Friday, September 26, 2008

He's gonna kill me...oh well!


So, I know the best kind of service to give is sincere and anonymous, but I can't hold out on this one as I sit here in tears after getting a phone call from my tender husband, who was all choked up as well. He really is going to kill me, I know this because when I gave him a birthday blog he said thank you in the same sentence with 'never do that again...so CHEESY'. And he really meant it. So, for all of you out there wondering if I love my husband...I do. I just don't blog it...UNTIL TODAY:) I had just got off the phone with my dad who is one of the most charitable persons on the face of this planet and we had a little conversation just about that. I was thanking him for everything he continues to do for us, and expressing my want to be on the other end of receiving someday...GIVING! We just continue to be humbled and I was explaining to him that one day, we will pay it back somehow...someway. Just as I hung up with him, Shawn called. He begins to confess that he just spent $100. Not a big deal...I asked him why. Here we go. He proceeds to tell me with tears that he was in the bank ready to make a deposit. He was waiting for his turn as he waited for and overheard this little Latino family, a father beside his wife who was holding his little girl ask how much money he had in his account. One dollar. He didn't know how this was possible as he explained that he had made a deposit just a few days ago. With embarrassment the man and his family left. Shawn's heart instantly dropped and as he contemplated about what he wanted to do he made his deposit and ran outside to catch up with this family. They had already loaded into their car and were driving away, so Shawn continued after them...following them in their car. Of all places, they pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store to somehow find a way to pay for food. Shawn parked and ran up to the man, tapped him on the shoulder and asked him if he spoke English. He nodded, and as the family stared at Shawn he asked if they needed some money. The man said he didn't know what happened, he made a deposit a few days ago but...and Shawn then handed him $100 and said he hoped this would help. The mother and father both continued to thank him as emotion swept across their faces. Shawn watched them walk away, trying to hold back his tears, as he still held his little girl. How grateful I am for Shawn and his heart! This, by the way is not the only time he has done something like this. He has come home on a few occasions with a wet face only to tell me he just helped push a crippled man in his wheelchair make it up the hill and into his home. There are other instances, but for my life's sake, I'll leave it at that and try not to get to mushy, but I have to say that I hope this inspires others who read this to be more aware of those who are less fortunate than you and help them out in anyway possible that you can at that time. As you can see, it doesn't always have to be monetarily, because we all know how often we will be able to that:) Shawn, please don't kill me:) As you felt inspired to give, I felt inspired to write about it. I love you!

8 comments:

Crazy Lifferths said...

Thanks for the amazing story...my brother rocks! I was seriously holding the tears back. I love that he was calling to confess he spent $100! Us Olmsteads are cheap, are runs thick in our blood...hehe. See you Sat!

Jamie said...

That's so great! Shawns' awsome and such a special guy! Tell him we love him! I truly believe when we give, it only blesses us more! Be glad that you are in such a position to be able to do that :)

Laci said...

He better not kill you! I want everyone to know how awesome my little bro is!! Really Farrs, you are both blessed to have eachother.....love you guys!

Rachel said...

Well, I am pretty much in tears. Shawn, for some reason that hits home. I deal with stuff like that almost everyday. It is so refreshing that there are people out there like you. Really, thank you so much for doing that. You really are such a great person. My sister couldn't be with a more perfect person and I really mean that. What you did for those people is amazing. It makes me so happy just thinking of what you did for them. I work with people like them every day. I can't believe how they live. It is sometimes really heart breaking and when people like you step outside of the box and help it goes a long way. Those people will remember that forever. Thanks shawn. Your one of a kind! (sorry so cheesy, but really. sheesh that made my day...my week actually)

Auntie Elaine said...

You sure WERE inspired!! I needed a little lift today and got a HUGE one reading this blog. What a blessing you BOTH are to our family! You both have such loving and giving parents, so it makes sense you are following those examples. Thanks for the lift - we're proud of you guys and love you LOTS!!!

Laci said...

btw.....new picture for your heading is to-die-for!!!! Rae looks like a super model!

Buckland Family said...

Farrah you have such a cute family! I was almost in tears reading this post. Very inspiring! You are a great example to me! And by the way your little boy is about the cutest little thing that I have ever seen! I love his haircut but I will admit it does make him look like a little boy. We really should get together and yes the number that you have for me is the right number. Call me sometime. We need to hang out before I have this baby which is in about 3 1/2 weeks.

Emma said...

What a great husband you have! Such an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing. It makes me want to be a better person. Your parents are truly so charitable and kind. I know they have helped my parents before. Thanks so much!