I never know when the “spirit will move me” to write and type; today is no exception. As I was walking out of our beach condo (it’s a rental), Diane asked, “Have you given any thought to the next blog entry. It’s been awhile.” I answered that I had not and was on my way to take an always-enjoyable walk.
I noticed an elderly couple on the other side of the street walking in the opposite direction. The husband was pushing his wife in a wheelchair. God bless him! He was all stooped over, both their heads were completely covered by visors, but by golly, they were “out there” enjoying the day.
When I started back in the other direction, I came upon them again. He appeared to be struggling. I inquired, “Hi there, beautiful day, can I lend you a hand?” Poor guy looked up and said, “Oh that would be lovely, it’s pretty warm out here today.” As we walked ever so slowly with me pushing the wheelchair, I asked how old he was and he said, “I’m 93, my wife is 95 and we’ve been married 71 years—5 kids and 17 grandchildren.” I complimented him on a life well lived. Our short walk got us to their destination and the elevator to take them up to their unit. He looked at me and said, “Thanks partner, I can get it from here” and that was that. I don’t believe his dear wife even knew that I had been along.
It was then that it dawned on me. Most of us in the 4th quarter are at peace with the reality that we won’t be discovering a cure for cancer, coming up with the next great computer innovation, or countless other discoveries that lie “out there.” However, each of us can still continue to do little things to improve the condition of the world in which we live. When I returned to our condo, I offered to do some laundry and as I was putting clothes in a washer, a woman who had just put her clothes in the dryer, said to herself out loud, “Darn it, I forgot my Bounce to which I quickly replied, “I just opened a new box, help yourself.” These are what my Dad referred to as “little things,” but they still matter. We all do them—carry groceries for someone, do an errand for a friend, drive when someone is unable, send a card, make a phone call, reach out to others. You get the point.
It just dawned on me, I’m “on a roll” so let me continue. We are going on a river cruise in September and can’t get our flight tickets without our passport numbers which naturally are in Macomb while we are in South Florida. What the heck were we going to do? Marilyn, our neighbor across the street has a key to the house and is our “go to” person. She is always there to lend a helping hand but is out of town. Then I thought of my walking partner Sean. He has a key as well (honest, we don’t give them to everyone) so I gave him a call. Sean and Kathleen drove in from their home in the country, found the passports, gave us our numbers, and saved the day. Waiting until our return to Macomb may have presented travel complications so Sean and Kathleen—thank you.
We have met some wonderful people down here, two of which happen to be our next door condo neighbors. Last week, Mary and Mark texted us from Walmart which is quite a distance away and asked, “You guys need anything?” to which I replied, “Damn right, I do! I’m a DOVE vanilla ice cream bar with milk chocolate addict, and I can’t find any on the island.” Thirty minutes later there was a knock on the door; I was a happy camper. They handed me four boxes of ice cream bars.
The other day, I noticed a slight pool of water on the kitchen floor. Mr. Wizard or Mr. Fix-it I am not. My knowledge of plumbing, wiring, or anything mechanical is zero. Diane and our children will vouch for this lack of practical knowledge on my part. They will kid me: “Someone need a speech on leadership or motivation, call Dad. Anything else, pretty much out of his league.” Well, we just didn’t know what to do. Then Diane said, “Gord, Mark is an engineer.” I smiled, walked next door, knocked and there he was. I escorted Mark to our condo. He pulled out the refrigerator, saw a leaky plastic tube, made ME drive to ACE where he made ME spend $1.59 on a thingamajig, returned to our condo, cut off a piece of tubing, inserted the thingamajig, and restored what was a leaky hose back to working order. I offered him money—nope, dinner—nope, a glass of wine—sure.
When I left the condo this morning, I had no idea I’d be writing about this but here I am and it has been fun. Look around and every day we have the opportunity to do those “little things” that make a difference to others. The best part is, it makes us feel better to do these small good deeds. Even as we move deeper and deeper into the 4th quarter of our lives, we can continue to remain helpful and useful.
I must close with a cute exclamation point on all this. After my brief adventure with my new 93 year-old friend, I had walked to the next beach access when I spotted a little old lady in front of me who was struggling to carry her beach chair. I had just helped a 90+ year-old couple and now was my chance to strike again for as Superman said, “Truth, justice, and the American way.” I got beside her, looked over, and said, “Hi, I’m going the same direction you are. Can I carry that for you?” She immediately turned her head and glared at me. “No, I am perfectly able to carry it myself!” So, I pushed her in the bushes and continued on my way.
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 
hope not put great read.
Great theme… Yes, “ The Little Things “
make our day😍
Great theme… Yes, “ The Little Things “
make our day😍
Loved your 4th quarter! Do unto others as….. So important in life.🥰
It is truly the little things that make the difference.A kind word, offering a hand up, helping others not only a Great day for them but even a Greater day for you!
