A dying breed...

Every once in a while I am reminded that I got one of the last really good ones when I married my husband. Last night we were at a used bookstore looking for nothing in particular but thoroughly enjoying some time to ourselves. I had wandered off for awhile and returned only to find Chris engrossed in deep conversation with a total stranger. I took my cue to stay away and let them finish whatever it was they were talking about. About 15 minutes later, I returned and this time hung around within ear-shot. Long story short, this older gentleman had struck up a conversation with Chris near the section of Bibles and spiritual books. He was looking for a Bible for his wife, who happens to be in the hospital dying of terminal cancer. This man was an atheist, but is desperately grasping at straws, trying to find some answers or at least a little peace in an incredibly difficult situation. He began peppering Chris with questions about God, at first a little hostile, and then letting his guard down slightly. To add insult to injury, they are practically penniless due to medical bills and health insurance assistance that came too little too late. Chris listened, tried to answer his questions, and ended up carefully selecting and buying about $50 worth of bibles and spiritual books for this gentleman. Then we said goodbye to him and walked back to our car, knowing we'll probably never see him again. Chris said a prayer for him and his wife and it was a quiet drive back to the house. Quiet enough for me to think about what I fell in love with about this man so many years ago. I remember the first time I shared with him some really tragic (at least tragic to my 18-year-old psyche) event in my life. As I was talking, I saw tears well up in his eyes. I thought, wow he's really trying to lay on the charm! But 2O years later, he still does that....cries when I cry. I guess my troubles and heartaches never get old to him. What an amazing gift...to possess the perfect combination of kindness, sympathy, and inspiration that makes others want to share all of their problems with you. And they do. Case in point, one of my very good-hearted family members came over the other night to talk. Chris had worked a long day and I'm sure was looking forward to a little R&R with Brian Williams and the Nightly News. Instead he spent several hours listening to a laundry list of sorrows. And he's not just a good listener. He actually gives very sound advice with a wisdom that is way beyond his years. And so generous. Not just with money, but with time...something that is much more valuable sometimes. He recently used an entire weeks worth of vacation to serve at an orphanage in Guatemala. Now obviously you don't have to twist our arms too much when it comes to helping orphans, but start talking about using up PTO, and my selfishness starts to kick in. Chris has one of the most giving hearts I know. And it's not our anniversary or his birthday or father's day. Just feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Something I imagine I would experience a whole lot more often if I focus my life on the right things.