GOAL FOR THE GOLDEN YEARS: A Blue Umbrella and a Pie

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I love the pies of Fall … pumpkin, pecan, apple.  They don’t even need a fancy china plate to make them look better; they’re just perfect as they are.  Truthfully, I love a good piled-high-meringue pie, too … chocolate, lemon, key lime.  But I’m not writing about pies today … at least not exactly.
 
In a recent conversation, my mother told me of an event that took place in January 1991. She was spending a few days helping my sister after the birth of her first child.  The morning was cold and rainy, but messy weather couldn’t stop the elderly woman from arriving at my sister’s front door carrying her bright blue umbrella … and a pie.  Upon returning home a few days later, my mother told an older co-worker about the woman’s kindness, saying she hoped when she was old she would still be doing nice things for others … to which her older friend replied, “To be a caring older woman, you must be a caring young woman.”  My mother told me she always tries to follow her friend’s advice.
 
I loved hearing the story for many reasons, but I’ll admit it confused me a bit.  You see, my Mom is one of the most caring people I know … and some of my most poignant memories of Mom’s caring involve “little things” she did for people long before that January morning; in other words, long before she started following her friend’s advice.  The fact that she wanted to still be doing kind things for others well into her golden years simply confirms for me her generous and loving spirit.  When it comes to caring, I always try to follow my Mom’s example.
 
I also try to practice creative caring … giving thought to what will really help someone, not just what I can do quickly.  It’s not always easy to be creative when it comes to caring, but it’s worth it!
 
Beginning October 1, I’ll be blogging for 31 days on the topic of creative caring. I really hope you’ll join me every day for some perhaps new ideas of ways you can show others you care.  By the way, I believe in equal opportunity caring, so there will be ideas for you gals AND guys.  In fact, one of my favs is “a guy thing!”
 


 
If you’re a blogger, it’s not too late to pick a topic and join in.  One topic … for 31 days.  You can read more about the challenge at Nesting Place … where hundreds of bloggers will link up their posts on all sorts of topics.  You’ll need a 31 days blog button, but if button-making isn’t something you do, check out THESE super-easy suggestions.
 
In the meantime, I’ll be finishing up this series…

 
We still have to cover mending and leaving a legacy. If you missed any of the previous posts, you can access them by clicking on the Vintage Linens tab at the top of this blog.
 

Have you ever participated in the 31 Days challenge?  Do you plan to this year?

Leave a comment and tell me … or you can tell me your favorite Fall pie.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I always enjoy your visit.
 
I’ll be joining:
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Spiritual Sunday at Blogger Spirit

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post this was! I love it! It reminds me of my elderly mother too.
    Donna

  2. When my Granny was 87 years old, she baked a pie and walked three blocks to deliver it to a little lady whom she thought needed some attention. Granny worried about her. Granny walked the three blocks home and arrived about 9:00 AM. She started to feel poorly, and she called my uncle who decided to take her to the hospital. She was dead by noon of a rapidly developing case of the flu. I love that she ended her life caring about her neighbors. Hope that the Autumn season finds you well. Cherry Kay

  3. I love, love love pie! I just hate making them. It seems like a chore to me. I do occasionally make one. Yours look wonderful!
    I have to admit I don’t think I have done anything for 31 days except pray! lol It is tempting though. I have recently opened up a Consignment Shop and I spend all of my free time here. I am still wondering what did I do before I started this shop??? Visit me…
    Blessings My Friend,

  4. Love the story and the truth behind it….so true. I think the world could use a lot more pies!!

    31 day challenge….not now, things are too up in the air, but I will enjoy reading the post!

  5. Neat idea, Susan.

    I’m dropping by to wish you a Happy Fall. Hope you are well.

    XO,

    Sheila

  6. Sounds like a wonderful month of posts. I’ll have to visit often. As a busy member of the Sandwich Generation, caring for aging parents AND grandchildren, creative caring is definitely a subject that is near and dear to my heart! Thanks for a lovely visit for Pink Saturday.

  7. I’ll have to check back in and perhaps participate a day or two.

    Popped in from HSTS Pink Saturday.

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

  8. I’m so eager to follow this series. Encouragement and caring are my passion (I call it sheltering). Your mother reminds me of mine. Caring might not be hereditary,but it certainly is environmental.