Lucky 13

Finally, a way to exorcise the bad juju associated with the number thirteen. I mean, there have been a series of horror movies devoted entirely to this very date, not to mention an unspoken agreement between parents that thirteen is the age where your hair grays overnight and you start to fantasize about calling driving to Beverly Hills and leaving your teenager on Branjelina's door step. But now, thirteen is just lovely double digit notched onto the giving belt. Thirteen days and climbing and this process continues to surprise and inspire.

For my part, I have enjoyed giving in a range of ways over the last several days, from time and attention in the form of a Sunday dinner with my mom and brother, to a couple of home made music cds for a friend, to purchasing a friend's T ticket when she came down to Boston for a day of shopping and catching up, to yesterday when I had the pleasure of devoting my time and myself to a good friend and non-paid mom with two little ones. Something in the email she sent me the night before said she was in need of a break from the routine and an extra pair of hands. Her husband is on a lengthy business trip to China. In the morning, I phoned her and told her I wanted to come over and help out in whatever way I can, whatever she needed, if that meant just some company or help with house chores. She happily accepted, and I was en route.

Before arriving at her house, I stopped and picked up some fresh tulips for her, some snacks, and a special, confectionary treat for her oldest little guy who is three and who was gracious enough to share said treat with me without any prompting from mom. Though I secretly suspected her glee that sugar and frosting was landing squarely on my hips and thighs and not her own. C'est la vie. :)

At the end of the day she said that she had thought about including in her email an invite for me to come up if I had the time, but then decided against it. I couldn't help but smile and feel that great glow from the inside out that I was the answer to her silent ask. We all know how it feels to receive a gift, expected or unexpected, but only now am I just getting to really experience how it feels to be the vehicle for the gift, the conduit for realizing someone else's hope, wish, desire, or want.

It feels as awesome as lucky 13 :)

I also want to say that I am really, really enjoying reading others' blogs and posts. I think everyone is doing such a tremendous job in their giving and in sharing their strides and challenges here. I feel so lucky to be a part of this community and feel that 29 Gifts is THE ultimate gift you can give or receive.

Namaste!