A Shoe Story


I just had to share this story from my niece, Natalie:

Something amazing happened to me last week at work and I wanted to share it with all of you.
Some of you may know that I work for Fifth Third. The branch that I am located at is in central Toledo, on Monroe and Detroit. My clients that I meet with are mostly under-served and come from low income families. Last week, a customer that I have seen in the branch on a few occasions, but never sat down and had a conversation with stopped in my office to help her with her statement. As I was going through her information I noticed that she worked at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Immediately I thought of Haylee.
I asked her, "How long have you worked for the Hilton Garden Inn?" She told me that she has worked there since the hotel opened. I asked her if she knew Haylee.
Her eyes started to water, and she looked at me and said, "Yes. I knew her. I miss her everyday. How did you know her?"
I told her that she was my cousin, and she told me this story:
"Haylee was an unbelievable woman. She was my best friend at work. I don't have many friends at work. She was always so nice to me. Do you know that she gave me a pair of shoes?! Who gives people a pair of shoes? She didn't care that I was black and she was white. I don't have many white friends. She was so caring and loving. I miss her everyday."
It is truly amazing how we can touch people's lives in the smallest of ways.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Days Post Haylee

Image
It has been five days.  The grieving process has begun for myself and many around me.  It's a  beast this thing called grief.  It attaches to or attacks each of us differently.  When my mother lost my sister Barb, she named her grief George.  I think I too will have a name for my grief.  I've been thinking about Clarence.  I always loved the character Clarence Odbody.    He was only doing what was right and tried to have a little fun along the way.  He kept things simple.  I like simple.  I won't mind if Clarence hangs around awhile. "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?
Read more

2nd Week

Image
As Advent began, I found myself still struggling, so I got myself a couple of props. First I purchased little battery operated purple and rose votives. It had been a long time since I used an advent wreath so this is a compromise. I must say that it helps.
Read more

Will Advent Help?

Image
As an adult, Christmas has not been my favorite time of year. It seemed to remind me of all I did not have. Somehow I managed to make the best of it and survived. That's just it, I've been surviving the holidays, not enjoying the holidays. I need to do a better job at living Christmas. Raised a Catholic, advent is no stranger to me. Or is it? What does advent mean? What is it to me? Advent is a time for reflection. It is a time to prepare. It is a time for prayer. With my new job, I have more time. I have less stress. What am I doing with this time? Today, I will take a serious look into my advent prayers. Prayers that I've fallen away from. Prayers for peace in our country. Prayers with hope for all good things. Prayers for love. Prayers to renew my faith in a loving God. Dear Jesus, As I enter the advent season, prepare in me a place for you. Use me to be evidence of your life. Use me to help others come to know you. I pray for my children, Derri
Read more