Pay it Forward...With a Basket of Caring for a Care Giver You Know....

  Spring is a time we think about new beginnings....a warmer season....in some parts of the country, warmer sales. Last year, I began a phone relationship with an appraiser....her husband was terminally ill and for the better part of a year, she was his caregiver. While it is a labor of love, and one we know would be done for us by the person who is being cared for...it is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting.  Her husband passed on and she began to put her life back together and start a social life of her own.
   We talked about business....our families...concerns we both had about each other's area of the business. Our relationship was comfortable....it felt like we had known each other for a lifetime.  We agreed to end the week....and start the spring season at a favorite happy hour place midway between our offices.
     She deserved some good cheer....so I filled a basket with all things cheerful and pampering...from chocolate to pamper items...hand cream, nail polish, lip gloss.....reading glasses in a variety of frames...animal prints and bright stripes...celebrating the season....and the beginning of our relationship.
      The look on her face when she saw the (oh surprise) purple basket with purple ribbons and pamper presents....was priceless.
     You know someone who has the care of a loved one....or may have recently.  Recognize their need, not likely to be voiced, to have their turn to have a caretaker for them.  Take a few minutes for an "I care basket"....home made cookies, a special magazine, pamper products...whatever you know will bring a smile...show them YOU care...it's a one on one pay it forward that will make you feel good all over !