March 8 – (continuing from our Part I post, we are still at the Thrift Store…)

[ Stuffed animals from Thrift ]
Then out of nowhere then, comes Darlene, one of those who work with the clothes that folks donate to the Thrift Store. After a big hug, she too asked, “Where were you last week? I didn’t see you, but I really did miss you! I’m so glad that God takes care of you, and we need to thank Him for that right now! After her short prayer of thanks, she said, “Now don’t go home right away because some of my family and I made dozens and dozens of cookies, and I want you and Dale to have one of the full plates. We took a long time to make them. Even my husband helped!”
An interesting item about Darlene. Since my memory isn’t quite as good as it used to be, I sometimes have a problem trying to match names with their owners, especially if it is a more common name. But Darlene? When someone introduced her to me for the first time, I chuckled, gave her a hug and said, “Well, I’m going to remember your name, for sure! Know why? Darlene is the name of my one and only daughter-in-law!”

[ Interesting books and magazines ]
In the small back room of the building, I found, as usual, Joyce, who is always busy sorting out and checking the clothing donated, before walking out to the main room to hang it on the line. She has told me a number of unusual stories of things that have happened to her and to her grandson. Sometimes when I walk into that room, she and Darlene are just waiting to hear the answer to their question of, “Well, what have you been doing lately, and where were you last week? We know that you are always into something!” With their cheery spirit and happiness galore, they always make somebody happy!

[ Our friend Bebe ]
Now just a little side note about those hugs! When we first moved out here from Pennsylvania, I kept up the practice of closing off my e-mails or other correspondence with “Luv ya,” before signing my name. At first, I think the people must have thought I was just a little crazy, as people then did not send me the same words. However, after awhile, they seemed to think it was OK to write “Luv ya,” just as I did, and were glad to know they really were loved. These days I hardly ever receive an e-mail from anyone who hasn’t written “Luv ya,” or “Luv and hugs,” or “Luv you lots.”
Interesting story about that. Recently we received an e-mail from one of our friends who has been teaching in the field of Self Defense. Though he is a big brawny man, he still wrote his note and then added, “Love YAH.” Now that might not sound like a big tough man, but inside a big body there can still be a heart of gold with love for others! – (to be continued…part III coming soon) – CHRIS