It's the little gestures that mean a lot

Catalogs are so much fun.Where else can you cover so much ground in such a short amount of time shopping for just about anything your little heart desires right in the comfort of your own home? Catalog shopping is a great stress reducer, too. You can refurnish your home, pick a new wardrobe, gain some great decorating tips, gather ideas for your dream home or perhaps remodeling the home you are living in - and you don't have to spend a penny. Some catalogs can even take you on trips to faraway places, giving you ideas for future vacation destinations; but one place I never expected to visit as I opened up a clothing catalog recently was "Memory Lane."

As I leafed through the catalog, my eye was attracted to a picture of a winter cape with a faux fur trim on the arm holes and hood. In a flash, I was back to a time when our oldest son was about 3 years old. He was one of those children that began talking early - first telling stories full of unintelligible babble with an occasional word that you could understand thrown in; and then, overnight it seemed, the babble was clear, complete sentences. Questions and more questions along with carefully thought out solutions to things as only a 3-year-old can see. My mom always said Jay was "born an old man." She wasn't being mean; she was referring to his maturity beyond his years that made you feel like you were talking to a much older person when carrying on a conversation with Jay.

Anyway, back to the cape. I remember going shopping - this was before the catalog boom - one afternoon for a winter coat. Jay was still in a stroller and I had a few coats to try on as we went into one of the dressing rooms. I'm trying on the coats one by one and asking Jay what he thinks of each one when I put on a short coat with stand up collar that was lined in a camel color with the outside being a creamy off-white in the same material. When I put that coat (really it was just a jacket) on and asked Jay what he thought, he said as clear as a bell, "You look like a million bucks, Mom!" Well, that was it! How could I go wrong with that observation? Every time I wore that coat, I remembered his comments and I felt like a million bucks.

It's the little things that mean the most, don't you agree? A kind word or gesture can go a long way to help your neighbor or friend or family member or even a stranger. You may never know your impact on another but know that your gesture of kindness is felt and most of all remembered. Ask any of the people affected by disaster (fires, hurricanes, major illness, etc.) and I bet everyone will say it was the generosity of strangers that made the most impression on them.

As Disaster Action Team Leader for the American Red Cross in Douglas County, I can tell you the people I meet are extremely grateful for the help provided to them. If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact the chapter office at 856-1000. There is very little training involved and you choose how much time you can give. Those who have volunteered know how rewarding it is to your heart.

Have a ramblin good week.

n To reach Gail Davis, e-mail hilltopranch97@charter.net or call 265-1947.