Memories of note

This morning a Facebook friend of mine, Debbie, wrote about how she enjoyed hearing the family in the Disney campground behind theirs, particularly their 4-5 year old son. He was talking up a storm! I suggested she write a note to give the parents to let them know how much they liked listening to him. Some day that note could be a treasure to the mom and dad. I know this personally to be true.

Here is my story:  not too long after Timmy died, Justin and I were dining at Sonny's BBQ after I'd picked him from school. On Wednesdays he had confirmation class so instead of going back to Fleming Island for that time in between we would grab an early dinner, often with Twila and Mark, before class. This time, however, it was only Justin and me. 

We were seated across the aisle from a young family with a child, perhaps 3 years old or older, who just did not wish to sit down quietly in the booth. Because the booths are made entirely of wood, his shoes made a nice racket as he danced around next to his mom, who struggled to get him to settle down. Justin and I did not mind, because he reminded us of someone we knew. Mom was getting frustrated, fearing he was bothering people. I didn't get it from anyone around us that he was, but I know how she felt. 

Before we left the table, I fished around in my purse for a scrap of paper to use for a note. I wrote to the parents, telling them to cherish these moments with their little guy because it can end quickly, explaining I had recently lost mine, so I knew whereof I spoke. Not a long note (really?) but just enough to get the message across. I gave it to them as I walked past their table and we left.

At this time in my life I was busy with scrapbooking including sessions at church where ladies could get together to work on our projects. It was such fun. One lady, Sue, had recently lost her father, and wanted to start a scrapbook about her parents. I was helping her with that somewhat, understanding how difficult it was to get started on such a project.  

One evening Sue called me and had a story to share: she had her grandson, Jacob, at the ballpark for t-ball practice and got into a conversation with another lady there. They got talking about scrapbooking and one thing led to another. Sue was telling about her project and the lady said she was just going to start scrapbooking. She told Sue how this lady at Sonny's had given her a note, suggesting they cherish these moments with their child, and she wanted to keep the note in a scrapbook. Sue scrunched up her face, thinking about that note...

That was when Sue called me to ask, "Were you at Sonny's on Wednesday night about a month ago?" I said I probably was..."Did you pass someone a note about their little boy?" I said I had and she said, "I just knew it had to be you!!!", and she told me about her conversation with that mom at the ball park. Imagine that!! This ball park is in Oakleaf, not even close to Sonny's which is even more unlikely that this chain of people would connect. So, as a result of my giving them this note, the lady became a scrapbooker. 

Sue gave me her phone number so I could call her if I wanted to but I never did make the call. I can still see it on my 'old' desk but since I've moved a few times since then, it's gone. I wonder if Sue ever sees her anymore. Jacob is now a ball player for his high school so it's possible that she does. Will have to ask her! I do hope Debbie writes a note to that family and lets them know (not only the Facebook friends) how much she enjoyed listening to their son expound on his joy at being at the Disney campground!

P.S. Here is something I read online after posting this and found it amazing: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/04/29/this-mom-thought-it-was-weird-when-a-guy-gave-her-a-note-before-hopping-off-the-bus-when-she-read-it-it-left-her-emotional/