The ending is vintage Gordy!
Dr. Taylor always brightens my day. Keep going Dr. you maybe in the fourth quarter but a talent like yours is destined for overtime: maybe double or triple OT
🍀
Loved this, Gordy!
Always a great read, ending made me laugh out loud!
Ha! Keep shining your light (where you can) to make the world a little brighter! Thanks for the shot of positivity and the laugh.
Always great to read the latest Fourth Quarter. Nice surprise ending!
Gordy !! Again, you’ve nailed it — those small gestures that we can, should, and hopefully do, that can mean so much to another. Thanks for sharing — and doing ……… Scott
Opposite of little is BIG.
You (and Diane) have been big in a ton of lives!
Thanks Gordy and Diane
Great post. Being intentional neighbors is what it’s all about!
Classic! I burst out laughing at the end. 😂
One of my favorites for sure, Gordy…maybe you should wait longer between “quarters” going forward…heck! You’ve got another 20 years until you will be pushing Diane…or maybe she’ll be pushing you…but more likely you will be the lady in the bushes👍😂💜🥂Satch
I like the ending. Enjoy your visitors!
Now that was a surprise ending! It’s all about the “little things in life”! Enjoy Florida!
Loved it Gordy! Keep on trucking
I’m thinking the only truth to your blog is the last sentence😁.
It was great seeing you Gordy and having such an enjoyable lunch with you, Brian and Mark.
I enjoyed your blog as always. Since becoming a permanent resident of SW Florida in 2022 I can certainly relate to the many opportunities there are to assist with the “little things” for the many super seniors that live down here. We are surrounded by them. Some of my best days are when one of those opportunities presents itself and I find myself helping a a little old lady out of one of those bushes you threw them in.😁
Gordy, so true; it’s the little things to help others that make a difference each day, and brings mutual joy. Ran into a newlywed couple in Puerto Vallarta who married here and is friends with our daughter Lyndsay who had married here too and helped her plan. She and her new husband were so appreciative. Great to see the joy of giving transcending to new generations! And don’t feel bad; I’m lousy at the trades too, but some people tell me I’m a pretty good businessman!
Great read! Full disclosure – I sat in the car while Sean found the passport info! 😂
I laughed out loud at the end. There is always someone with a salty attitude! Enjoy your time in Florida.
I laughed out loud! Thanks, Rev. Gordy!
Gordy I always enjoy your writing on great topics and thoughts. Getting to see you and Dianne was a highlight of my stay this year in Florida. As you know it was not one of my better years. Thanks for your writings and being friends. Gene
Life is full of winderful possibilities! We just need to be open to receiving them. Where are you going on your river cruise? We love them and have met lots of wonderful people on them. I even discovered a guy from my small home town on our same cruise……in Russia!
Yes, I try to do the ” Little Things”. I like to stop at Dollar Tree and pick up cards. People like getting a card in the mail. I also try to bake little banana breads for the neighbors. I remember my mom helping little old ladies reach for things at the grocery store and then I remember people helping my mom reach for things. Because of what she taught me, I always help people to reach for things, now I am starting to be the one who needs help reaching for things.
Another good one, Gordy! I especially liked the ending. That lady at the end sounded like my wife, but I’m pretty sure she was in Illinois with me at the time!
Enjoy the rest of your time on Marco. Also the rest of your year. Hello to Diane.
Love Carol😘😘
Omg I started out getting weepy, at your kindness and compassion that is so easy to do, then I found myself laughing hysterically. Love you Gordy, and Diane
Lefty and Espo
Nicely said, Gordy! All the best to you and Diane.
Keep writing Gordy. You and I apparently have the same mechanical skills. Whenever I pick up a tool Janet asks, “Who are we going to call?”
Always a good read. Your words of advice are wise. Just remember that many “games” go into OT. I hope you enjoy 4 or more OTs. Brother Paul
Great last line
.
What great last line
By golly, Gordy! Wear a cape the next time you go for a walk!!
It may seem little to us, but could be huge for someone in need. It’s all relative. Thanks for the reminder Dr. Taylor!
Another gem, Gordy! The last paragraph was brilliant! 😂🤣😂🤣
Part 2 Did you pull her out of bushes?
God Bless You for all you do for others Gordy!
Really nice piece Gordy. BTW, I’ve lost some of my bounce and I wonder, where did you get that new box?
Rolf
Gordy – I’ve always appreciated your perspective on things and this is another great example!
Enjoyed the article. I put my passport and TSA numbers in my iPhone as a contact, that way I always have them with me.
Oh Gordy……hit the nail on the head once again………I laughed and cried at the same time!!! “It’s the Little Things”!!!!!
As always, a most enjoyable read. Sooo loved the ending . . . LOL!