it is wonderful that you have so much to share as well,it amazes me how in life things come full circle I am sure one day I'll have more to tell,and being as writing is a passion of mine I am sure I'll have more as I use everyone I meet and write my charectors based on all the people I have met in this life I always see their faces as everyone I encounter makes an impact in my life and will always remember that.Even if I only talked to someone briefly or don't cross their path again I remember.Yes I have learned not to miss out on the little things and I am glad I had him in my life and I know he felt that about me as well and that is a comfort and helps me cope better and accept my loss.
1 person likes this
@thanusha85 (532)
• Malaysia
1 May 09
Hi
This is a very sad one. I am sure you would have brighten his life by accompanying him. You will definately miss him and so he will. Sometimes God sents one to us just for a season. I am sure you both would have shared many thoughts and there will be somethings you might have learned from him. His role to your life is over and its time for him to leave. His memories will stay and you need to be strong to accept it. Life has to go one. Take it positively. He would miss you just like how much you missed him. Its glad that he is finally with his wife who he loved alot. You will feel the difference but you have to get used to it.
Thanusha
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello thanusha,yes I wish we had more time to share things and I will miss him but I am trying to think only about the good parts and he made such an impact in my life and I will never forget him.I know in my heart he is with his wife and where he is meant to be,and that makes it easier to accept he is gone,it will take time getting used to him not being there but I was happy he came into my life and brightened it up and I will carry that with me and I know he wouldn't want me to be sad so I won't be.I know in this life people are there one day and gone the next in a blink of an eye,my paths have crossed with many that I still remember who have come and gone I remember them all and then you have those who stay their is a purpose and meaning to all of it and I know I will meet even more along the way who will touch my life and I'll touch theirs and at he end of the day that's what matters.And will just carry their light with me.Thank you for your kind words
1 person likes this
@nerradooo (26)
• Philippines
1 May 09
you got me with your story, for all the times you with him, i know, he's in the right hand!
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello nerradooo,thank you for your kind words.While it will take time getting used to him not being around everyday I know he is happy and at peace.And that makes me feel better.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
1 May 09
Awwwwwww that's such a sweet story faery! You are such a sweet, caring person and I bet you really impacted his life! Poor thing must have been very lonely, and it probably meant the world to him to have someone to talk to! I know he is happy now as he is with his wife, but I am sorry for your loss hun!
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
2 May 09
That's great that "talking" about it is helping! I find MyLot is a great place for stuff like this! Hope you have a beautiful weekend my sweet friend and I'm sending big hugzz your way!
Luv Ya Lots, PurpleTeddyBear xx
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hiya Sweets:)I try to be kind and giving and I love my friends so I will always do what I can too see they are happy,that's important to me.Yes he was a little lonely as he missed his wife,and I was lonely too moving too a new town not knowing anyone he was the first to show me kindness and we became friends.I will have to get used to him not being around but won't be too sad,will have happy thoughts.Thank you so much,writing about it and talking with friends lifted my spirits and I am feeling good now.xx
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
1 May 09
You have such a kind heart. I do agree with you that the world is great with all these little things to make us happy. I do remember last time when I was with my friends whom I'm no longer in contact with, and we would all rush to catch the latest movies or go out together to eat. Those little things. And there was this particular cleaning lady in my workplace whom is so nice but she has since resigned and I don't get to have small chat with her anymore. Sometimes I feel that these little things are some things that I do take for granted and when there are no more of those, I do feel a bit sense of 'loss'. Nice discussion here.
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello Zed_k4,that is so sweet of you too say,yes I used to rush around and get caught up in myself and miss all these great moments.I have changed and stop and look now,sometimes you randomly talk to a stranger and you may not see them again,but yet they still make such an impact in your life.And it brighten ones day to connect to someone on different levels.Thank you for your compliments and responding,take care.
1 person likes this
@Jezebella (1446)
• United States
30 Apr 09
AWE that is so sad! I would be sad to hear he passed away and would have wanted to pay my respects to him. I like sitting and talking to older people and learning about all the things they have learned in their long lives.
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
30 Apr 09
Hello Jezebella,yes I play on doing a little something to honor him.He was a wonderful man.Yes the elderly have such amazing stories and life experience and have seen so much.Thank you for responding.
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
1 May 09
Hi hun,
Awwwwww, that is so sad, but you know you made him happy just by giving a little of your time to him and for listening to him because some people can't be bothered with old people but they always have something to tell and they do tells of lovely memories they have, he is happy now and I'm sure he is thanking you for being there for him, I know it is so sad but pat yourself on your back that you were there for him in his last days. Love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxxx
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hi Tamara,I comfort myself in knowing that he wasn't alone and we shared so much.I was a bit lonely myself,when I moved into my new town.I believe he is with his wife now which is what he wanted.While it take a little adjusting to not seeing him around at least while he was here he had a friend to listen.Thanks for your kind words I am trying to stay positive and not be sad,so I am going to remember him in a good way.xxxx
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
30 Apr 09
Hi faery~ I am so sorry about your friend. But, as you say
he is in a happier place with his wife now and he is where he
wanted to be. I also had a friend who I would run into all
the time in my neighborhood and sit with him outside on the
benches, especially in the summertime. I hadn't seen him
around at all for quite awhile. I knew he had cancer and needed
an operation. I started to ask around about him and then I
found out that he too had passed away. And I was also so very
sad. I miss him so much! He was someone that I looked forward
to seeing all the time and now it feels so empty not running
into him and seeing his smiling face. My heart is broken
because I had known him for quite a few years. So I know how
you feel. When someone touches your life it hurts when then
leave this earth, no matter what. Our friends are together
and no longer suffering. May they both rest in peace~
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello Opal,sorry to hear your friend passed away it must be difficult.I am trying to keep the thought that he is happy in my mind so I don't get too sad.I went to the store earlier and was a little choked up,knowing I won't see him anymore.Sometimes people make such an impact on your life without even knowing it.I learned we have to appreciate people everyday coz the next day they might not be there.Yes I share your grief as we both lost our friends.I am sure they are in a good place and happy,I believe that.It's going to take getting used to him not being around,thanks for telling me about your friend it helps.x
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello suzzy,it is.Yes they dn't necessarily pass away they just move on too.It's just you talk to the same people everyday and they are always there and then they aren't you miss everything and what you shared.Very true words there suzzy.Take care.
@kurniawanSurvey (140)
• Indonesia
1 May 09
I know the happiness of listener, because I've been one myself, but the more I listen to people life the more I get drown in his thought, I feel more and more concerned about his problem as he open his heart more to me, I can't even imagine what will I do if my talk friend is suddenly vanished. I feel sorry about your loss, this may the perfect time for me to get know my friend better so I have no regret when the time comes.
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Yes I try and spend as much time as I can with my friends talk to them and share with them,it is little things like that which matter most.And the gift you can give to your friends is being there and letting them know they are loved and not alone.Thank you for you compassion and hope you and your friend have many wonderful days,take care.
1 person likes this
@zheishu (7)
• China
1 May 09
May be it's a pity.Some little things just like this lovely old man,can bring many happiness to you without noticeing.We are all the same.We would nerve realise those little happiness untill we lose them.But we are also luckly enough,for we have had them in a long time.So,don't be sad.What we could do is just to enjoy them with your smile.
1 person likes this
@faeryoftheshire1 (558)
• United States
1 May 09
Hello zheishu,yes he really lifted my spirits alot as well,yes I wish I could have done more but I am glad I had met him and he has made an impact in my life.And thank you for your lovely words,you are right I will remember all the good times we shared and try not to be sad about it.Thank you for responding.
1 person likes this
